d’Overbroeck’s Basic Information
d’Overbroeck’s is an independent co-educational day and boarding school in north Oxford, England, for students aged 11 to 18. The school has three teaching sites for Years 7–11, The International School and Sixth Form.
Its city-based setting gives students access to Oxford’s museums, galleries and theatres. Through the school’s affiliation with the University of Oxford, students can also use selected university sports facilities.
School Ethos
d’Overbroeck’s takes an open and informal approach to education, recognising each student’s individuality, interests and ambitions. Alongside preparing students for examinations, the school aims to develop critical thinking, creativity and curiosity.
Teacher-student relationships are an important part of the school’s ethos. Teachers and students address one another by their first names, and teaching is adapted to students’ abilities and aspirations, balancing academic challenge with individual support.
Academic
d’Overbroeck’s offers GCSE and Sixth Form courses, with teaching in small classes. Sixth Form students can choose from 38 A-Level subjects, which the school says can be studied in any combination, allowing students to build a programme around their interests and university plans.
Alongside A-Levels, the school offers BTECs, A-Level equivalent courses and the UAL Creative Arts Foundation programme. Students who wish to explore a particular subject in greater depth can also take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
The school reports that its students regularly exceed their predicted GCSE and A-Level grades. Its Higher Education and Careers Team provides university and careers guidance, including support for students interested in specialist fields such as performing and fine arts.
Boarding Life and Pastoral Care
Boarding is available to students at The International School and in the Sixth Form. The school has six boarding houses with 24-hour security, bedrooms and shared spaces. Room types and facilities may vary between houses, so parents can contact the school to discuss suitable arrangements.
Boarders can join evening and weekend activities, including theme park visits and cultural trips to London and Bath. Years 7–11 and The International School also have a House system, which brings students from different year groups together through activities and support.
The school promotes physical and mental wellbeing through its personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) programme, helping students develop resilience and look after their health.
Extracurricular Activities
d’Overbroeck’s offers more than 50 extracurricular activities, including coding, tennis, ice hockey, polo and creative pursuits. Activities also give students from the three teaching sites opportunities to meet and work together.
Through Nord Anglia Education’s collaborations with MIT and The Juilliard School, students can take part in STEAM and performing arts learning. The school’s Arts Centre includes a 200-seat performance space, a music suite and a recording studio. Students can also use selected University of Oxford sports facilities through the school’s affiliation with the university.
Other opportunities include Model United Nations, science and maths Olympiads, university essay competitions and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Students can also contribute to school decisions and community projects through the Student Council and charity activities.