The Oratory School Review 2026: Catholic Boarding Where Faith Meets Learning

In the Chiltern Hills between Reading and Oxford, The Oratory School occupies 300 acres of wooded Berkshire countryside. Founded in 1859 by Cardinal Newman and named after his Birmingham Oratory, this Catholic boarding school educates 450 boys and girls aged 11 to 18. The school's Catholic identity is genuine and pervasive, shaping everything from daily Mass to pastoral care structures. Boarding is the norm, with most pupils living on site throughout term. Academic results sit in the middle tier nationally, but the school's distinctive character lies in its integration of faith, community, and breadth of opportunity.

Beyond the entrance gates, the campus reveals its scale gradually. Victorian buildings cluster around the chapel, while modern additions (science laboratories, sports hall, Sixth Form Centre) spread across the hillside. The chapel stands at the physical and spiritual centre. Daily Mass is offered before breakfast; boarders attend by choice, though most do. On Sundays, Mass is compulsory for Catholic pupils.

The school operates as a close-knit community where staff know every pupil. With 450 pupils across seven year groups, it is large enough for social breadth but small enough that anonymity is impossible. Housemasters and housemistresses live on site with their families, creating genuine household atmospheres within boarding houses.

Mr Clive Dytor has led the school as Headmaster since 2007, bringing nearly two decades of continuity and clear vision. Under his leadership, the school has grown steadily while preserving its distinctive Catholic ethos. The chaplaincy team includes two priests and a lay chaplain, all active daily in school life.

The school's motto, Pietate et Scientia (By Piety and Knowledge), captures the dual commitment. Faith formation is taken as seriously as academic development. Pupils describe a culture where asking big questions (about meaning, morality, purpose) is encouraged and expected.

Academic results place The Oratory in the middle tier of independent schools. At GCSE in 2024, the school ranks 3,834th in England and 33rd in Reading, performing below the England average for independent schools. The average Attainment 8 score of 25.2 indicates pupils achieving primarily grade 4 outcomes across their subjects.

At A-level, performance is stronger. The school ranks 1,367th in England and 20th in Reading, placing it in the middle 35% of schools nationally. In 2024, 47% of A-level grades were A*, A, or B, compared to the England average of 47%. The A* rate of 2% and A grade rate of 22% indicate solid but not exceptional outcomes at the highest levels.

These results reflect a school that serves pupils across the ability range, not a highly selective academic powerhouse. The school's value lies in breadth of opportunity and pastoral care rather than relentless academic pressure.

In 2024, 64% of leavers progressed to university, with one student securing a place at Cambridge. Seven students applied to Oxbridge (two to Cambridge, five to Oxford), with one offer received and accepted. This modest Oxbridge pipeline reflects the school's broad intake and focus on finding the right university fit rather than prestige for its own sake.

The remaining leavers pursued employment (11% of the cohort), with others taking gap years or alternative routes. The careers department works individually with each Sixth Former to identify appropriate pathways, whether academic, vocational, or creative.

The curriculum is traditional and Catholic in character. Religious Education is compulsory for all pupils through to GCSE, with Catholic Theology and Philosophy offered at A-level. Latin is taught from Year 7, reflecting the school's commitment to classical education as part of its Catholic heritage.

Sciences are taught separately (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) from Year 7. Modern languages include French, Spanish, and German. The school offers 24 A-level subjects, including History of Art, Classical Civilisation, and Politics alongside core academic disciplines.

Class sizes average 16 pupils, dropping to 8-10 for some A-level sets. Teaching is described by the Independent Schools Inspectorate as good, with strong subject knowledge and clear expectations. Pupils speak positively about teacher accessibility, with staff available in the evenings for academic support.

The library, housed in a converted Victorian wing, operates until 9pm on weekdays. Sixth Formers have dedicated study spaces with computing facilities.

The boarding house structure provides the pastoral framework. Seven houses (four boys', three girls') each accommodate 50-70 pupils across the age range. Housemasters and housemistresses know their pupils intimately, supported by resident matrons and tutors.

