Wychwood School, a co-educational independent day and boarding school, has been shaping young minds for over 125 years.
Founded in 1897 by Miss Batty and Miss Lee, the school has grown from humble beginnings to become a renowned institution in the heart of Oxford.
With a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence, Wychwood offers a diverse range of opportunities for students to explore their passions and develop their talents.
History of Wychwood school
Wychwood School's journey began in 1897 when Miss Batty and Miss Lee opened their doors to a single pupil, Margaret Gay.
Over the years, the school has experienced significant growth and transformation.
In 1912, Wychwood welcomed its first boarders and moved to 3 Bradmore Road. A few years later, the school relocated to its current site at 74 Banbury Road, adopting the iconic forest green uniform.
Throughout the 20th century, Wychwood continued to evolve and innovate. Key milestones include the introduction of the Dalton System of Learning, the establishment of the Old Girls' Association, and the construction of the "Hut" for physical education and drama.
The school's commitment to academic excellence and holistic development has remained steadfast, with a focus on nurturing students' intellectual, creative, and social skills.
Education at Wychwood school
Wychwood School offers a rigorous academic curriculum that challenges students to reach their full potential. The school day typically starts at 8:30 AM with registration, followed by assembly or form time.
Lessons commence at 9:00 AM and conclude at 3:50 PM.
Students are encouraged to stay for tea and prep time, which extends until 6:40 PM on weekdays and 6:30 PM on Fridays.
A Balanced Curriculum
The school's curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education, covering a range of subjects:
Core Subjects:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Science (Trilogy or Triple Science)
Optional Subjects:
- Computer Science
- Drama
- Fine Art
- Geography
- History
- Latin
- Modern Languages (French & Spanish)
- Music
- Photography
- Physical Education
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
Key Stages:
- Remove (Year 7), Inters (Year 8), and Lower Transits (Year 9): A strong foundation is laid for future GCSE studies.
- Upper Transits (Year 10) and Shell (Year 11): Students prepare for GCSE exams by studying core subjects and choosing additional options.
- Wychwood Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13): Students can choose from a range of A-Level subjects and participate in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
A Supportive Learning Environment
Wychwood School is committed to providing a supportive learning environment.
Teachers are experienced and dedicated, offering individual attention and guidance.
Regular assessments and feedback help students track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Key Features of Wychwood School:
- Rigorous Academic Curriculum: Challenges students to excel.
- Holistic Approach: Balances academic and personal development.
- Experienced Teachers: Dedicated to student success.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Fosters a positive and nurturing atmosphere.
- Extracurricular Activities: A wide range of activities to enrich student life.
- Boarding Options: Flexible boarding options to suit individual needs.
By combining a strong academic foundation with a focus on personal development, Wychwood School prepares students for success in their future endeavors.
Boarding at Wychwood School
Wychwood School offers a variety of boarding options to cater to the diverse needs of its students.
Whether it's full-time boarding, weekly boarding, or occasional stays, the school provides a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all boarders.
A Sense of Belonging
At Wychwood, boarders become part of an extended family. The school's dedicated houseparents and staff create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where students can thrive.
Through shared meals, activities, and evening routines, boarders develop strong bonds with their peers and mentors.
A Balanced Approach to Learning and Leisure
The school offers a balanced approach to boarding life, combining academic pursuits with a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Weekends are filled with exciting outings and fun events, such as:
- Outdoor adventures: Hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities
- Creative pursuits: Art, music, and drama workshops
- Cultural experiences: Visits to museums, theaters, and historical sites
- Sports and fitness: Team sports, swimming, and gym workouts
A Supportive Learning Environment
Wychwood's boarding houses are designed to provide a conducive learning environment.
Students have access to quiet study areas, Wi-Fi, and support from staff members.
The school also offers academic support programs to help students excel in their studies.
By choosing to board at Wychwood, students gain more than just an education.
They develop important life skills, such as independence, resilience, and teamwork.
The school's commitment to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment ensures that boarders thrive both academically and socially.
Wychwood School: A Vibrant Learning Environment
Wychwood School offers a well-rounded education that fosters academic excellence, creativity, and personal development.
