St Hugh’s School Oxford

About St Hugh’s School

St Hugh’s is a rural preparatory school preparing boys and girls (from ages 4 to 13) for Common Entrance and Scholarship examinations to senior independent schools. We offer day, weekly and flexi-boarding options. We are non-selective, welcoming and catering for pupils of a wide range of ability. The arts and sport feature strongly and pupils are encouraged to develop their talents and interests.

St Hugh’s is a co-educational preparatory school with a clear sense of purpose: to give our pupils a secure educational foundation and the confidence to be adaptable and independent as they prepare for life beyond the school. We aim to give them all the opportunity and encouragement to develop their own interests and talents, while learning to work and play together and to contribute positively to their community.

There is no competitive selection: we both welcome and cater for pupils of a wide range of ability. Our aim is to foster confidence and a love of learning across this range – an outstanding Scholarship and Common Entrance record and the provision of integral learning support both bear testimony to our inclusive approach.

St Hugh’s was founded in Bickley, Kent in 1906 and and after a short spell in Chislehurst moved out to Malvern during the war. In 1945 it moved to its new home at Carswell Manor, a fine Jacobean country house with extensive, attractive grounds. The school proudly bears the name of Hugh of Avalon, Bishop of Lincoln from 1156 to 1200. It is in membership of the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools and is administered as a charitable educational trust by a Board of Governors.

For many years St Hugh’s was solely a boys’ full boarding school. Since 1977 we have been co-educational and we see this as a key element in the family atmosphere which pervades St Hugh’s and which enables our children to grow up in an environment where courtesy and consideration for others are paramount.