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22 best boarding schools in Oxford 2025
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Sarah Hicklin.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Boarding_schools_in_Oxfordshire
- https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-pupils-and-their-characteristics
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In 2022 - 66% of A Level students achieved A* - A
United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 10from 15100.00 £ / term -
In 2023 - 90% of A Level scores made up A- A*
United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 10from 2250.00 £ / 2 weeks -
In 2023, 60% of students received A*–A grades based on A-level results
United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 10from 8495.00 £ / term -
92% successful placement in the student's first or second-choice university
United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 7from 49500.00 $ / year -
from 13400.00 £ / term -
In 2023 - 42.% of A Level students achieved A* - A
United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 8from 12400.00 £ / term -
In 2019 - near 62% of A-level students achieved A*-A grades
United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 4from 13375.00 £ / term -
In 2023 - 25% of the students scored 40 points IB
United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 5from 18749.00 £ / 27 weeks -
In 2019 - 49.5% of A Level students achieved A*-A
United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 5from 12455.00 £ / term -
from 9525.00 £ / term
The Oxford School offers courses of various lengths and intensities. The city's status is fully confirmed by the educational effectiveness of boarding schools in Oxford, which has become one of the hallmarks of education: in recent years, 100% of graduates have achieved the target score when passing IELTS and 99% have passed the English Cambridge exams.
This efficiency is guaranteed by original English teaching methods, qualified teachers and modern versions of the original Oxford and Cambridge textbooks.
The structure of British education itself consists of several stages.
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Early education - pre-school education.
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Primary education - elementary education.
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Secondary education - secondary education.
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Further education - higher education.
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Higher education - higher education.
Early Childhood Education
A carefree childhood ends as early as the age of 2 - when preparation for school begins. Of course, preschool education, like ours, is not mandatory and parents have a choice: either to keep their children at home or to take them to kindergarten, similar to ours. There, he learns to read, write and count, and takes his first steps towards socializing with his peers.
Preparatory education
At age 5, children can attend private kindergarten and then move on to high school. This option is available for parents who are willing to pay for a private school education.
Elementary School Education
Children enter elementary school at the age of 5. This stage is divided into 2 phases.
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Step 1 (from 5 to 7 years). Children learn English, literature and mathematics.
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The second step (from 7 to 11 years). Nature, humanitarian, exact and computer science, foreign languages are added to the subjects studied.
It sounds serious, but the process of adaptation to the load is smooth and gradual: these guys walk a lot, play and develop their communication skills. By the way, it is at this stage that children can start studying in British schools.
Secondary school education
At the age of 11, the child goes to secondary school. The purpose of this stage is to deepen knowledge and prepare for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
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The first step (from 11 to 14 years old). Children study 10-15 subjects and start attending vocational guidance courses.
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Step 2 (from age 14 to 16). Students prepare for their GCSE exams, determine their pathway for the final 2 years of study and choose the subjects they will take to university.
Post-secondary education
The last 2 years at school are called Further Education or the Sixth Form. Some schools offer the British National A-levels, while others offer the International Baccalaureate (IB). During this period, from the age of 16 to 18, the boys are preparing to enter university and study selected subjects in depth corresponding to their future profession. Finally, they are waiting for their final exams, the results of which are accepted by the university.
Preparation for higher education
To pursue higher education in the UK, you need to go through a serious preparation process. In fact, that's what the last 2 years of school are dedicated to: in A-levels, students choose some of the subjects they need to enter and study them at an advanced level.
In order to enter a prestigious British university such as Oxford or Cambridge, it is recommended that students take A-Levels - such in-depth preparation greatly increases the chances of success.
Higher education
Having a higher education diploma from a British university is not only prestigious. A diploma from a British university can be compared to a ticket to a successful international career, and it is only up to the graduate to use this ticket. One of the hallmarks of UK higher education is the high level of student responsibility and autonomy.
It is necessary to spend a lot of time in the library reading books, carrying out research activities, working on projects in small groups - and in general, to be active.
The stages of higher education in the UK are known as the Bologna system. The first stage is the bachelor's degree (3 years), followed by the master's degree (1-2 years) and the PhD (2-3 years).
Explore Elite Boarding Schools in Oxford for Foreign Students and Discover the Diverse High School Opportunities in the USA, Catering to Global Educational Aspirations.
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Benefits of Best Boarding Schools in Oxford for foreign students
Best Boarding schools in Oxford offer a unique educational experience, providing not just learning but an entire campus lifestyle enriched with customs and traditions. These schools create an environment where students attend classes, reside comfortably on campus, engage in recreational activities, and pursue sports and the arts. Within the walls of these closed schools, every aspect of an individual's development is fostered.
Here are some advantages of top boarding schools in Oxford:
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Safe Environment: The campus is a secure haven for children, with 24/7 security. Access is restricted to adults, ensuring the safety of all students.