With a strong emphasis on innovation, teamwork, creativity, and leadership, the school provides a rich and stimulating learning environment.
A Commitment to Physical Activity
Physical education is an integral part of the curriculum at Wychwood. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of sports, including:
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Dance
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Fitness
- Netball
- Rowing
- Rounders
- Rugby (touch & 7's)
- Swimming
- Tennis
The school's excellent facilities, both on-site and off-site, provide ample opportunities for students to develop their skills and compete at various levels.
Creative and Performing Arts
Wychwood School offers a vibrant arts program, with a strong emphasis on music and drama.
Music:
- Instrumental and vocal lessons
- Choir and ensembles
- Music theory and composition
- Opportunities to participate in school concerts and performances
Drama:
- LAMDA exams in acting, devising, and speaking skills
- Drama productions and performances
- Workshops and masterclasses with professional actors and directors
Extracurricular Activities
Wychwood School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to cater to diverse interests:
- Academic Clubs: Science, mathematics, and language clubs
- Creative Clubs: Art, music, drama, and writing clubs
- Sports Clubs: Various sports teams and fitness classes
- Community Service: Volunteering opportunities and charity initiatives
- Outdoor Education: Camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities
By providing a well-rounded education that balances academic rigor with extracurricular activities, Wychwood School prepares students for success in their future endeavors.
International Students at Wychwood School
Wychwood School welcomes international students and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all learners.
Visa Process and Support:
- UKVI Sponsorship: Wychwood School is a licensed sponsor for UK Visas and Immigration, enabling the school to support international students in obtaining a Child Student Visa.
Key Considerations for International Students:
- Language Support: The school offers English language support to help international students acclimate to the academic environment.
- Pastoral Care: International students receive dedicated pastoral care, including support with academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Cultural Integration: The school fosters a diverse and inclusive community, encouraging students from different backgrounds to interact and learn from each other.
By choosing Wychwood School, international students can benefit from a world-class education, a supportive community, and a wealth of opportunities to grow and develop.
Application Process
Entry Points
Wychwood School primarily admits students into the following year groups:
- Year 7 (11+)
- Year 9 (13+)
- Year 12 (16+)
However, the school also accepts students into Years 8 and 10, subject to availability.
Application Process
- School Visit:
- Open Mornings: Attend one of the school's open mornings to get a firsthand look at the facilities and meet the staff.
- Individual Tours: Schedule a personalized tour of the school.
- Registration:
- Complete an online registration form.
- Pay a non-refundable registration fee.
- Provide necessary documents, such as school reports and proof of identity.
- Entrance Tests:
- Sit entrance exams in mathematics and English (or English as an Additional Language for non-native speakers).
- Tests are designed to assess a student's potential and suitability for the school.
International Students
Wychwood School welcomes international students and is a licensed sponsor for UK Visas and Immigration. International students will need to obtain a Child Student Visa to study at the school.
Key Considerations for International Students:
- Visa Process: The school works with Holmes & Partners to assist with the visa application process.
- Language Support: The school provides support for students with English as an additional language.
- Boarding: The school offers a range of boarding options to meet the needs of international students.
Additional Information
- Short-Term Students: The school accepts short-term students for a minimum of one term, subject to availability.
- Pastoral Care: The school provides excellent pastoral care, with form tutors, progress tutors, and houseparents supporting students' academic and personal development.
- Wychwood Sixth Form: The Sixth Form offers a challenging academic program and a supportive environment for students preparing for university.
Wychwood School Fees for 2024-2025
Wychwood School offers a variety of boarding options to suit individual needs. Here's a breakdown of the fees for the 2024-2025 academic year:
Day Pupils
- Per Term: £7,425
- Per Year: £22,275
Weekly Boarders
- Per Term: £10,695
- Per Year: £32,085
Full Boarders (UK Residents)
- Per Term: £12,745
- Per Year: £38,235
Full Boarders (Overseas Residents)
- Per Term: £13,800
- Per Year: £41,400
Please note:
- Fees are subject to annual review.
- Discounts may be available for eligible families, such as those in the armed forces, siblings, and Wychwood Association Old Girls.