The Oratory is delighted to share highlights* below from its new review from The Good Schools Guide, who visited the school in November:
 

Academics
“Recent academic initiatives have wielded strong value-added results, topping the leaderboard in select subjects and groups.”

"Dialogue is a big part of lessons to encourage challenge, debate and independent thought.”

“They’re knowledgeable [the teaching staff] and want you to love their subject as much as they do. Nothing is too much trouble.”

“New Director of Studies is leading the charge with evidence-based pedagogy and rigorous baseline data collection alongside quantitative analysis.”

The Oratory is placed in the Top 25% of schools nationally for value-added at GCSE and A Level, and in the top 10% for girls at GCSE. This year, two of our U6th pupils have received offers from the University of Oxford, with a further two interviewed and awaiting outcomes from University of Cambridge.
 

Pastoral Care
"GOLD standard pastoral care.”

“Caring staff are well trained to help deal with the full range of challenges modern teenagers face.”

The Oratory remains, quite deliberately, small enough that we can know every one of our pupils, and families choose us for the warmth of a smaller school. Think of us as a Greenhouse, where growth and flourishing happen naturally, enabling pupils to be themselves, yet become more.
 

Art
“Art is resplendent.”

The Oratory is in the top 10% nationally for value-added department performances in Art & Design. Faciities include twelve art studios, dark rooms for photography and film, and two professional white gallery spaces. Come along to our next Open Morning to see the latest projects for yourselves.

Music
“Vibrant music block has lots of practice rooms that fill with beautiful voices and music.”

We would encourage all members of our Oratory community to join one of our regular Thursday evening recitals to experience the joy of Oratory Music. Speak with our Admissions team for further details and to book your place.

 ‘We went to our first concert and were blown away by what these children can do. I’d never miss one now.’ An Oratory Parent

Drama
“The well-equipped performing arts centre has impressive modern tech and retractable seating.”

This term's production is 'Blue Stockings' and we hope that many of you interested in discovering more about Oratory Drama might be able to come and see the play on Friday 30 January.
 

Sport
“Punching above its small size, The Oratory features superb facilities… notably in sports and the arts.”

Our 1st XI hockey team and 1st XV rugby teams are reigning Berkshire County Champions. Oratory hockey has won their league five times in a row now, and the 1st XV rugby team has retained the County Cup. Oratory pupils also currently hold the U18 National School Real Tennis Singles Championship and U13 National Schools’ Doubles titles. The Oratory sport programme is strengthened this year with an All-Weather Pitch.
 

Food
“Parents tell us the food is good, and there’s plenty of it - kids this active need it!”

We are proud to work with Lodestone House to deliver outstanding catering experiences to all of our pupils. Come and sample the food for yourselves at our next Open Morning!
 

Ethos
“The sense of community in the school ethos is mentioned by parents, teachers and pupils alike as The Oratory’s standout feature.”

“Finding stillness when everyone is constantly connected by technology is incredibly important… Meditation, reflection and feeling gratitude are important life skills.”

“Pupils are kind, well-mannered and fun-loving.”

“Helping younger pupils is a key responsibility [of older students].”

“Parents are supportive, down-to-earth and friendly.”

“School motto translates as ‘heart speaks to heart’ and while elsewhere we’ve found pupils, teachers and even heads who don’t know their motto, here it’s everything.”
 

Mr Matthew Fogg, Head Master, says "This review is an excellent endorsement for The Oratory School by a widely respected external publication. Thank you to our pupils and staff for everything (both on the day and in our usual school life), which made this possible."
 

Discover The Oratory at our next Open Morning: Saturday 7 March. Book your place today: /admissions/open-morning
 

*Quotes shown in italics