Schools/United Kingdom/Reading/The Oratory School
United Kingdom — Oxfordshire

The Oratory School

Woodcote, Reading — Near Reading
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Data verified from public sources
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Ages11 – 18

The Oratory School is an international school in Reading, United Kingdom. Founded in 1951. It serves 337 students for students aged 11–18.

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Location & Getting There

Woodcote, ReadingOpen in Maps
50 minutes drive to Heathrow
Near Reading
The Oratory School — Campus
1 photos

NanaSays Scorecard

Est. 1951
Year Founded
337
Students Enrolled
Boarding Available

Key Details

Accreditations
HMCBSA
Languages of Instruction
English

Academic Performance

Standards Met
ISI

ISI Inspection Report

The Oratory School meets all Independent School Standards across all key areas including leadership, education quality, pupil wellbeing, social education, and safeguarding. The school is well-led with effective governance and has created a welcoming boarding environment that successfully supports pupil development. Most teaching is effective and pupils make good progress, though some inconsistency exists and certain improvements are needed in record-sharing and financial education for older pupils.

ISI Standards
Met
Key Strengths
Leaders know their school well with clear vision based on effective monitoring and self-evaluation
Welcoming and supportive boarding environment successful in fostering pupils' wellbeing and personal development
Most teachers use effective range of strategies to support pupils' learning
Clear policies and procedures ensuring good behaviour around school and in lessons
Effective strategy to prevent bullying in place
Pupils confident there are adults they can approach with concerns
Leaders successfully promote understanding of different cultures, lifestyles and faiths
Effective safeguarding arrangements with thorough staff training
Pupils make good progress across range of subjects including maths, science and English
Wide-ranging co-curricular programme supporting pupils' talents and interests
Areas for Development
Fully embed systematic sharing of boarding records across different staffing teams to ensure effective communication
Develop teaching strategies in lessons where these are not consistently applied and pupils are not making expected progress
Ensure older pupils receive sufficient opportunities to develop understanding about managing their finances as they move into adulthood
View Full ISI Report (2025-02-25)

Key facts

Founded
1951
Ages
11–18 (Co-ed)
Pupils on roll
337
Inspectorate
ISI

About

The Oratory is an HMC Co-educational Catholic Boarding and Day School founded by Saint John Henry Newman in 1859, situated on a 100-acre Oxfordshire estate near Reading. It combines strong academic results with a supportive family ethos and offers small class sizes with outstanding pastoral care. The school takes a holistic approach to education, developing each pupil's academic, sporting, artistic, and inter-personal talents.

School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.

Why Families Choose

  • Small school with small class sizes
  • Outstanding pastoral care
  • Holistic, all-round education
  • Strong academic results
  • Catholic ethos
  • 100-acre countryside location

Student Demographics

School Type
co-ed
Age Range
11 – 18
Student Body
Boarding capacity124

School Background

Governance & Ownership

Independent

Religious Affiliation

Roman Catholic

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the admissions office at The Oratory School directly for current fee information.