Boarding

Boarding Organization

The boarding program offers flexibility that families appreciate. Of 87 boarders, 48 stay full-time while 18 return home weekends; another 21 use a flexible arrangement, staying between one and four nights weekly. This lets them participate in after-school activities without worrying about transport. The week runs Monday through Saturday—with homework completed during the day—followed by sports matches and Sunday outings that keep everyone engaged.

House System at Oratory School

Four boarding houses form the framework: St Philip for younger boys (Years 7-8), Wootten—the first and only girls’ house for Years 7-12—plus two senior boys’ houses, Norris and FitzAlan. Staff teams live alongside their charges, creating a family atmosphere. What’s distinctive is how the system encompasses all pupils, day and boarding alike. Different ages live together like siblings, with older students mentoring younger ones—a structure that builds a close-knit community where everyone feels they belong.

Living Conditions

Houses sit at the heart of the secure campus, giving pupils free access to facilities during downtime. Rooms feature practical storage and bunk beds in shared spaces—functional rather than luxurious, yet comfortable. Common areas complement these quarters: bright lounges in each house, plus small kitchens scattered throughout where students can grab snacks or socialize. Wootten radiates particular warmth, though the boys’ houses foster friendly environments too—one recently opened a tuck shop to encourage more interaction.

Pastoral Care

A comprehensive pastoral system underpins boarding life here. Housemasters work around the clock, remaining accessible whenever needed. Parents value this responsiveness—staff share mobile numbers, making contact via WhatsApp straightforward. Most teachers and house staff live on campus with their families, participating actively in extracurricular life. This allows them to know pupils beyond lessons—on playing fields, in theaters, at music studios. Students hail from countries including Mexico and Spain, creating a genuinely international community.