An Oxford school has won a national award ranking it amongst the best in the country.

Magdalen College School on Magdalen Road in Cowley Place was founded in 1480 by William of Waynflete, who was a bishop of Winchester and lord chancellor of England. 

The school is located in the centre of Oxford, on the banks of the River Cherwell and within the heart of the University.

It is part of the foundation of Magdalen College with which it still retains close links, and the school provides 16 boy choristers for the renowned College Choir.

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Dr Scott Crawford receives the ISOTY trophy.Dr Scott Crawford receives the ISOTY trophy. (Image: Marcus Holdsworth)

The school has now been recognised with a national award as it was awarded the Independent School of the Year Award for Contribution to Social Mobility.

This is in recognition of the school’s bursary provision and The Bridge programme which is Magdalen College School’s academic enrichment programme for high achieving Year 5 pupils.

The programme aims to "develop intellectual curiosity, nurture talent and promote a passion for learning".

There is no cost to take part and MCS provides all necessary learning materials.

Following the news, The Master, Helen Pike, said: “I am thrilled and honoured that we have received this award, which recognises our ongoing efforts to make MCS a place where talent and potential are nurtured, regardless of background.

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The ISOTY trophy.The ISOTY trophy. (Image: Henry Nott)

“Social mobility is at the heart of what we do, and initiatives like our bursary programme and The Bridge are vital in ensuring that young people from all walks of life have access to the transformative power of education.

“It is deeply rewarding to see the positive impact this has on our pupils and their futures, and we remain committed to expanding opportunities for even more children in the years to come.”

Magdalen College School is committed to ensuring that an MCS education is open to the most able, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Approximately 10 per cent of Senior School pupils receive financial help with school fees in the form of a bursary.

Dr Scott Crawford, deputy head of education development said: “We are honoured to receive this award, which highlights the dedication of our staff and pupils who have contributed thousands of hours to partnership work.

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“Through strong relationships with dozens of local schools and charitable organisations, we have been able to create opportunities that support young people from all backgrounds to succeed.

“This recognition is a testament to our shared commitment to social mobility and the lasting impact of these partnerships.”

The winners were selected from more than 700 nominations by an independent panel of judges.

The school was also named the Southeast Independent Secondary School of the Year 2019 by The Sunday Times.

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