We were delighted to welcome Muddy Stilettos in for an updated review of The Oratory earlier this year and thrilled to be included in their 'Best Schools Guide 2023'. Read the review in full here:

Muddy Stilettos Review 2023

A few highlights:

• The School
  • “This bucolic co-ed day and boarding school in the sweeping Chilterns countryside is supportive and family-oriented with a deserved reputation for its arts and sports offering.”

• Academic
  • “The Oratory has seen its academic reputation rise and the results are strong for 2022.”
     
• Art
  • “The Oratory deserves serious credit for its highly impressive arts offering.”
  • "The charismatic head of department Phil Chaundy is at pains to get across that creativity trumps draughtsmanship here, that art doesn’t just come in neat brushstrokes but encompasses all mediums.”
     
• Drama
  • "There are three major senior school productions each year (1 Junior, 1 Senior for year 3 onwards and 1 Sixth Form) at the purpose built Performing Arts Centre with its retractable tiered seating and high-tech lighting and sound production.”
  • "Storming results – 38% A*-A in A Level Drama and 87% LAMDA Distinction in 2022.”
     
• Music
  • “The Oratory offers a real range of styles of music, mixing contemporary and traditional.”
     
• Sport
  • “There’s oodles of space here, and no lack of ambition to keep up with the other leading independent schools of the world in terms of facilities.”
     
• Sixth Form
  • "The Oratory has invested in a new Sixth Form Centre, and, as you can imagine, it’s very popular with the pupils. Opened in Sept 22, there’s a large communal area, with tasteful modular sofas, plus side booths, a ‘wellness’ room with quiet space, and a Sixth Form kitchen.”
     
• Pastoral Care
  • "An area that The Oratory is well known for and takes considerable pride in.”
     

Muddy Stilettos Review 2023