The Oratory Prep School provides an enriched education to boys and girls aged 2 to 13. Set within 65 acres of beautiful and expansive Oxfordshire countryside, with outstanding facilities, the OPS has consistently nurtured happy and inquisitive children.
The ethos of well-rounded, broad-minded and inclusive learning lies at the core of the school, and it can be felt within every classroom, playground and beyond from nursery to Year 8. The OPS boasts an Astroturf where girls’ cricket, boys’ football and hockey are played amongst other fixtures. There is also a 25 metre swimming pool, and exceptionally high quality coaching across the department. Pupils from Year 2 and upwards take part in their own Mini-Triathlon, with weekly swimming lessons from Kindergarten, and a variety of sports fixtures are played against visiting schools.
Alongside enjoying sports, the children engage in classes which focus on outdoor learning, including Forest School for Junior Prep pupils aged from 2 to 7 in the woodlands. The children’s well-rounded education begins in the Junior Prep department, where they can enjoy learning in a fun co-educational environment from the moment they join the school in Little Oaks nursery.
Self-confidence is encouraged as they engage in the Performing Arts through LAMDA, musical productions and annual plays. Biology, Physics and Chemistry classes see the pupils’ curiosity blossom as they hold snakes, investigate mock murder scenes, and make their own rockets, while technology is incorporated into many aspects of learning. Pupils consistently achieve high grades and go on to numerous top senior schools where their breadth of experience prepares them for life beyond the classroom.
The numerous extra-curricular activities on offer include sports, an extremely rich schedule of trips, and the Saturday Enrichment Programme. This gives the opportunity for pupils to pursue their interests, including upcycling, Bikeability and debating.
Boarding is available for girls and boys in Year 3 and upwards, and it is offered on a full-time, weekly or flexible basis. The ‘flexi-board’ option is popular with pupils looking to stay on Friday nights before Saturday Enrichment classes, or for Swim Squad sessions before school. The supportive Boarding House staff make boarding a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all pupils, and they delight in numerous outings and activities. The house is made all the richer for its mix of nationalities, as it includes pupils from China, Spain, France and Nigeria.
As a Catholic school, the curriculum explores and develops the pupils’ faith through regular opportunities for spiritual reflection. The school welcomes Catholic families and children from all faiths alike, and all pupils experience the school’s caring and nurturing environment. This is wholly evident through its excellent pastoral care, which ensures the happiness and safety of each child. Along with the invaluable Learning Support department, the OPS has an extremely supportive staff body who are well equipped to meet the needs of all children.
The Oratory Prep School is a thriving and happy school, offering an individual learning experience which nourishes each child’s resilience, determination and self-confidence from the moment they join the school.
