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Headington School

Headington Rye Oxford is an independent day and boarding school in Oxford for girls and boys aged 3-11 and girls aged 11-18.

OxfordshireAll ThroughCo EdAges 3–18Both31 pupils
Day fees
£23,364
How competitive entry is
School Exam + InterviewCompetitive entry
Pupils
31
Founded
1915
Next deadline
Assessment: 7 Nov 2026
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
68.0/100· ranked #66 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes70
Destinations & outcomes61
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing70
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add62
Access & breadth90
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent girls senior school in Oxfordshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
  • Parents who want a single-sex environment for their daughter.
  • Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
  • Single-sex (girls). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Fight the good fight of faith

Mrs Caroline Jordan is the Headmistress, leading Headington Rye Oxford with a commitment to excellence and a vibrant, welcoming community.

Headington Rye Oxford aspires for any girl with the ability to win a place to be able to do so, committed to providing an excellent education and supporting bursaries to enable access.

curiouscreativeconfidentcollaborativecompassionatecourageous

Distinctive features

Scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+

Special Awards programme for outstanding candidates at 16+

Bursary Fund to support access for promising pupils

Activities & co-curricular

sport

AthleticsBadmintonBasketballCheerleadingCricketCross CountryDanceFootballGymGymnasticsHandballHockeyLacrosseNetballRock ClimbingRowingRowing (elite)Rubbish RunnersSport (multiple teams)Sports Teams and ClubsStep and ToneStrength and ConditioningSwimmingTennisTrampoliningVolleyballYogaZumba

music

Musical ensembles and choirsMusical Ensembles and ChoirsMusic (instrumental lessons, ensembles)

drama

DanceFilm ClubSpeech and Drama individual lessonsTheatre Tech Club

academic club

Book ClubCoder DojoCoding / ComputingCreative Writing ClubDebatingDissection ClubEureka ScienceFilm ClubHot Spot journalismHot Spot JournalismLanguages clubsLaw SocietyLego clubLiterary SocietyPhilosophy CafePsychology SocietyStudent RoboticsYoung Enterprise

service

Amnesty GroupCombined Cadet ForceDuke of EdinburghEco committeeEco Committee

other

60+ clubs and activities (Prep)Book ClubFilm ClubHot Spot journalismRubbish Runners

Facilities

sports

25m indoor swimming pool (off-site)25m Indoor Swimming Pool (off-site)Astro turf pitchesAstro turf pitches (floodlit all-weather)Dance and Fitness Centre (off-site)Dance & Fitness CentreFloodlit all-weather Astroturf pitches (off-site)Floodlit All-Weather Astroturf Pitches (off-site)Floodlit Tennis courts (off-site)Floodlit Tennis Courts (off-site)Large gymLarge well-equipped gymLarge, well-equipped gymLarge Well-Equipped GymNetball courtNetball CourtPlaying fieldsPlaying FieldsSports hallSports hall / gymSports hall / gymnasiumSwimming PoolTennis courts (floodlit)

arts

300 seat auditorium300 Seat Auditorium with Racked SeatingArt RoomDance studioMusic practice roomsMusic Practice RoomsMusic practice rooms for individual lessonsMusic schoolMusic school / music rooms (two classroom music rooms + practice rooms)Music school / two fully-equipped Music RoomsPerformance spacePerformance space / 300-seat auditorium with racked seating, full lighting rigging, stage and backstagePerformance space and music schoolPerformance space with sprung floorPerformance Space with Sprung FloorSpecialist art and design technology facilitiesSpecialist Art and Design Technology Facilities with Dedicated Art RoomSpecialist Art RoomTheatreTheatre (300-seat auditorium with racked seating, full lighting rigging)Two fully-equipped Music RoomsTwo Fully-Equipped Music RoomsTwo Music Rooms

boarding

Dining room (colourful, children-focused design with boardgame floor)Sixth Form Centre

academic

Food and technology kitchenForest School areaForest School siteLibraryLibrary with cataloguing system and dedicated workstationsLibrary with cataloguing system, dedicated work stations, quiet reading spaceSpecialist science facilitiesWoodwork room

wellbeing

Chapel RoomDining RoomDining room with colourful fairytale environmentForest School site

