International Applications
A fantastic choice for international pupils
The Oratory offers an inspiring all-round education and has a strong tradition of welcoming pupils from overseas, who thrive at the school.
Established in 1859, we provide a first class traditional British boarding school experience. The majority of our pupils come from the UK so our pupils speak English all of the time, and our international pupils get the very best of a British education in the UK. We greatly value the richness and the diversity that our pupils from overseas bring to our community which enhances the experience for all pupils at the school.
We attract a number of international pupils at 11+, 13+, and 16+ each year, and we are very pleased to welcome pupils from all around the world to our prestigious school.
We have an excellent English as an Additional Language Department (EAL), whose input goes well beyond the teaching of English. They help to support our international pupils to ensure they are happy and wholly integrated into The Oratory Family so they can take full advantage of the exceptional academic and co-curricular opportunities that we offer.
An outstanding British boarding experience and an education that truly sets our pupils apart.
There are pupils representing many different nationalities at the Oratory.
We have pupils from China, Chile, Congo, Cyprus, Dominica, France, Germany, Gambia, Hong Kong, India, Ireland,Japan, Kenya, Malta, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkmenistan and the USA.
International Pupils Prospectus
The Oratory British Boarding Experience
Location - 45 mins from London Heathrow
When can we visit the school?
To book an individual visit, show round or a place in our Open Morning please email the Admissions Team at admissions@oratory.co.uk or telephone +44 (0) 1491 683522.
We are very happy to arrange show rounds on most weekdays, as well as Saturday mornings, during term times. If you are unable to visit the school, we are happy to arrange a Skype/Zoom conversation with our Admissions Managers, Abi Gibbon or Kate Ryan, should you wish.
How do we apply for a place?
The Registration Form should be completed and submitted together with the £250 Registration Fee.
The Admissions Managers will be happy to discuss the Registration process with you.
Is there an entrance exam?
All applicants will take an English/EAL and a Maths test, we also request that pupils complete an online assessment (CAT). These entrance tests can be sat at a pupil’s current school or with an agent. The school may also request a SKYPE or Zoom interview.
What English qualifications are needed?
It is important that all international pupils joining the school are proficient in at least basic spoken and written English when they arrive, although one to one EAL support is offered to all international pupils for whom English is a second language.
Immigration and Visas
Does my child need a visa?
The School will make all reasonable efforts to assist pupils and parents to comply with the UK Government’s requirements on visa entry for pupils who wish to come to the UK to study. However, responsibility for making a visa application to allow their son or daughter to attend The Oratory School rests with the parents. The School cannot assist with resolving visa-related issues other than those under Child Student or Student visa (previously know as Tier 4) either for a current student or for a student who is proposed to be admitted.
If any international student requires a Visa in order to attend The Oratory, please click below to find out more information about the fees and other requirements associated with this. For further information or assistance regarding Visas please contact Abi Gibbon or Kate Ryan on 01491 683522.
How do I apply for a VISA?
Once a place at The Oratory has been offered and accepted, we will issue a CAS number, which will allow the visa application process to start. A child intending to study at The Oratory should apply under Child Student (previously Tier 4 Child). Parents must ensure that their child is in possession of a valid visa before the start of the child’s first term. Parents must also ensure that their child’s passport and visa are renewed as required. Please read the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Information for Parents and Pupils document for information about the BRP process. More information and advice on the process is available on the UK Visas and Immigration website. For further information about a CAS application please contact Abi Gibbon on 01491 683522 or email admissions@oratory.co.uk.
How many international children are there at The Oratory?
Overseas boarders represent approximately 14% of the school. Some pupils are British with parents living overseas; others are from a wide range of over 20 nationalities, including Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Mexican, Nigerian, and South Korean. For some, English is a second or additional language, but all pupils need to be proficient in both written and spoken English.
Is there travel from the airport to the school?
The school provides transport services at the start of each term and half term to coordinate with the arrivals of pupils travelling from overseas with prior arrangement with school reception.
Do I need a guardian for my child?
All international students with parents who live overseas require a UK resident guardian. The guardian acts on behalf of parents in the UK. We must be able to contact the guardian in an emergency.
Does the school organise guardians?
Our Admissions Managers are happy to assist in finding an AEGIS (The Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students) accredited guardian. Please email admissions@oratory.co.uk.
Whom should I contact for further details?
Admissions Office
Abi Gibbon or Kate Ryan
Phone: +44 (0)1491 683522
Email: admissions@oratory.co.uk
The Oratory School, Woodcote, Oxfordshire, RG8 0PJ
