Entry Information
Academic Awards
Candidates for this award must be under 14 years of age on 1st September following. Academic awards, including major scholarships, scholarships and exhibitions, are made annually on the results of the Common Scholarship examination held in February. Awards are of varying values, not exceeding half-fees. Candidates must offer papers in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, French, History, Geography, Science, Religious Studies (Latin is optional).
Music Awards
Candidates for this award must be under 14 years of age on 1st September following. The examination is held annually in February. Candidates attend the School for audition and interview. Heads of the schools are asked to write reports on their candidates’ academic and musical abilities and personal qualities, which are given careful consideration. The minimum academic standard required is a pass at Common Entrance.
Art Awards
Candidates for this award must be under 14 years of age on 1st September following. The examination is held annually in June. Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of work and attend the School for practical tests and interview. The minimum academic standard required is a pass at Common Entrance.
Sports Awards
Awards are made to sportsmen of outstanding ability, and the Head Master is happy to discuss the suitability of a candidate for one of these awards on an individual basis.
St Philip House Award (11 year-old entry)
Candidates for entry to St Philip House are eligible for similar awards based on their performance in the entrance tests held in January. Candidates sit subject papers in English, Mathematics and non verbal reasoning only.
There is no examination fee for any of the awards.
Boys who are not already entered for the School will be required to register before sitting for an award.
Further details and application forms may be obtained from: The Head Master, The Oratory School. Woodcote, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 0PJ, UK.
Health
There is a separate Health Centre which is in the charge of a resident and qualified Nurse. The School Doctor visits regularly from his practice in the village and thus is always close to hand in any emergency. Arrangements can be made for travel vaccinations.
Exeats
There is a half-term of at least four days in each term. Details of half-term exeats are sent to all parents and guardians termly in advance. Leave-outs can be arranged at other times, provided it does not conflict with the curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Travel Arrangements
The school provides a coach service to and from Reading station at the beginning and end of each half-term and parents are notified of the times in the regular termly letter. A coach is also provided to Reading station on Saturdays and from the station on Sunday evenings for boys who are out of school on leave-outs. The school can also assist with travel arrangements to and from airports for boys travelling overseas.
Overseas Parents
Overseas parents are asked to nominate a guardian, resident in the United Kingdom, to whom reference may be made in an emergency.
Old Boys' Association
Advice and support for our old boys via the Careers Department, references etc. are an important part of our 'after-care' service. There is an active Old Oratorians Association which keeps friends in touch with each other and us by a regular newsletter as well as social and sporting functions.