D'Overbroeck's College: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

School Type: Independent day and boarding school (co-educational)
Age Range: 11-18 years
Location: 333 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7PL
Student Numbers: Approximately 756 students (400 in sixth form)
Founded: 1977
Phone: +44 1865 688600
Website: www.doverbroecks.com

About D'Overbroeck's College

D'Overbroeck's College occupies a distinctive position amongst Oxford's independent schools, having built an exceptional reputation for academic excellence since its establishment in 1977. Located on Banbury Road in North Oxford, the college serves approximately 756 students across its secondary and sixth form divisions, with particular strength in its substantial sixth form of 400 students.

The college distinguishes itself through its commitment to personalised education, recognising and nurturing each student's individual talents and academic ambitions. With 82% of A-level grades achieving A*-B in 2023 and consistent placement within the top 100 independent schools nationally, D'Overbroeck's demonstrates the effectiveness of its progressive educational approach.

The school's ethos centres on fostering intellectual curiosity and independent thinking, preparing students for the challenges of higher education and beyond. The dedicated sixth form campus provides an enhanced educational environment that bridges the gap between secondary education and university study, making it particularly attractive to families seeking comprehensive preparation for prestigious universities.

The 11+ Assessment Process at D'Overbroeck's College

D'Overbroeck's College employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify students who will flourish within their academically rigorous yet supportive environment. The 11+ assessment evaluates not only academic capability but also a candidate's alignment with the school's educational philosophy and values.

Assessment Components:

• English: Comprehension exercises and creative writing tasks that assess reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and written expression
• Mathematics: Problem-solving challenges that evaluate numerical understanding, logical reasoning, and mathematical application
• Verbal Reasoning: Tests measuring logical thinking, language skills, and ability to work with written information
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Spatial awareness and pattern recognition assessments

The assessment process reflects D'Overbroeck's commitment to identifying students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and potential for academic growth, rather than simply testing current knowledge levels.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at D'Overbroeck's College follows these essential steps:

1. School Visit
Prospective families are strongly encouraged to visit the campus to experience the school's atmosphere and meet key staff members. This provides valuable insight into whether the school aligns with your family's educational expectations.

2. Application Submission
Complete the application form through the school's website, ensuring all required documentation accompanies your submission.

3. Entrance Assessment
Candidates undertake the school's entrance assessment, designed to evaluate academic potential and suitability for D'Overbroeck's educational approach.

4. Interview Process
Shortlisted candidates participate in an interview to discuss their interests, motivations, and aspirations, allowing the school to assess cultural fit.

5. Offer Decision
Successful candidates receive formal offers, which require prompt acceptance to secure their place.

Application deadlines vary annually, so early contact with the admissions team is advisable to ensure compliance with all requirements and timelines.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in independent school admissions makes us ideally positioned to support your D'Overbroeck's College application. Our comprehensive approach addresses every aspect of the admissions process, from initial assessment preparation through to interview coaching.

Academic Preparation: Our tutors provide targeted preparation for D'Overbroeck's specific assessment format, focusing on the problem-solving skills and analytical thinking the school values highly.

Application Strategy: We guide families through the application process, ensuring your child's unique qualities and potential are effectively communicated to admissions teams.

Interview Coaching: Our specialised interview preparation helps students articulate their interests and ambitions confidently, demonstrating the intellectual curiosity D'Overbroeck's seeks.

Long-term Planning: Beyond immediate admissions success, we provide ongoing academic support to ensure students thrive once at D'Overbroeck's, maximising their potential for future university applications.

With our deep understanding of D'Overbroeck's educational philosophy and assessment criteria, Taylor Tuition ensures your child approaches their application with confidence and the best possible preparation for success.