PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

Welcome to d'Overbroeck's, a leading independent day and boarding school in Oxford, UK. We teach students aged 11-18 across our three school sites: Years 7-11, The International School, and the Sixth Form.
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Patrick Horne

I am privileged to be the Principal of d’Overbroeck’s. It is an exceptional place with a strong sense of community, and the meaningful relationships that are formed here result from our core values of mutual respect, responsibility, trust, and encouragement. Our academic results speak for themselves but, crucially, results are not our only measure of success.

Alongside providing the expert teaching and support for academic success, we provide an array of excellent opportunities for students to develop their passions and explore new possibilities. There is no typical d’Overbroeck’s student or single experience here, and we value the distinctiveness of every person. Our exciting learning environment is characterised by a shared love of learning, with our brilliant teachers encouraging curiosity, innovation, and compassion. The broad and fulfilling opportunities here ensure that students can build the skills, discipline, and character needed for their futures, whilst also inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

Here students will find an intellectually challenging and inspiring environment wherein they receive expert guidance on how to make the most of their experience with us considering their long-term goals. We prioritise excellence throughout every area of school life, promoting a love of learning far beyond just the acquisition of knowledge, and we ensure that each student achieves their personal best.

But we also ensure that on the way to achieving their best, students are having fun and enjoying their time with us. We believe that happiness and laughter bring education to life, and we strive to bring this into the classroom every day. Our students thrive on this approach, and it makes for a very enjoyable learning experience for all.

Our school structure enables students to benefit from everything a modern school has to offer, whilst also learning in specific environments tailored to their studies and age group. Students can take part in whole-school productions, concerts, co-curricular activities and academic programmes. They can access a range of specialist facilities both onsite, including our new Arts Centre, and further afield, such as the University of Oxford’s sport facilities.

At the same time, each of our three sites offer a unique and supportive atmosphere in which students can flourish. A d’Overbroeck’s education sets students up for life as resilient, well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in the next stage of their education.

About d'Overbroeck's
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A word from Nick Haines, Head of Years 7-11

Our Years 7-11 site is dedicated to day students and covers a broad curriculum from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE. Kindness, inclusivity, and the personal success of every student are at the heart of everything we do. We work in partnership with our parent community to make this a reality, offering a strong network of support.

Through small class sizes, tailored teaching, and a wide range of opportunities, we help to realise the potential of every individual. As well as having a shared enthusiasm for learning, our vibrant and welcoming site abounds with creative energy and laughter. Our school is rich in possibility and opportunity. Students are encouraged to think deeply about topics in the curriculum, and give new passions and hobbies a try from our extensive co-curricular provision.

An education here helps students develop into active, empathetic, and confident individuals ready for the next steps in education. We have been described as ‘a school of energy, laughter and achievement’ and that’s true; our community feels like an extended family where everyone is encouraged to challenge themselves and live life to the full.

Years 7-11
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A word from Alasdair MacPherson, Head of Sixth Form

The Sixth Form is the largest part of our school, with over 400 students currently in our vibrant community. We welcome Year 11s from our Years 7-11 site and The International School, and approximately two thirds of our Lower Sixth are new students from across the UK and around the world each year. With 36 A-Level subjects available, a substantial academic enrichment programme, and proactive pastoral care, an education at d’Overbroeck’s is an extraordinary preparation for life.

Despite the number of students here, we are committed to the development of each one, and we have a close-knit community that is friendly, cheerful, and inspiring. Our approach is designed to help our students create a path to academic success with their individuality in mind, while also helping them to develop the personal qualities that will make a difference through the lives they live.

A d’Overbroeck’s education enables students to grow into self-reflective young people, who are confident, emotionally resilient, and independent thinkers.

Sixth form
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A word from Ted McGrath, Head of The International School

d’Overbroeck’s International School welcomes students from over 40 countries around the world and enables them to take their first steps into the British education system. Our academic programmes are carefully designed for international students, with a particular focus on enquiry-based learning and English as an Additional Language. However, we are also committed to supporting our students pastorally, and our expertly designed pastoral care includes pre-arrival preparations, an induction programme to the daily timetable, and ongoing support.

We offer an environment that is academically challenging, but also a home away from home where students can feel safe and supported. Individual talents are nurtured and championed so that students here can grow as confident, caring individuals, developing the skills and character needed in the fast-changing international world.

We also give students access to trips and activities incorporating a diverse range of British cultural locations, and they regularly join our UK students in whole school learning opportunities. Through an education here students not only achieve impressive GCSE and IGCSE results but also develop the necessary skills required to succeed in Sixth Form and at university.

International school
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