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Close Teacher-Student Interaction: Typically, teachers and students reside on the same campus, enabling interactions beyond the classroom. Supervisors oversee daily life, preventing overwork or overexertion.
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Blend of Tradition and Innovation: Oxford's private schools strike a balance between tradition and innovation. While upholding ethical and moral values, they also provide modern amenities, such as access to powerful computers, the internet, and advanced laboratories.
Besides professional teachers, what else do parents consider when choosing a school?
Child care level, variety of extracurricular activities, location, reputation and prestige. Often, parents like to consult with educational agents, with friends, if their children are already studying / studying in the UK. Each school has its own character, which is why I strongly advise you to visit the campus and talk to the staff: the director, the representative of the admissions committee, etc. This way you will personally get an idea of what the school is like, what its values and advantages are.
How to apply to Top Boarding Schools in Oxford?
Gaining admission to an Oxford boarding school requires excellent academic performance, proficiency in English, and the motivation to prepare for future studies at a prestigious university. The application process typically follows these steps:
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Request Submission: Parents or guardians submit an application to the school.
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Application and Documentation: Upon approval, an application and a set of supporting documents are submitted.
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Interview and Test: The child undergoes an admissions interview and test.
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Contract Signing: After successful completion, a contract is signed.
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Visa and Residence: A visa is issued, and arrangements are made for the child's residence throughout the study period as specified in the document.
Schools generally accept students starting at the age of 9, but specific requirements may vary and should be confirmed for each case.
Required Documents for Admission to Top Boarding Schools in Oxford
For a minor student to enroll in an Oxford boarding school, the necessary documents include:
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Translated and certified documents related to current education.
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Copies of documents from both the child and parents (or guardians).
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Travel permits and visas for international travel.
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A standardized medical certificate.
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An international certificate demonstrating sufficient proficiency in foreign languages.
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Proof of tuition agreement and financial documents confirming payment transfers for the specified billing cycle.
Best Boarding Schools in Oxford. Cost and Fees for international students
While education at public boarding schools is free of charge, these institutions typically only admit children whose parents reside in the UK. In contrast, top boarding schools in Oxford charge fees for both accommodation and tuition but are open to talented children from around the world.
The average cost (including tuition and accommodation) for a semester at a private boarding school is approximately £10,000 for high school and £75,000 for preparatory courses. These prices cover accommodation, meals, and laundry services, with some schools requiring a deposit equivalent to three months' fees.
Scholarships may be offered to exceptional students or those who excel in music and sports.
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world | Expensive |
| High quality of education and academic standards | Strong workload |
| Perfect English after graduation | The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
| Useful contacts | The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2025 Smapse rankings
| 1 | North Broward Preparatory School |
| 2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
| 3 | The Storm King School New York |
| 4 | Red Bank Catholic High School |
| 5 | Windermere Preparatory School |
| 6 | Shattuck St Mary's School |
| 7 | Cheshire Academy |
| 8 | Cate School |
| 9 | Ross School |
| 10 | Deerfield Academy |
| 11 | The Village School |
| 12 | Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School |
| 13 | Webb Schools |
| 14 | Kent School USA |
| 15 | The Winchendon School |
| 16 | Darlington School |
| 17 | Marian Catholic High School Amerigo Education |
| 18 | Grier School |
| 19 | The MacDuffie School |
| 20 | CATS Academy Boston |
| 21 | The Cambridge School of Weston |
| 22 | Milton Academy |
| 23 | Amerigo Education Napa Valley |
| 24 | American Hebrew Academy |
| 25 | Northfield Mount Hermon School |
| 26 | Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education |
| 27 | American University Preparatory School Los Angeles |
| 28 | Webb Schools |
| 29 | Kent School USA |
| 30 | Groton School |
| 31 | Maine Central Institute |
| 32 | The Lawrenceville School |
| 33 | Grand River Academy Ohio |
| 34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
| 35 | Chicago North Shore |
Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2025
| 1 | College Du Leman |
| 2 | St. Georges School Montreux |
| 3 | Institut Monte Rosa |
| 4 | Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz |
| 5 | Saint-Charles Collège et Lycée |
| 6 | Leysin American School |
| 7 | Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG High Alpine |
| 8 | Aiglon College Switzerland |
| 9 | Institut Le Rosey School |
| 10 | Institut Montana Zugerberg |
| 11 | Champittet College |
| 12 | Brillantmont International School |
| 13 | Surval Montreux |
| 14 | Ecole Pre Fleuri |
Literature and references
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Boarding schools in Oxfordshire — Wiki
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Schools, pupils and their characteristics
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Boarding schools: national minimum standards
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Top Independent Schools in the UK (based on GCSE results)
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10 of the best value boarding schools in the UK — the Telegraph
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The best private schools in Britain! Princess Beatrice's husband's alma mater Radley beats the UK's most expensive school in Tatler's awards - while St Hugh's with its outdoor classrooms wins best primary — mail online