The Catholic ethos shapes pastoral care distinctly. House prayers happen weekly, and chaplains are regularly present in houses. The sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) is available for Catholic pupils who wish it, though never compulsory. Pupils of other faiths or none are welcomed and respected, though they will experience a Catholic environment throughout.

The school counsellor works three days per week, available to all pupils. Mental health first aiders among staff provide additional support. The sick bay operates 24 hours, staffed by qualified nurses.

Bullying is addressed through a restorative justice approach, with serious cases involving the Headmaster directly. Pupils describe a culture where unkindness is called out and where looking after younger pupils is expected of seniors.

The extracurricular programme reflects the school's commitment to educating the whole person. Sport, music, drama, and outdoor education all feature prominently.

Sport & Outdoor Life

Rugby, hockey, and cricket form the major sports for boys; hockey, netball, and tennis for girls. The school competes in the Independent Schools Rugby Cup and regularly fields teams in regional competitions. Facilities include 14 rugby pitches, a sports hall, fitness suite, heated outdoor pool, and tennis courts.

The school's rural location enables extensive outdoor education. The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme runs to Gold level, with most pupils completing at least Bronze. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent includes Army and RAF sections, with camps and exercises throughout the year. Field trips, Ten Tors expeditions, and overseas adventure training provide regular challenge.

Music & Performance

The Chapel Choir sings at Sunday Mass and performs termly concerts. An orchestra, wind band, jazz ensemble, and smaller chamber groups provide opportunities at all levels. Approximately 60% of pupils learn instruments, with individual lessons available for all orchestral instruments, piano, and voice.

Drama productions run each term, using the school's theatre and outdoor amphitheatre. Recent productions have included Shakespeare, contemporary plays, and musicals. Technical theatre (lighting, sound, stage management) is taught through the productions, with Sixth Formers often directing lower school plays.

STEM & Academic Enrichment

The school participates in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology Olympiads, with pupils regularly achieving commendations. A Robotics Club and Coding Society meet weekly. The Science Society hosts visiting speakers and organises trips to university departments.

Debating flourishes through Model United Nations, the Debating Society, and public speaking competitions. The school's Catholic identity means ethical and philosophical questions feature prominently in debates.

Service & Faith Formation

Lourdes pilgrimage happens annually, with pupils volunteering to assist disabled pilgrims. The school supports charities in India and Uganda, with fundraising throughout the year. Sixth Formers can join faith formation groups preparing for Confirmation or exploring Catholic teaching.

Boarding fees are £38,745 per year for Year 7 and Year 8, rising to £41,490 per year for Year 9 through Sixth Form. Day fees are £27,225 per year for Year 7 and Year 8, and £29,310 per year for Year 9 upwards. These fees place The Oratory in the middle tier of Catholic boarding schools, below Ampleforth or Downside but above smaller regional Catholic schools.

Fees include tuition, boarding, meals, and most activities. Additional costs include music lessons (approximately £450 per term for weekly individual tuition), trips and expeditions, and personal expenses.

Bursaries are means-tested and awarded based on financial need. The school aims to make Catholic education accessible, with some pupils receiving support covering up to 100% of fees. Parents must demonstrate both financial need and commitment to the school's Catholic ethos. The school does not publish the percentage of pupils receiving bursaries, but financial aid is genuinely available.

Scholarships are awarded for academic achievement, music, sport, art, and all-rounder performance. These typically provide 10% to 25% fee reduction and can combine with bursaries. Scholarship candidates sit examinations in January of Year 6 for Year 7 entry, and in November of Year 8 for Year 9 entry.

The school offers Catholic Bursaries specifically for practising Catholic families, funded through donations and the school's charitable foundation. Applications are assessed on faith commitment alongside financial need.

Boarding is the default at The Oratory, with the overwhelming majority of pupils living on site. Day pupils exist but remain a small minority. This creates a total immersion environment where the school becomes home for weeks at a time.

Each boarding house operates as a family unit. Younger pupils have dormitories of 4-6 beds; older pupils move to smaller rooms, with Sixth Formers often in singles or doubles. Common rooms provide social space, with kitchens for toast and hot chocolate. Houses compete in music, drama, and sports competitions throughout the year.

