Independent Secondary School Guide – The London Oratory School

January 5, 2022

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The London Oratory School is a Roman Catholic day school for boys aged 7 – 19 and for girls aged 16-19. Founded in 1863 by the Fathers of the Oratory, the curriculum of The Oratory is influenced by the Catholic faith to develop good character and faith in the student, so they use their talents to serve their communities. Ofsted has described the school as ‘outstanding.’

The school is divided into three internal structures: the Junior House, the Senior School and Sixth Form. The Junior School is for boys aged between 7 to 11 years old, who are exposed to a heavily choral and instrumental focused education. There are approximately 1350 pupils in total at the school. In additional to academic studies, the Oratory encourages students to have a strong involvement with co-curricular activities, particularly music. There are also a wide range of sports and societies to be involved with including a Combined Cadet Force.

The school has strong arts and sporting facilities. There is a swimming pool equipped with a polo net and diving boards as well as sports fields on site. Additionally, the arts centre contains a 305-seat theatre with orchestral pit, pottery rooms, art studios, and practice rooms. In the centre of the school is the library where students can study and there is also a school chapel for prayers.

In 2020, 54% of GCSE students achieved grades between 9- 7 and at A-level 67% of all grades were between an A* and B. Many students attended higher education institutions including Russell Group universities, Oxbridge, and international universities such as Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.