Our Lady’s Abingdon www.olab.org.uk/visit

Research shows that between 7 - 8 years, children develop the attitudes, abilities and relationships that help them succeed in education.

For a taste of OLA we invite children in Years 2 - 3 and 5 to try a range of activities, meet our teachers and make new friends at our school. We are a small school that offers a wide range of subjects and activities and knows, values and cares for every child.

Small class sizes allow children to receive individual attention, and our fun and innovative learning ensures they are fully engaged and achieving excellent academic results. Pupils are also encouraged to take part in many co-curricular, confidence-developing activities.

Our outstanding system of pastoral care is at the centre of everything we do. Each child is a unique person, with talents to be nurtured.

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Wednesday 26th April.

Dragon School

www.dragonschool.org

Dragon School in North Oxford has been at the forefront of Prep education since it was founded in 1877.

The nurturing Pre-Prep, where curiosity and creativity are fostered in the youngest Dragons, is in the heart of Summertown. The Prep has an idyllic setting just a short walk from the centre of Oxford, with playing fields rolling down to the River Cherwell. The Dragon is a happy, vibrant community where children discover and develop their talents both within the classroom and beyond.

Saturday mornings have been transformed into Dragon QUEST, our exciting enrichment programme where children learn new skills and try new things. This holistic approach to education has proved incredibly popular with children and parents alike.

The Dragon offers full, weekly (there is a London bus on Sunday evenings) or flexi boarding, and the family style boarding houses offer a true ‘home from home’.

Kate Heath - Registrar, 01865 315400, admissions@dragonschool.org

UPCOMING EVENTS Prep - Saturday 13th May, Pre-Prep - Friday 19th May

Cranford House

www.cranfordhouse.net

Cranford House is a leading co-educational independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-18 years. It has an excellent reputation for providing pupils with a balanced, all-round education within a warmly nurturing environment.

Set in over 14 acres in the heart of Moulsford village, the small class sizes, close community and committed staff ensure each pupil is ably supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. The school was rated as ‘Excellent’ in all categories in its ISI Inspection (November 2022).

Academic attainment at Cranford House is outstanding (over 60% of all grades A*-A at GCSE). Now with a new Sixth Form Centre, the school offers 20+ A-level subject choices and an extensive co-curricular programme.

At Cranford House, the aim is to encourage pupils to achieve their full potential, becoming motivated, confident and happy individuals, recognising the importance of respect and support for others, but ready to seize life’s opportunities. Mrs K French, Director of Admissions, admissions@cranfordhouse.net, 01491 651 218

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN WEEK from 24th – 28th April

D’Overbroeck’s Oxford

www.doverbeocks.com

D’Overbroeck’s is built on personal relationships, a lack of stuffiness and a strong belief that every individual lies at the heart of the school. Students are creative, think for themselves, relish stretching the boundaries of their knowledge and do very well academically. It’s a forward-thinking school full of energy, laughter and achievement.

World-class staff deliver an inclusive, collaborative approach with a strong focus on learning being enjoyable as well as successful. Students gain confidence expressing themselves, questioning and being independent thinkers.

Jo Baird, Head of Admissions, registrar@doverbroecks.com, 01865 688600

OPEN DAY Thursday 11th May

Christ Church Cathedral School www.cccs.org.uk

Founded by Henry VIII, Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS) is a Prep School for boys aged 3 - 13, with a Co-ed Nursery. We offer boarding for Choristers and Flexi-Boarding for day boys aged 8 - 13.

Our Nursery is housed in a 16th Century building, comprising four welcoming classrooms with a lovely garden. It’s a special place, where the children’s happiness and development are at the heart of everything. Children benefit from a seamless transition from Nursery to Reception and beyond. We pride ourselves on exceptional academic and musical achievements - over 65% of our boys achieved scholarships to leading secondary schools in 2022.

As a small school, CCCS is renowned for its family-oriented approach and close co-operation between parents and staff.

Mrs Laura Kemp, Registrar, registrar@cccs.org.uk, 01865 242561

OPEN MORNING Tuesday 7th March

Sibford School www.sibfordschool.co.uk

Sibford School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 - 18, focussing on a values-driven education.

Sibford is located in the peaceful Oxfordshire village of Sibford Ferris close to the Cotswolds. Nestled in 50 acres, the school benefits from a beautiful campus, forest school, indoor swimming pool, climbing wall and lots of opportunities for outdoor education.

Pupils are taught in small classes where dedicated teachers nurture, inspire, support and stretch each individual, but ultimately encouraging them to find their own talents and to simply be themselves.

In the recent ISI inspection in December 2021, Sibford was rated at ‘Excellent’.

Elspeth Dyer, Admission Officer, edyer@sibfordschool.co.uk, 01295 781200

OPEN MORNINGS Junior School Saturday 18th March and Whole School Friday 28th April

Chandlings Prep School

www.chandlingspst.org

Chandlings is a leading co-educational prep school for children aged 2-11 set within 60 acres of beautiful grounds just five miles from Oxford. Chandlings pupils leave school kind, curious, creative and independent. Their journey begins in Nursery or Reception and continues throughout their school life when they move on in Year 6.

Our Early Years children regularly enjoy our beautiful grounds where they meet the ponies, feed pygmy goats or go on bear hunts in the Woodland! They also have weekly swimming lessons in our pool once they turn 4.

In Reception we promote effective early learning through exploration, active learning and problem solving. The children are enabled to make decisions and become independent learners. They also have specialist teachers for PE, Music, French, Drama, Outdoor Learning and Art.

Catriona Pitt, Admissions Registrar, admissions@chandlingspst.org, 01865 730771

EARLY YEARS SPRING OPEN MORNING (interactive adventure indoors and outdoors!) - Friday 17th March

Manor Prep www.manorprep.org

Situated in Abingdon, the Manor Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day school that welcomes children aged 2-11.

The school has a wonderfully happy, creative atmosphere where every individual is valued and nurtured to reach their potential. The Manor’s most recent ISI Inspection saw the school receive the highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ in all areas. Inspectors commented that “Pupils approach every day with an overwhelming passion to learn and develop.”

This is in part due to the exceptionally caring and invigorating tone of the school, where laughter is an essential part of the school day. Children’s personal development is further strengthened by staff who act as excellent role models.

Every child is encouraged to push themselves to new challenges and fulfil their potential, resulting in outstanding results academically, on the sports field, and in the creative and performing arts.

Mrs Nicole Burroughs, Director of Admissions, 01235 858462, admissions@manorprep.org.

OPEN MORNING Thursday 23rd March