The daily rhythm follows traditional boarding school patterns. Breakfast in house, chapel for those attending morning Mass, lessons, lunch, afternoon activities, prep (supervised homework) after supper, and house time in the evening. Lights out varies by age, from 9:15pm for Year 7 to 11pm for Sixth Form.

Weekend life includes matches on Saturday, optional activities (trips to Oxford, Reading, local towns), and Sunday Mass. Exeat weekends happen roughly every three weeks, allowing families time together. Boarders describe weekend life as relaxed, with time for friendships to deepen beyond the academic week.

International pupils form approximately 15% of the boarding community, primarily from Hong Kong, Spain, and Germany. The school provides guardianship support and ensures Catholic pupils can attend Mass in their own language during holidays if remaining in the UK.

The school's principal entry points are Year 7 (age 11), Year 9 (age 13), and Sixth Form (age 16). Year 7 entry has grown in recent years as more families choose early secondary entry.

For Year 7, candidates sit the school's entrance examination in January of Year 6, covering English, Mathematics, and Reasoning. Interviews follow for shortlisted candidates. Offers are made in February.

For Year 9, candidates sit Common Entrance (if from prep schools) or the school's own examinations. Pre-testing happens in Year 7, with conditional offers made subject to CE performance. Most independent school candidates follow this route.

Sixth Form entry requires interview and strong GCSE results. The school typically requires grade 6 or above in subjects to be studied at A-level. Candidates applying for competitive subjects (Sciences, Mathematics) require higher grades.

The school explicitly seeks practising Catholic families for the majority of places, though pupils of other Christian denominations and other faiths are welcomed if they and their families accept the school's Catholic ethos. Parents sign a statement confirming they understand and support the Catholic nature of the education.

Early registration is advised. The school maintains a waiting list when year groups fill. Tours can be arranged throughout the year, with Open Days in October and March.

The school day runs from 8:20am to 6pm, with lessons, sports, and activities structured throughout. Boarders remain on site; day pupils may leave after activities unless attending evening clubs.

The school is located between Reading and Oxford, accessible via M4 or M40. Reading station (11 miles) provides direct trains to London Paddington in 30 minutes. The school operates a coach service from West London on exeat weekends and at half terms.

Uniform is traditional, with formal suits required for Years 7-11 and business dress for Sixth Form. Pupils change into sports kit for afternoon activities.

Faith commitment expected. The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Daily Mass is available and encouraged. Catholic teaching informs Religious Education, assemblies, and the moral framework. Pupils attend Sunday Mass (Catholic pupils as a requirement, others are welcomed). Families uncomfortable with explicit Catholic formation should look elsewhere. The school is a Catholic school first, and this reality shapes every aspect of school life.

Boarding culture dominates. With the overwhelming majority boarding, day pupils can feel peripheral to the community. Weekend life, house activities, and social bonds develop most deeply among boarders. Families wanting a day school experience will find this is fundamentally a boarding school that accommodates some day pupils, not the reverse.

Academic results are solid, not exceptional. The school ranks in the middle tier nationally for both GCSE and A-level. Families seeking relentless academic pressure or a guaranteed pipeline to top universities should look at more selective schools. The Oratory's strengths lie in pastoral care, breadth of opportunity, and character formation rather than exam factory performance.

Rural isolation. The 300-acre campus is beautiful but remote. The nearest town (Goring) is small. Access to shops, cafes, and urban activities requires travel to Reading or Oxford. This seclusion creates a close community but limits spontaneous independence for older pupils.

A Catholic boarding school that takes its faith seriously while providing genuine breadth of opportunity and strong pastoral care. The integration of Catholic teaching into daily life is thorough and unapologetic, creating a community where faith formation sits alongside academic learning, sport, music, and outdoor adventure. Results place the school in the solid middle tier, reflecting a broad intake rather than fierce selection. Best suited to Catholic families (or those of other faiths who actively choose a Catholic education) seeking boarding school community and character formation. The rural setting, boarding culture, and explicit faith commitment mean this school is for families who want precisely what it offers. For those families, The Oratory provides a distinctive and genuinely formative education.