Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have tried to answer some of the most common questions we get asked in the list below. If you have any more questions just telephone us and we will answer them as best we can!

For more information telephone us on +44 (1865) 310000

How many students in a class? We teach in small classes of, on average, 7 students. The maximum number of students we ever have in a class is 10.

Where do students come from? The majority of our students are from Oxfordshire, however, we also have students from all over the UK and indeed from other parts of the world. Students join us from both independent and state schools.

What is the percentage of boys and girls? Usually around 50:50 but obviously this can vary a little year on year.

How many students board? Around 45%.

Will it be easy to make friends? Yes! Nearly 100 new students join us from other schools each year which means that, as a new student, you will be in the same position as lots of others. Everyone is eager to make new friends. You will not be joining a school where friendship groups have been established for years. This is an open and friendly environment in which students form strong friendships which often continue long after the students have left the College.

What sport does the College offer? A whole range of individual and team sports are on offer each week ranging from fencing to football and from rowing to rugby. For full details of the sports we offer click here

Is sport compulsory? A question usually asked by those hoping the answer will be ‘no’! The answer is indeed that sport is not compulsory in the Sixth Form at d’Overbroeck’s. However, participation in sport and extra-curricular activities generally is very much encouraged. There is a very varied weekly programme, which includes many different types of activities as well as sport.

What extra-curricular activities are there? For a full listing click here Our extracurricular activities programme grows and develops each year, with new activities and clubs being added at the suggestion of either staff or students. So, if you are keen on something that we don’t currently offer, great! Come and get it started.

How do I decide which subject to choose? This is a very important question, and one which we think is likely to have a significant bearing on your academic success. We aim to give prospective students as much guidance and help in choosing their subjects as they need. For more details click here

What are the rules? As a dedicated Sixth Form, we don’t feel the need to impose the sort of battery of rules that, in most schools, is made necessary by the presence of younger pupils. This is a more mature environment in which students are treated as young adults rather than as schoolchildren. We place a great deal of emphasis on academic work and achievement and we monitor students’ progress very closely. But we don’t have rules on dress code or hairstyle, for instance, and we don’t try to regiment every minute of every day. This is, in other words, a highly structured yet relatively informal environment in which trust and personal responsibility largely take the place of a lengthy list of do’s and don’ts.

Is there a uniform? No. Students are free to wear what they like and feel most comfortable in. Within reason of course!

What attracts most students to d'Overbroeck's? The most common answer given by prospective students is that they would like to move to a more open and mature environment for the Sixth Form than they would encounter if they stayed at their current school. Our strong track record of academic achievement and in helping students to gain places at top universities (e.g. Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics etc.) and on highly competitive degree courses (such as Medicine and Law) is also a strong factor in many cases. Another reason that often draws students to the d’Overbroeck’s Sixth Form is the wide range of subjects that we offer at A level, and the fact that we allow each student the freedom to choose the subject combination that best suits his or her interests, strengths and future aspirations. Click here for a full list of the subects we offer.

Can students drive to College? Yes but beware that parking is difficult and/or expensive. The majority of roads in North Oxford are for permit holders only so the best solution is probably to use the Park and Ride options. Click here for details of the best ways of traveling around Oxford.

What facilities does the College offer? Click here to see more information on ‘Buildings and Facilities’. If you would like more specific information on facilities relating to a particular subject or activity, please don’t hesitate to telephone and ask.

Do you offer Scholarships and Bursaries? Yes we do, for full details of the awards we offer click here