Independent preparatory schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum or submit test results to the Department for Education so there is no individual school performance data or star rating.
Visit the school's website to learn more about their unique curriculum, policies on testing and common leaver destinations (a good indicator of pupil progress). See our About page for information on Choosing A Prep School.
School Description
There are various ways that you can visit the school. We hold full Open Mornings in the Lent (Spring), Summer and Michaelmas (Autumn) terms.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
The reason why I became a teacher is because I wanted to genuinely make the world a better place and children are the key to doing that. The subtext is because I consider myself to be childlike and have a passion for continuing to learn. So whilst my title might be Headmaster of The Oratory Prep School, my real desire is to be the Head Learner and to learn from all the pupils in our care. If I had to pinpoint to one teacher, it would be my Head of Music at senior school, who had incredibly high expectations, a good sense of humour and a passion for all things Bach.
What achievement are you most proud of as Head?
For me the proudest achievement is the impact we make on the pupils day in day out and how that manifests in Year 8. For me professionally, one of the greatest achievements is seeing the impact that we can have as leaders on the life chances of pupils when I think back specifically on my leadership roles in the state sector. But of course this is equally important, and rightly so, in the independent sector because all children deserve to be safe, loved and put in an environment where they are able to thrive socially, emotionally and academically at the same time.
What does a successful school look like to you?
A school where children can make social, emotional and academic progress but where they are fundamentally happy. A place where the relationships between all adults involved in the school be that staff or parents, are aligned to the school's journey and that they have the personalities, respect and drive to achieve the shared objectives. Lastly and importantly...fun! Where a pursuit of Lego is equally as adored as the pursuit of mathematical knowledge because all stakeholders understand that the acquisition of knowledge requires an understanding of the skills to learn.
What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?
I want children to be Curious, Wise and Kind and if I had to pick one, it would be Kind because schools are not just in the business of educating, they are in the business of role modelling and enabling children to become the leaders of the future. A sense of being wise alludes to a child having a mastery of understanding of any specific area of knowledge, be that maths or Lego. Curiosity sparks a desire for continuous learning, thereby allowing children to become independent learners. Kindness both to oneself, others and the world around and what a better place to learn those things than at The Oratory Prep School.
Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.
Family, Child-centred, Kind, Dreams, Excellence
This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.
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