The Oratory School is the UK's only All Boys' Catholic day and boarding senior school in the UK, founded in 1859 by John Henry Cardinal Newman.
In this, the school’s 150th anniversary year, Pope Benedict XVl has announced the beatification of the school’s founder, John Henry Cardinal Newman, which will make him the first new saint in England for more than 30 years.
Newman’s vision for educating boys focused on the holistic approach to each and every boy’s personal development, both academically and spiritually, and is still evident in the school today.
The school promotes a ‘boy-friendly’ curriculum, so lessons are well constructed to suit a wide range of learning styles.
Small class sizes ensure that there is a close monitoring of work. The wide range of subjects for GCSE includes Spanish, Italian, Latin, Greek, classical civilization and PE, catering for all tastes and abilities.
The new mathematics, English, art and design departments offer impressive learning opportunities.
Given the importance of languages in the modern world, the school has decided to give its pupils an advantage by exposing them all to a second language, Italian or Spanish, in year 9.
The three sciences are taught separately from year 7, and are available as separate subjects at GCSE.
The art department is a centre of excellence and attracts large numbers.
The boys’ art is impressive by any standards, with some of them completing Foundation Course level while still at school. Drama and music flourish, with some highly-talented performers.
A lively sixth form provides personal development opportunities, close academic monitoring, individual higher education guidance and Oxbridge preparation, with 99 per cent of leavers obtaining their first choice university.
Boys can take up to five A-Level subjects.
Each day a slot is reserved for sport, ensuring proper physical development and a high level of sporting excellence.
Boys are encouraged to, and do, reach international and county levels across a range of individual and team sports.
Extensive facilities include a sports centre, golf course, an indoor shooting range and a real tennis court.
All students spend some time in the combined cadet force as the development of leadership skills is emphasised and plays an important role in the curriculum.
Boys from all backgrounds and faiths benefit from the spiritual and moral values which are palpable at the Oratory. A strong pastoral system and a live-in Chaplain guarantees individual care and guidance for all boys.
‘Not your average boarding school’
(The Country Life Guide to Good Schools 2009)
'A great place to develop self-confidence and a faith in the nobler things of life'
(Good Schools Guide 2008)
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