December 2025
Oxford City Council approved Magdalen College School's proposal for a new Science, Library & Partnerships Building designed by Walters & Cohen Architects, supporting robotics, AI and Big Data curriculum expansion.
Senior school
Magdalen College School
Magdalen College School (MCS) is a top independent secondary school in Oxford, co-educational, with entry points from 7+ through Sixth Form.
Day fees
£28,995 – £30,108
Entry
School Exam + Adaptive AssessmentSelective
Next deadline
Fri 9 Oct 2026Scholarship deadline
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Helen Pike
Master
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
938
Location
Oxford
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day
Age range
7 to 18
School type
Mainstream
Religious ethos
Christian
Founded
1480
Sixth form
321 pupils
Entry points
7+, 8+, 9+, 11+, 13+, 16+
Show 10 more factsShow fewer facts
Nearest station
Reading (rail)
School buses
Yes
Average class
18 pupils
School day
8.25am to 3.50pm
Saturday school
Yes
Wraparound care
Not offered
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
Sport, Art, All-rounder +4
A-level A*–A
85%
2025
GCSE 9–7
76%
2025
Overview
About Magdalen College School
Magdalen College School is a leading independent co-educational school in Oxford, offering education from Junior School through Senior School and Sixth Form. The school was awarded Independent School of the Year in 2024 for its contribution to social mobility. Approximately 1 in 10 pupils receive a bursary or scholarship. The school is committed to ensuring an MCS education is open to the brightest pupils, regardless of personal circumstances. About a quarter of Sixth Form pupils go on to Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed senior school in Oxford for ages 7–18. Selective entry, Christian ethos.
Best for
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 7–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
- Families who value a Christian ethos in school life.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
Watch-outs
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- The Christian ethos shapes assemblies, holidays and pastoral life. Comfortable for committed families; worth thinking about for those of other or no faith.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
September 2027 entryRegistration openCloses 31 Oct 2026Reply by 1 Mar 2027
- Oct15Open dayNextPre-test Admissions Information Evening (online)
- Oct31Registration closes
- Jan23Assessment
- Feb9Offers
- Mar1Acceptance deadline
Not yet published: registration opens, bursary deadline, interview.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Virtual Open EventNext week
5.30pm – 6.30pm|Online (Microsoft Teams)
Pre-test Admissions Information Evening (online)
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£28,995 – £30,108per year · Day · 2026-27
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Questions about Magdalen College School?
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Quick answers about Magdalen College School
Answered only from Magdalen College School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
Top independent secondary school
Awarded Independent School of the Year 2024
Strong collegiate musical tradition
Wide range of scholarships and bursaries
Focus sports including Rugby, Football, Hockey, Netball, Cricket, Tennis
Extensive arts facilities including art studios and photography darkroom
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
AthleticsCricketFootballGymnasticsHockeyNetballRowingRugbySailingSportSwimmingTennis
music
Guitar EnsembleHouse Music CompetitionJunior School OrchestraMusicOrchestra and EnsemblesPiano Duets/Trio ClubString OrchestraString SquadWind and Brass Ensemble
drama
DanceDramaDrama Productions
academic club
DebatingPoetry Recitations and Public Speaking
service
Community Service
other
Activities Afternoon
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
Award winning School FieldChrist Church playing fields (off-site)Climbing WallDirect access to the river for Rowing ClubDirect River AccessFarmoor Reservoir (off-site)Farmoor Reservoir for Sailing Club (off-site)Iffley Road University Sports Centre (off-site)Iffley Road University Sports Centre, Track and Pool (off-site)Magdalen College Playing Fields (off-site)Magdalen playing fields (off-site)Marston Road astro hockey pitch (off-site)Merton College Playing Fields (off-site)Merton playing fields (off-site)
Show 5 more
Milham Ford CourtsOxford Hawks water-based astro hockey pitches (off-site)School FieldSports Fields and CourtsSports Hall
arts
Big SchoolDrama StudioOxford Playhouse (off-site)Pegasus Theatre (off-site)St Hilda’s College Jacqueline du Pré Music Building (off-site)St Hilda’s College Jaqueline du Pré Music Building (off-site)StudioThe Studio (Senior School)The Studio (Senior School venue)
academic
Science Laboratories
wellbeing
GymMedical Centre
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes
About a quarter of our Sixth Form pupils take up places at Oxford, Cambridge and Ivy League Universities.
85%
A-level A*–A
76%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
15%
to Oxbridge (2025)
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 158 | 177 | 156 |
| Oxbridge | 24 | 32 | 37 |
| US Ivy | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Medicine | 13 | 1 | 15 |
Top universities (2025)
OxfordCambridgeImperial College LondonDurham University
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA Level
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
December 2025
Magdalen College School published its annual fundraising report showing a bursary endowment fund of just over £10.6 million towards a £15 million goal by 2030.
August 2025
Magdalen College School reported 79% A*-A grades with 40% A* at A Level and 24 pupils securing places at Oxbridge or Ivy League universities.
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Sir John Betjeman (poet)Sir Roger Bannister (athlete and neurologist)Sir Martin Wood (engineer and entrepreneur)Sir John Redwood (politician)Sir Peter Harding (RAF Chief of the Air Staff)Sir John Mason (diplomat and academic)Sir Richard Doll (epidemiologist)
Recommended next step
Registration closes 31 Oct 2026 (11+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Fit for your child
Is Magdalen College School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
MansfieldWaynfleteUsherOxford
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Mental health support
Magdalen College School fosters a strong community spirit through its house system and pastoral care, promoting pupil welfare and mental health support. The school organizes inclusive house events encouraging year groups to collaborate, enhancing wellbeing and social connections.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 10 Oct 2023
2 reports on file.
- Isi1 Oct 2023Compliant
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn10 Sept 2026 → 16 Dec 2026Half-term 17 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
Spring6 Jan 2027 → 25 Mar 2027Half-term 13 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Summer19 Apr 2027 → 12 Jul 2027Half-term 29 May 2027–6 Jun 2027
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FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Magdalen College School best for?+
Magdalen College School suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 7–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Families who value a Christian ethos in school life; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
How much are the fees at Magdalen College School?+
Day fees at Magdalen College School are £9,665 to £10,036 a term in 2026-27 (£28,995 to £30,108 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Magdalen College School?+
The next visit at Magdalen College School is on 8 October 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
Magdalen College School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Magdalen College School support SEND?+
Magdalen College School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does Magdalen College School take?+
Magdalen College School takes pupils from age 7 to 18.
Is Magdalen College School a day or boarding school?+
Magdalen College School is a day school.
Is Magdalen College School co-educational or single-sex?+
Magdalen College School is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Magdalen College School?+
Magdalen College School is in Oxford, OX4 1DZ.
How do I contact admissions at Magdalen College School?+
Contact Magdalen College School by email at admissions@mcsoxford.org or phone on 01865242191.
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