Frequently Asked Questions
What are the entry requirements?
To apply to d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form, you'll need at least 8 GCSEs at A*-C (or equivalent). Normally, these should include English and Maths.
At least 4 subjects at grade B or above.
You'll also need at least a B grade at GCSE in any subject you intend to continue at AS level.
How many students in a class?
We teach in small classes of, on average, seven 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 ratio of boys to girls?
Usually around 50:50 but obviously this can vary a little year on year.
How many students board?
Around 50%.
Will it be easy to make friends?
Yes! Nearly 100 new students join us from other schools each year – meaning that, as a new student, you will be in the same position as many others, all looking 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 that often continue well beyond 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. Sport at d'Overbroeck's
Is sport compulsory?
A question usually asked by those hoping the answer will be no! Sport is indeed not compulsory at d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form. We do, however, expect all Lower Sixth students to take part in at least one extracurricular activity per week (though this need not be sport). We organise a very varied weekly programme, which includes many different types of activities, so it should be easy to find something that takes your fancy.
What extra-curricular activities are available?
Our 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. Activities at d'Overbroeck's
How do I decide which subject to choose?
Subject choice is an important matter, 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. Subjects taught at d'Overbroeck's
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 demanded by the presence of younger pupils. This is a more mature environment – one 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 regulations.
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 than that offered by their current school.
Our strong track record of academic achievement and in helping students to gain places at top universities (such as Oxford, Cambridge and the LSE) and on highly competitive degree courses (such as Medicine and Law) is also a strong factor in many cases.
Another common attraction 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. Subjects taught at d'Overbroeck's
Can students drive to College?
Yes – but beware: parking is difficult and/or expensive. The majority of roads in North Oxford are for permit holders only, so the best solution may involve use of the Park and Ride facility. Transport in and around Oxford
What facilities does the College offer?
See our 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. Scholarships and awards at d'Overbroeck's