Latest exam results

Outcomes2022 A-LEVELS
71.6
of all A Level grades were A*-A
36.7
achieving the top A* grade
84
secured their first choice university offers
70
going to Russell Group universities
8
to overseas universities

In 2022, , with . , with and

95%
A-level A*–A
99%
GCSE 9–7

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

2025
Oxbridge6
Russell Group9
US Ivy3
Medicine8
Top universities (2025)
Durham
Bristol
UCL
Cambridge
Oxford
King's College London
Cardiff
Edinburgh

Recent coverage

In 2025, Headington Rye Oxford achieved an A-Level pass rate of 58% at A*-A and 83% at A*-B. At GCSE level, 77% of students attained grades 9-7. In January 2026, the Independent Schools Inspectorate recognized the school's co-curricular program as a "significant strength," highlighting its positive impact on students' physical, mental, and emotional health. The school has also undertaken several building projects, including the construction of a new two-storey Music School, a three-storey ICT building, and a state-of-the-art two-storey Dance and Fitness Centre.

Notable alumni

Emily Watson (actress)Olivia Colman (actress)Sophie Hunter (theatre director)
Recommended next step

Open-day dates not yet published

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Fit for your child

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Application timeline

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Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensNot published
Not published
Registration closesNot published
Not published
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentNot published
Not published
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published

Open events

Open Morning
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
Prep School
Prep School Open Morning
Open Morning
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
10:00 am
Prep Open Morning
Dates to be confirmed
Eventweek commencing Monday 25th January 2027
Dates TBC
Eventweek commencing Monday 9th November 2026
Dates TBC
EventSaturday 21st November 2026
Dates TBC
EventSaturday 7th November 2026
Dates TBC
Open Morning at Headington SchoolSaturday in October - see website for dates
Dates TBC
Showcase Saturday Open MorningOctober (annual)
Dates TBC

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Sat, 3 Oct 2026Prep School Open MorningOpen Morning
Sat, 3 Oct 2026Prep Open MorningOpen Morning

Fees

£28,038per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £28,038Published as VAT-inclusiveYear 7-13 projection £221,452
vs London avg (£24,000)17% above
By entry point · 2026/2027
7+£19,464
16+£23,364
Nursery£5,880
Year 7£23,364

Bursaries & Scholarships

House system

DavenportHillstowNapierCelia MarshMacGregor

Wellbeing

Headington Prep School prioritises pupil wellbeing through a warm, family atmosphere and supportive pastoral care. Pupils benefit from form teachers, learning assistants, counsellors, a health and wellbeing assistant, and access to the Senior School’s Health Centre. The school fosters resilience, self-respect, and social skills in a caring environment.

Inspection

Isi 17 Jan 2023

2 inspection reports on file.

Not explicitly stated
  • Isi · Educational Quality15 Jan 2023Excellent
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

autumn4 Sept 202510 Dec 2025Half-term 17 Oct 2025–2 Nov 2025
spring5 Jan 202627 Mar 2026Half-term 12 Feb 2026–22 Feb 2026
summer20 Apr 20264 Jul 2026Half-term 21 May 2026–31 May 2026

Schools like Headington School

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

72%

Abingdon School

Vale of White Horse · Senior · Ages 11–18
£28,500
68%

Sherborne Girls

Dorset · Ages 11–18
£35,850
68%

Woldingham School

Tandridge · Senior · Ages 11–18
£24,990 – £35,178
67%

Downe House

West Berkshire · Senior · Ages 11–18
£33,588
65%

Radley College

Vale of White Horse · Senior · Ages 11–18
Fees TBC
65%

Haileybury

East Hertfordshire · Senior · Ages 7–18
£28,605 – £43,035

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Headington School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Headington School best for?+

Independent girls senior school in Oxfordshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

8 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

phone on 01865 759100 or the registrars listed in the contact card. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Headington School — see the "Schools like Headington School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 11 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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