Private schools Oxfordshire

[TeaGoneColdAgain]

Looking into Year 7 entry for DD next year, I also have DS in 3 years who will hopefully go to Abingdon. We liked Tudor Hall but worried about there situation as rumour is they are struggling financially. St Helens would be ideal location wise but don’t think it’s the right school as friends say it’s very academic and pushy. Maybe Cokethorpe, Wychwoods, or St Hugh’s senior school but can’t find much information on this.

She was going to OLA but obviously that has now closed and we are not sure what to do. Any insights from parents would be much appreciated.

Have you looked at D’Overbroecks. It might help if you’d tell us what her strengths and needs are, and what you’re looking for. The others are all great schools and very different from each other!

Thank you, she very arty and loves her drama. She enjoys sport but not super sporty and not looking for anywhere too academically demanding or pushy. Looking for a good pastoral supportive school.

Looked at DBs and didn’t like the vibe and a friends daughter is moving as she is being bullied and don’t fancy the drive into Oxford each morning.

I’d still recommend St Helens. It’s high performing but not pushy. It’s got a lovely community and the girls are supported in all their interests.

Otherwise - Headington or DOverbroeks.

Abingdon is also going co ed, so you could have them at the same school.

Re: Tudor Hall, if you do consider it (and I know girls who are very happy there) I would highly recommend asking detailed questions about the school's financial sustainability and its long-term strategy. It's always wise to be thorough with these important decisions.

Haven’t considered Abingdon for her as I think she would thrive better with higher girl to boy ratio. Also didn’t like Headington, don’t think it will suit her well. Would prefer to be outside of Oxford.

Tudor Hall is a boarding school- or are you near enough for day? Otherwise Cokethorpe where you could also send both.

She sounds perfect for Wychwood actually - they do mostly individual rather than team sports (because of the size) and it's a really nurturing place. I know they do lots of Art and Drama. The pupils make good progress but it's not pushy or stressy.

Cranford? I think St Helen’s is a great school tbh.

Try asking MNHQ to move this to the private school forum also OP, as you may get a few more answers

st hughes is only starting senior school this year?, or next year, so no info on how this will run yet

Thanks for all the responses.
Wychwoods seem very small in the lower year groups, apparently 9 girls in year 7 currently (according to a friend).
Cranford is too far unfortunately.
I will have a look at St Helens for myself as maybe I have the wrong idea of them.
St Hugh’s do a lot of drama and seem to be award nominated for drama? We really like it at the moment as their prep, not too big or too small.
Cousins are at Cokethorpe, such a lovely school and looks impressive but I want her to find her own identity. Not ruling it out.

I have contacted St Helens and St Hugh’s. Very different, I know. Think I’m favouring St Hugh’s as a friend said they as so good pastorally as DD can get anxious about school. Any experience on St Helens with this?

My last DC has just finished at SHSK and the pastoral has been really good. They are very on the ball - and in the rare event one of the DC had an issue, they were onto it before we were. As PPs have said it is academic but doesn’t feel pushy - it’s been more about them filling their potential than trying to shove them forward iyswim. I’d have no concern about support for an anxious girl there and the teachers and SLT are lovely (new head incoming very much in the same vein as the outgoing head who was fantastic)

I wouldn’t bother with Cranford as the academics are questionable and the school not sizeable enough to offer the breadth in art and drama etc. Ditto Tudor Hall (and their financial problems) Headington would probably be a very good fit and has a really wide range for sport and dance as well as art but you say not Oxford and the roads there are going to be broken for the next few years at least!

Happy to answer any questions if you like OP

There’s Bloxham School too.

Cranford House based on what you’ve said

Agree with FrightfulCounterHon. My DD has just finished at St Helens and they have been great - she is ND and has been really well supported by the school. She's found a lot of encouragement but not pressure and their ND support is excellent.

Tudor Hall is excellent and their pastoral care is wonderful. Don’t believe the rumours, they are doing just fine.

Another vote for SHSK, on both academic and pastoral fronts. DD had some issues during middle school years and they were very supportive and, frankly, more informed about her than we were. Support rather than pressure is how I saw the school. DD now happily entering L6. The music, drama and sport are all outstanding.

My AuDHD daughter thrived at SHSK. They were very supportive. They do have high academic standards but when DD was struggling with maths and physics she was given so much patient support. She got fantastic GCSE results even in her weakest subjects and we slightly regret moving her to Magdalen for Sixth Form.

Would love to hear more about d’broecks and what you disliked about the vibe? We’re thinking of sending our DD there. Any thoughts very welcome..good or bad

I would also say Cranford based on what you’ve said. My daughter had thrived there and her GCSEs were excellent. The art and design department is one of the best. Not outstanding at sport, but decent enough. Very supportive. It’s got a big bus route - does it cover your area?
I have friends at helkat and have mixed reviews but definitely one to look at.

Slightly out of Oxford, but have you considered St Mary’s Calne? Pastorally it’s excellent with lots of drama opportunities and all the children are incredibly happy. The results are impressive without it being a hot-house environment.

We just didn’t feel it was the right school for her. Teachers didn’t seem to have full control over classes when we looked around. This happened consistently not just in 1 classroom. Also the lack of facilities of their own and location were not great compared to others. We have heard of happy children there but the relax vibe almost seemed like it was verging on the teachers having no control of the classrooms.