Studying

Academic Profile

Oratory School welcomes students at three entry points—ages 11, 13, and 16. Currently home to around 360 pupils, it plans to expand capacity to 450. The curriculum builds on internationally recognized courses adapted to each student’s abilities:

• 11+: foundational stage with small classes of up to 15 students
• 13+: transition to GCSE program with mandatory religious studies
• 16+: A-level program with extended EPQ project

The curriculum retains Latin and Ancient Greek, reflecting its commitment to classical education. Art remains the most popular A-level subject, alongside photography, 3D design, and business studies.

Educational Environment

With a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, the academic environment provides individualized attention throughout each child’s journey. Parents appreciate the quarterly reporting system, which allows them to track progress easily and connect with tutors when needed. Recently, Oratory brought in teachers experienced in co-educational settings, strengthening academic support across key disciplines. This creates an atmosphere where pupils feel supported rather than pressured, developing at their own pace within a framework that balances growth with genuine care.

Ex Umbris Learning Culture

Oratory follows the philosophy of its founder, Saint John Henry Newman. The Ex Umbris culture—”From shadows and images to truth”—aims to cultivate not just knowledge but deep understanding and wisdom. Through the Loquitur program, students engage in volunteering, career sessions, cooking classes, and financial literacy workshops. The school week extends through Saturday, which adds demands on day-pupil families but leaves children returning home satisfied after matches and extra activities—a rhythm that many come to embrace as part of their educational experience.

Individual Support at Oratory School

The learning support team works with children who have diverse educational needs, from dyslexia to autism spectrum conditions. Their goal is helping each pupil become an independent learner while building confidence through targeted strategies for communication challenges, social-emotional complexities, and sensory differences. Students consistently perform above expectations relative to their initial abilities—a success partly attributed to the institution’s intimate scale, where staff know each child’s strengths and vulnerabilities well enough to provide sustained support throughout their time there.