Nestling in the heart of a leafy corner of academic Oxford, close to the colleges and the science faculties, New College School has the air of something special.

Perhaps it is the family atmosphere in which parents and even grandparents join in the life of the school.

Perhaps it is the way in which small boys are welcomed into an Oxford college as they take their first steps along a lifelong journey of learning.

Or perhaps it is the international reputation of the New College choristers, just back from Gdansk, where they joined world leaders to mark the 70th anniversary of the Nazi invasion of Poland.

“Having worked in several bigger schools, I really enjoy knowing all the boys and their families very well,” said head master Robert Gullifer.

“The boys are all exceptionally keen to learn and have a breathtaking range of interests which they love to talk about.”

He has lunch with the boys every day and strongly believes that boys and teachers can learn much from one another in a friendly community.

Rosemary Cox, head of pre-prep, whose own sons are New College School pupils, said that boys make rapid progress from an early age.

“It is great to teach in a place where they love coming to school and have so many opportunities.

There is never a dull moment in pre-prep!”

The school has an enviable reputation for obtaining scholarships and awards to prestigious senior schools, but work and play sit happily together and boys pack a lot in to each day.

“The teachers are specialists in understanding boys and inspiring them to achieve,” commented one parent.

“The music lessons are a delight,”

said another. “I was invited to attend my son's cello lessons for the first year, and it was great to be able to get to know his teacher and be part of his learning.”

Music, of course abounds. A large number of boys play one or more musical instruments ,and there is a chance for everyone to be involved in plays and in sports teams.

Games take place on New College’s field and there are plenty of fixtures against local schools.

The school has been part of Oxford life since 1379, when boys slept on straw mattresses in the college and served at table.

It is rather different now. The handsome new building accommodates a sports hall, music technology centre and new art room.

“But, in the end, it is the pupils and teachers who make New College School particularly special.

I must have one of the best jobs in Oxford,” said Mr Gullifer.