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.
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Our take
Independent co-ed all-through school in Oxford for ages 7–18. Selective entry, Christian ethos.
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 7–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Application timeline
1 of 5 admissions stages have confirmed dates. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.
| Year | Opens | Closes | Reply by | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 1 Sept 2025 | 15 Nov 2025 | TBC | Closed |
Open events
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Talks & tasters
| Date | Event | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, 2 Oct 2026 | Junior School Open Morning | Open Morning |
| Thu, 8 Oct 2026 | Senior School Taster Evening | Taster Day |
| Thu, 15 Oct 2026 | Pre-test Admissions Information Evening (online) | Open Morning |
| Thu, 15 Oct 2026 | Pre-test Admissions Information Evening (online) | Virtual Open Event |
Fees
Bursaries & Scholarships
About the head
“Sicut Lilium”
Offering substantial help with fees is a core part of our mission to ensure people of all backgrounds can benefit from the transformative education MCS provides.
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
Activities & co-curricular
sport
music
drama
academic club
service
other
Facilities
sports
arts
academic
wellbeing
Latest exam results
About a quarter of our Sixth Form pupils take up places at Oxford, Cambridge and Ivy League Universities.
Where leavers go
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 158 | 177 | 156 |
| Oxbridge | 24 | 32 | 37 |
| US Ivy | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Medicine | 13 | 1 | 15 |
Recent coverage
Won Independent Schools of the Year 2024 award for Contribution to Social Mobility, recognising its bursary provision and Bridge enrichment programme for state-school Year 5 pupils. A-level results 2025: 79% A*-A with 40% A*, 24 pupils securing Oxbridge or Ivy League places. GCSE results 2025: 58% grade 9, 82% grades 9-8, with 97% of bursary pupils achieving 7+. Planning approved for a new Walters and Cohen-designed science block housing robotics, AI and data labs alongside a library and exhibition space.
Notable alumni
Open-day dates not yet published
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How well does Magdalen College School match?
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Wellbeing
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.
Inspection
Isi — 10 Oct 2023
2 inspection reports on file.
- Isi1 Oct 2023Compliant
Term dates 2025-26
Schools like Magdalen College School
Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Questions parents ask
Common questions about Magdalen College School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.
What kind of child is Magdalen College School best for?+
Magdalen College School suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 7–18) rather than separate prep + senior; 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 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 section on this 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?+
9 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.
How do I contact admissions?+
email at admissions@mcsoxford.org or phone on 01865242191. 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 Magdalen College School — see the "Schools like Magdalen College School" grid on this page. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
- How much are the fees at Magdalen College School?
- Day fees at Magdalen College School range from £24,163 to £30,108 per year.
- When is the next open day at Magdalen College School?
- The next open day at Magdalen College School is on 19 September 2026.
- 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, OX1 2HE.
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