Oxford High School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent day school for girls aged 4-18
• Location: Belbroughton Road, Oxford OX2 6XA
• Founded: 1875 by Girls' Day School Trust (GDST)
• Pupils: Approximately 833 students
• Head: Mrs Marina Gardiner Legge
• Year 7 Fees: £6,732 per term (2024/25)
• Entry Points: 4+, 11+, 16+
• Scholarships: Academic and specialist awards available

About Oxford High School

Oxford High School holds the distinction of being Oxford's oldest girls' school, established in 1875 as part of the pioneering Girls' Day School Trust network. Located in the heart of England's City of Dreaming Spires, the school has cultivated generations of confident, academically ambitious young women who go on to excel at leading universities and in their chosen careers.

The school's ethos centres on developing resourceful, intellectually curious girls who embrace challenge and think independently. With approximately 833 pupils across the age range, Oxford High School maintains an intimate learning environment where each girl receives personalised attention whilst benefiting from exceptional facilities and opportunities.

Academic excellence remains paramount, with consistently outstanding results at GCSE and A-Level. The school's location provides unique advantages, including close links with Oxford University departments and access to the city's rich cultural heritage. The curriculum extends far beyond traditional subjects, encompassing leadership programmes, extensive co-curricular activities, and international exchange opportunities.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Oxford High School

Oxford High School's 11+ entrance assessment is designed to identify girls who will thrive in the school's academically rigorous environment. The assessment takes place in January for September entry and comprises multiple components that evaluate both academic potential and personal qualities.

Assessment Components

• English Paper: Reading comprehension, creative writing, and language analysis
• Mathematics: Problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level
• Verbal Reasoning: Logic puzzles, vocabulary, and analytical thinking
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and visual problem-solving

The school seeks girls who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the ability to think creatively. Assessment papers are carefully designed to be accessible to candidates from various educational backgrounds whilst identifying those with the potential to excel in Oxford High School's challenging academic environment.

Candidates typically sit their assessments at the school in a supportive environment designed to help them perform at their best. The assessment day also includes opportunities for prospective pupils to experience the school's atmosphere and facilities.

How to Apply

Applications for Year 7 entry must be submitted by early December for the following September's intake. The admissions process follows a structured timeline designed to give families adequate time to prepare whilst ensuring places are allocated fairly.

Application Steps

• Registration: Complete the online application form via the school website
• Application Fee: Submit the required registration fee
• Assessment Date: Attend the entrance assessment in January
• Interview: Selected candidates may be invited for an informal interview
• Offer Decision: Results typically communicated by early February
• Acceptance: Confirm place acceptance and pay deposit by specified deadline

Prospective families are strongly encouraged to attend one of the school's open events to experience the community firsthand and meet staff and current pupils. These events provide invaluable insights into daily life at Oxford High School and help families determine whether the school aligns with their educational aspirations.

The Admissions Team maintains an open-door policy for queries throughout the application process, offering guidance on preparation strategies and answering questions about school life and expectations.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's proven track record with Oxford High School admissions stems from our deep understanding of the school's unique expectations and assessment style. Our specialist tutors, many of whom are Oxford graduates themselves, provide targeted preparation that goes beyond generic 11+ coaching.

Our Tailored Approach

• Assessment Familiarisation: Practise with Oxford High School's specific question styles and formats
• Academic Strengthening: Targeted tuition in English, mathematics, and reasoning skills
• Confidence Building: Mock assessments in exam conditions with detailed feedback
• Interview Preparation: Practise sessions focusing on articulating ideas and demonstrating intellectual curiosity
• Strategic Planning: Comprehensive timeline management and application guidance

Our tutors understand that Oxford High School values girls who think independently and demonstrate genuine intellectual engagement. We focus on developing these qualities whilst ensuring solid academic foundations across all assessment areas.

Through our personalised programme, families receive ongoing support from initial application through to successful enrollment. Our approach recognises that each candidate brings unique strengths and challenges, requiring bespoke preparation strategies that maximise their potential for success.

With Taylor Tuition's expert guidance, your daughter will approach Oxford High School's entrance assessment with confidence, equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to demonstrate her full academic potential to this exceptional institution.