Candidates at preparatory schools (UK only) should sit our pre-test when they are in Year 7. The registration deadline for the pre-test is Sunday 18th February 2024. All other applicants looking to join in Year 9 should sit the 13+ entrance exams when they are in Year 8.
Step 1: Visit Us
Our Admissions Events provide an opportunity for you to meet our Head, Mrs Marina Gardiner Legge, and our dedicated staff and current pupils whether virtually or in person.
Visit our Admissions Events page to register for an upcoming event.
Step 2: Apply
We recommend applying as early as possible using our online application form. All applications for entry to Year 9 entry in September 2025 should be submitted by Sunday 18th February 2024, when your daughter is in Year 7. Please check our Key Admissions Dates.
You will be asked to upload a current passport photo. There is a non-refundable registration fee of £120. If you are in receipt of income support then we are able to waive this fee, providing proof of income support is sent through. Please contact our Senior School Registrar (admissions@oxf.gdst.net or 01865 478678) for further information.
Bursary Application
Pre-test candidates offered a place for Year 9 in September 2025 will have the opportunity to apply for a GDST bursary in the Autumn Term preceding the year of entry (i.e. Autumn Term 2024).
Families are advised to inform the Admissions team their intention to apply for a bursary as early as possible, and no later than the bursary application deadline in the Autumn Term 2024 (i.e. the Autumn Term of Year 8) or by indicating interest on the application form.
All bursary applications are assessed independently by the Fees Office of the GDST and applications are means-tested, taking into account parental income and assets. In addition to satisfying the means-tested criteria, recipients of bursary awards must also score highly in the 13+ entrance exams. GDST bursaries range from 30% to 100% of school fees; however, the amount of any bursary depends on individual circumstances, local demand and the funding available. Sometimes awards of a lesser value may be offered. Please visit our Bursaries page for details of this year’s bursary assessment criteria.
Step 3: Assessments
Our assessments and interviews are looking for potential. We look for how candidates apply their knowledge and understanding based on topics which would form a common core which we feel should have been covered by all.
Admissions Day
The Admissions Day for entry to Year 9 in September 2025 will take place on Wednesday 6th March 2024 at the Senior School. During the day, candidates will sit computer-based assessments using Atom Learning, which includes English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal.
Your daughter will also sit a 30 minute hand-written English task as part of her entrance assessments.
Prior to her Year 9 pre-test Admissions Day, we will send a parent Atom Learning FAQ sheet, which includes a small familiarisation exercise to help candidates understand how the assessment will be laid out.
Interview
We invite every candidate who sat the entrance assessments to take part in an interview with the Head or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. At the interview, we aim to put candidates at their ease whilst also challenging them. This approach enables us to identify whether a pupil will truly thrive here, academically and otherwise.
Academic Scholarships
Academic Scholarships and Exhibitions are awarded on merit on the basis of the entrance examinations and interview. There are no separate Academic Scholarship examinations or interviews. All candidates who have received Year 9 pre-test place offer will be considered for Academic Scholarships or Exhibitions.
Reference from Current School
We will contact a candidate’s current school for a reference using the information provided in the application form. Please ensure the details provided are of an individual, preferably the Head, of your daughter’s current school, not of an individual external to your daughter’s education.
Step 4: Offers and Acceptance
Parents will be informed of the outcome of their daughter’s application by Monday 8th April 2024.
Acceptance of Offers
The deadline for accepting offered places is Monday 15th July 2024. On the acceptance of a place, a deposit of £1,000 is payable, which the school retains until the end of the pupil’s final term in the school and which is refunded within 12 weeks of her leaving, less any sums owing to the Girls’ Day School Trust or the school at that time. The deposit is forfeited if the pupil does not take up the accepted place.
Step 5: Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships
Pre-test candidates in receipt of an offer for Year 9 in September 2025 also have the opportunity to apply for an Art, Drama, Music or Sport Scholarship (candidates can apply for up to 2 categories). We also offer Exhibitions in these categories.
Further details about the scholarship process and deadlines will be communicated to parents in the Autumn Term preceding the year of entry (i.e. Autumn Term 2024). The scholarship application deadline will be early January 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in late January 2024, and the outcome will be communicated to you in February 2024. Please visit our Scholarships page for more information.
Step 6: Settling into Oxford High School
We believe it is crucial to ensure pupils settle quickly and happily into their new surroundings. We aim to send out all relevant information to new parents well in advance and, once your place has been confirmed as accepted, we will invite you to come along to events or concerts in school so you can meet your future classmates or fellow parents. Buddy systems and ‘New Pupils’ Day’ events are all part of the warm welcome you will enjoy when you join Oxford High School!
If you have further questions about the admissions process, please check out our FAQs page or contact us at admissions@oxf.gdst.net or 01865 478678.