St Edward's School

St Edward's — universally called "Teddies" — occupies a handsome campus on the Woodstock Road, just north of Summertown. It's a full boarding school that also takes day pupils, co-educational since 1997. The feel is distinctly different from the high-pressure hothouse schools: Teddies values the whole person, and there's an emphasis on pastoral care, sport, and the arts alongside strong academics. It's the school Oxford parents choose when they want rigour without ruthlessness.

What parents should know

Fees are significant — check the school's website for current figures, as they change annually. Entry is at 13+ via Common Entrance or the school's own exam, plus interview. Academically, results are solid rather than stellar — the school doesn't select as aggressively as MCS or the top London day schools, and the value-added is good. Where Teddies excels is in producing well-rounded, socially confident young people. The co-curricular programme is extensive: sport (strong rowing and hockey), drama (the North Wall Arts Centre is on campus), and a serious music department.

Boarding is still the heart of the school, and day pupils benefit most when they stay for evening activities and engage with the full programme. The boarding houses have been refurbished to a high standard. The school's international intake has grown, which adds diversity but has also changed the character somewhat.

The reputation

Teddies has historically been seen as the "nice" school — less pressured than Eton or Winchester, more socially grounded than some of the London schools. This is broadly accurate and is the school's strength. It's not where you send a child to be drilled for Oxbridge (though plenty get in). It's where you send a child to grow up well. Notable alumni include the actor Laurence Olivier. Among Oxford parents, Teddies is respected and liked — there's very little snobbery about it, which is unusual in this world.