d’Overbroeck’s Overview
D’Overbroeck’s is an independent school for students aged 11 to 18. It is based on Banbury Road, just north of Oxford city centre. The school has a diverse student body. Many international students join through the International Study Centre, located on St Giles. They typically complete the GCSE programme before moving on to A levels in the Sixth Form, where they study alongside UK students.
D’Overbroeck’s values strong personal relationships. The school avoids unnecessary formality and rigid structures. Its ethos is clear: every individual matters, and each student is placed at the centre of the school’s approach.
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d’Overbroeck’s Courses And Programmes
Class sizes are small. There are typical no more than 15 at GCSE and an average of seven at A level. This way, students benefit from focused revision, discussion, and interactive learning. In addition, critical thinking is taught early to prepare students for university. With over 35 A-level subjects available in the Sixth Form, students have real flexibility, and smart timetabling allows them to mix and match subjects. Moreover, teachers are specialists in their fields and take a hands-on approach to student progress, often staying after school to provide extra support or exam help.
Years 7 to 9
From Years 7 to 9, students follow the English National Curriculum. They study a wide range of subjects, including maths, English, sciences, geography, history, computing, art, music, drama, sport, and religion, ethics and philosophy. Most subjects are taught in mixed-ability groups, with maths set by ability. In Year 9, students begin to specialise by choosing two languages (French, Spanish or Latin) or classical civilisation, and by studying biology, chemistry, and physics separately.
Years 10 and 11
In Years 10 and 11, students take nine GCSE subjects. Core subjects include English language, English literature, and maths. Students then choose science options (two or three of biology, chemistry and physics) and several optional subjects to suit their interests and goals. They also complete the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), where they independently research a topic of their choice. Additional short courses in subjects like politics, psychology, and business provide further academic stretch.
Sixth Form
In the Sixth Form, students typically take three or four A-levels, chosen freely from a list of 37 subjects. There are no fixed option blocks, allowing complete flexibility in subject combinations. Students can also take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), equivalent to half an A-level. This encourages deeper study in a topic they care about and helps build research and analytical skills. The curriculum is supported by tailored guidance on subject choices, university applications, and future career planning.
d’Overbroeck’s Fees
Senior School (Years 9–11)
- Tuition: £8,995 per term (includes lunch)
- Boarding: £8,660 per term (includes breakfast and dinner)
Sixth Form
- Tuition: £11,795 per term
- Boarding: £9,605 per term
International School (Years 10–11)
- Tuition: £13,520 per term (Year 10)
- Tuition: £14,400 per term (Year 1)
- Boarding: £8,660 per term (includes breakfast and dinner)
d’Overbroeck’s Boarding And Pastoral Care
Most lower sixth boarders live in one of two co-ed boarding houses near the school. One house on Banbury Road offers double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, while Hayfield has single rooms with shared bathrooms. Although boys and girls live in separate areas, they share meals and social spaces. Upper sixth boarders stay with local host families. House parents are responsible for cooking supper, offering guidance, and supervising a two-hour study period each evening. Each sixth form student is assigned a Director of Studies who supports both academic and personal matters. In the lower school, form tutors play a key role, meeting with their tutor groups daily to provide ongoing pastoral care.
d’Overbroeck’s Extracurricular Activities
D’Overbroeck’s offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with something to suit every interest. Students can take part in traditional sports like hockey, rugby, netball, and football, while also accessing top-quality facilities across Oxford, including those at Oxford Brookes University. This includes a gym, squash courts, a climbing wall, and Astroturf pitches. Beyond sport, drama plays a key role in school life. Productions like Peter Pan bring together younger pupils and Sixth Form students, giving everyone the chance to take part and develop confidence and teamwork skills.
