Basic Information
Oxford High School has been educating brilliant, fearless and outspoken young women since 1875.
Winner of Independent Girls’ School of the Year at the Independent Schools of the Year awards 2023
Ethos & Aims
The ethos of Oxford High School is one of intellectual challenge combined with real heart, resulting in an atmosphere of true originality. Oxford High School create learning opportunities and environments that encourage girls to take risks, make connections and develop strength as well as insight. The girls are encouraged to be individuals, but as part of a closely bonded network of friends, teachers and parents.
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Oxford High School is proud to be a member of the GDST, an organization that combines a long history of fighting for girls’ rights to education with a cutting-edge awareness of current and future trends. At Oxford High, they feel privileged to contribute towards the GDST’s continuing story and to share in the wealth of expertise and insight offered by their extended family of 25 schools.
Prep & Pre-Prep
Oxford High School believes that the best way for a child to learn is through exploring the world around them with confidence and curiosity. The girls at Oxford High School are given the time and freedom to discover their strengths, passions, and the individuals they are becoming. The classrooms and outdoor spaces at the school are happy, nurturing environments that echo with the sound of laughter, inspiration, discovery, and delight.
There is a sense of pride that comes with being an OHS girl, as well as being part of an extended family. The girls at Oxford High School are inspired by their learning and display kindness in their support for each other. Their teachers take pride in guiding them through the first important steps of a lifelong journey of learning, which will enable them to flourish not only in the classroom but also in other areas of life. The school encourages their independence, knowing that the questions they ask now will become the solutions of the future.
Co-curricular
At Oxford High Prep School, they have a ‘Sport for All’ ethos that provides girls with countless opportunities to be active, collaborate as part of a team, and compete in fixtures. The school offers a broad range of activities to ensure that each girl finds a sporting activity she loves and can continue in later life.
The PE curriculum introduces girls to gymnastics, dance, and athletics, along with weekly swimming lessons in their 25m pool. Games sessions include a rotating program of hockey, netball, football, cricket, and tennis. The school’s proximity to the Senior School, as well as their connections with local clubs and schools, allows the girls to benefit from access to all-weather astro pitches, a full-size sports hall, and an athletics track.
The school believes that a good physical education is as important as an academic education in developing confident, well-rounded individuals. They use sport as a medium to foster qualities such as leadership, cooperation, resilience, and empathy. As a result, Oxford High Prep School girls are active, happy, and successful.
Regular matches for team sports and swimming galas are organized throughout the year. Their membership in the GDST enables them to provide the girls with opportunities to compete at various rally events organized by The Trust. Oxford High School has also been a leader in developing girls’ football with its highly popular ‘Girls on the Ball’ program.
School Life
Everything a girl does at OHS Prep starts with the class unit. When a girl joins Oxford High, she is assigned to a class with whom she will spend the majority of her time, not only learning and working on projects, but also playing sports, learning musical instruments, embarking on ambitious dramatic and artistic ventures and relaxing during breaks and lunchtime. Many of the friendships she forms here will last her a lifetime.
Every girl also benefits from the invaluable care and recognition of her teacher and designated LSA (Learning Support Assistant), who will be there to encourage her, monitor her progress and support her when she needs it. Also, every girl at OHS Prep gains a strong sense of identity and community from the whole-school activities that are integral to school life, such as musical and dramatic productions, and simple routine activities into which a sense of community is embedded.
WRAP-AROUND CARE
At Oxford High Prep and Pre-Prep, an extensive, highly creative, and fun childcare support facility is offered to all OHS Pre-Prep and Prep girls. Breakfast Club and After School Care are available at affordable rates, and further details about booking and payment can be found below.
・Breakfast Club
Breakfast begins on both sites at 7:30 am. Fruit, cereal, yogurt, and toast are available, and students may arrive at their convenience. Advanced booking is strongly recommended.
‧After School Care
After School Care operates from 3:45 pm until 5:45 pm. Any student not collected by 4 pm will automatically attend After School Care. Tea is served from 4 pm until 5:30 pm to accommodate those returning from clubs. Girls have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities both indoors and outdoors, utilizing the well-equipped play area. Older girls also have the option to complete homework and practice musical instruments. Advanced booking is strongly recommended.
Senior School
As leaders in girls’ education, Oxford High School provides a world-class educational experience for all the students. The pursuit of academic excellence is crucial, extending beyond exceptional examination results. Each student is empowered with a profound passion for learning and adept critical-thinking abilities.
The school’s vision encompasses a curriculum that not only challenges but also inspires. It is a distinguishing feature of an Oxford High School education that students approach new knowledge with confidence and proficiency. Upon graduation, they consistently secure spots at their preferred universities and demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and confidence to create a positive impact in the broader world.
For a detailed overview of the curriculum for each subject and Key Stage, please refer to the tabs on the left.
Sixth Form
At Oxford High School, A-Level students consistently attain excellent grades, with a notable track record of success. Since 2011, 1 in 5 university applicants have received offers from Oxford and Cambridge, while 90% of students have received offers from top Russell Group universities, including renowned institutions for art, music, and the performing arts.
According to UCAS statistics, our students have demonstrated twice the likelihood of receiving offers from Cambridge compared to students from other prominent girls’ schools across the country. This further confirms our reputation as the most consistently successful girls’ school in Oxfordshire.
There are no strict blocks or restrictions on the subjects students can choose, as the aim is to cultivate their passion for learning in the areas that interest them. Currently, there are 25 A Level subjects available for students to select from.
- ART
- CLASSICS
- COMPUTER SCIENCE
- DRAMA
- ECONOMICS
- ENGLISH LITERATURE
- GEOGRAPHY
- HISTORY
- MATHS
- MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
- CHINESE
- FRENCH
- RUSSIAN
- GERMAN
- ITALIAN
- SPANISH
- MUSIC
- POLITICS
- PSYCHOLOGY
- RELIGIOUS STUDIES, PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS
- PHILOSOPHY
- SCIENCE
- BIOLOGY
- CHEMISTRY
- PHYSICS
- TEXTILES
- PE
2023 Exam Overview
GCSE
- 49% of GCSEs awarded were Grade 9s.
- 76% of GCSEs awarded Grade 8s and 9s.
- 89% of GCSEs awarded were Grade 7s, 8s and 9s.
A-Level
- 85% of Oxford High School GDST A Levels were graded A*- B. Furthermore, 37% of pupils were awarded three or more As and A*s.
- All Oxford High students who undertook A Levels in Computing, French, Russian and Geography gained As and A*s.
- 10% of Oxford High School GDST A Level students will be going on to study at Oxbridge.