Oxford Montessori Schools Review 2026: A Rural Haven for Child-Led Learning

Oxford Montessori Schools occupies a unique position in the Oxfordshire educational landscape, operating from the tranquil Forest Farm in Elsfield. This all-through independent school, serving children from ages 2 to 16, eschews the traditional high-pressure academic model in favour of the Montessori philosophy. The setting itself is a major draw; the school is situated on a working farm surrounded by woodland, providing a backdrop that encourages exploration and physical engagement with the natural world.

The school is small, with a capacity of 147 pupils, which ensures a close-knit, community feel where every child is known individually. Following the Montessori method, learning is self-directed and multi-age, allowing students to progress at their own pace. While the school enters pupils for GCSEs, its primary focus remains on the development of independence, confidence, and a genuine love for discovery rather than rigid exam performance.

The atmosphere at Forest Farm is distinctively calm and purposeful. At drop-off, the absence of high-intensity competition is palpable; instead, there is a sense of rhythmic, quiet activity. The campus incorporates farm buildings and outdoor spaces that are central to the daily experience. Children are often seen working in the gardens or interacting with the farm environment, reflecting the belief that movement and practical life skills are essential to cognitive development.

Ms Katie Townsend has led the school as Principal since early 2025, taking over following a period of structural change within the school's leadership. The teaching staff are often specialists in Montessori education, acting as guides rather than traditional lecturers. This creates a non-hierarchical environment where students feel respected and empowered to take ownership of their education.

The school is part of a larger community of Montessori practitioners and maintains a philosophy of inclusivity and global awareness. Parents often choose this school because they seek an alternative to the perceived stress of the standard British schooling system, prioritising their child's emotional and social wellbeing alongside their intellectual growth.

Academic success at Oxford Montessori Schools is measured differently than at most independent schools. The school does not participate in KS2 SATs, and therefore there are no primary rankings available for comparison with England averages.

For the secondary phase, the school ranks 3,840th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This position reflects a "national lower" percentile band, placing it below the England average for traditional attainment metrics such as Attainment 8 and the English Baccalaureate. In the most recent measurement period, the average Attainment 8 score was 24.4, which is lower than the England average of 46.2.

However, these figures must be viewed in context. Because the school is small, a single cohort may consist of only a handful of students, which can cause significant fluctuations in annual statistics. Furthermore, the Montessori approach often leads students toward non-traditional subject combinations that do not align with the DfE EBacc criteria. Families choosing this school typically prioritise the qualitative development of the child over raw league table position.

Teaching at Oxford Montessori Schools follows the principle of "follow the child." In the primary years (Reception to Year 6), pupils work with specialised Montessori materials designed to make abstract concepts concrete. Classrooms are multi-age, allowing younger pupils to learn from older peers and older students to reinforce their knowledge by mentoring others.

As students move into the secondary phase, the curriculum broadens to include GCSE preparation. The school offers a core of academic subjects alongside more creative and practical options. Small class sizes are a hallmark here, often with fewer than ten students, allowing for a highly personalised approach. Teachers provide individualised work plans, and students are encouraged to research topics of personal interest in depth, fostering a level of intellectual independence rarely seen in mainstream settings.

The latest ISI inspection in February 2024 was a significant success, with the school meeting all standards and being awarded a Significant Strength for its nurture of pupils. This reflects the school's commitment to creating a supportive environment where pupils thrive both within and beyond the classroom.

The extracurricular life of the school is deeply integrated with its rural setting. The "Forest School" element is a pillar of the provision, with students spending significant time outdoors regardless of the weather. Practical life skills, such as cooking, gardening, and animal care, are not viewed as extras but as vital parts of the curriculum.

STEM: Innovation and Nature

In the STEM subjects, the school emphasises practical application. Students might study biology through the direct observation of farm ecosystems or learn physics through building and construction projects. Named clubs and societies, such as the Robotics Club, provide opportunities for students to engage with modern technology within a rural context. This blend of traditional farm life and forward-looking technical skills is a unique characteristic of the Forest Farm experience.

Creative arts are also prominent, with frequent opportunities for music, drama, and art. The school makes excellent use of its surroundings for artistic inspiration, and student-led productions often take advantage of the outdoor spaces.

Nursery Provision

The nursery at Oxford Montessori Schools, known as the Children's House, serves children from age 2. The environment is carefully prepared to encourage independence from the earliest age, with child-sized furniture and accessible materials that allow children to choose their own activities.

Nursery practitioners guide the children through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) using Montessori methods, focusing on sensory development and practical life skills. For current nursery fee details, parents should visit the school website. Government-funded hours are available for eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds; families are encouraged to see the official guide to nursery funding for more information.

Fees & Financial Aid

As an independent school, Oxford Montessori Schools charges tuition fees. For the 2025/2026 academic year, fees range from £6,600 to £6,726 per term for primary pupils, and up to £7,454 per term for senior students. These fees include VAT but typically exclude lunches and some optional extracurricular activities.

The school is committed to making its education accessible and offers some financial assistance in the form of bursaries. These are means-tested and subject to available funding. Families interested in applying for a bursary should contact the school's admissions office for further details and application forms.

As an independent school, Oxford Montessori Schools manages its own admissions process. It is not part of the Oxfordshire Local Authority coordinated admissions scheme. Families interested in a place are encouraged to visit Forest Farm for an individual tour and a meeting with the Head of School.

The school is generally non-selective in the traditional sense; there is no rigorous entrance examination. Instead, the focus is on whether the child will thrive within the Montessori environment and whether the family's values align with the school's philosophy. A taster day is usually required, allowing the school to observe the child's interactions and engagement with the Montessori materials.

Pastoral care is a natural extension of the Montessori philosophy. Because the school is so small, every member of staff is intimately involved in the wellbeing of every student. There is a strong emphasis on grace and courtesy, with students taught how to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully.

The absence of a high-pressure testing culture contributes significantly to a low-stress environment. The school prioritises emotional intelligence and self-regulation, ensuring that students feel safe to take risks in their learning without the fear of failure.

The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm, though hours may vary slightly by age group. Wraparound care details are not extensively published online; families should contact the school directly to discuss specific breakfast or after-school requirements.

The school's location at Forest Farm in Elsfield means that most families travel by car, as public transport links to the farm are limited. There is ample space for drop-off and collection within the farm grounds.

• Alternative academic path: The school's GCSE results are lower than the England average. Families for whom high league table rankings are a primary goal may find the Montessori approach does not meet their requirements.
• Rural setting: While the farm location is beautiful, it is isolated. Students do not have the immediate access to urban facilities that a city-centre school might provide.
• Small peer group: With a capacity of under 150 students across all ages, the number of peers in any single year group is very small. This provides intimacy but may limit social variety for some teenagers.
• Montessori transition: Moving from a Montessori environment to a traditional Sixth Form or university can be a significant transition. The school works hard to prepare students for this, but the shift in learning style is substantial.

Oxford Montessori Schools is a rare gem for families seeking an education that respects the individuality and pace of the child. It is an ideal environment for those who find the mainstream system too rigid or high-pressure and who value a connection with nature. Best suited to self-motivated students who flourish in a non-competitive, rural setting and for families who prioritise character development over traditional academic metrics.