The Dragon in Oxford is one of the leading Prep schools in the UK educating boys and girls from 4-13 years old. It is a vibrant, happy and aspirational school; promoting a love of learning, breadth of opportunity and a strong sense of community and fun. The Dragon Prep sits proudly amid stunning open playing fields in North Oxford on the banks of the River Cherwell and the Pre-Prep is in the heart of Summertown.
The Dragon’s reputation as a School where every child can find, explore and develop their talents has been well earned. ‘Old Dragons’ go on to be successful in many different fields -Sir John Betjeman, Dame Cressida Dick, Tom Hiddleston, Tim Henman and Emma Watson are just a few of the famous alumni.
NEW INITIATIVES
The Dragon has launched ‘Dragon QUEST’-an enrichment curriculum programme on Saturday mornings. A timetable of activities provides Dragons with a wide range of options, including farm visits and yoga, to film making and animation, first aid and debating through to astronomy, orienteering and cultural exploration in Oxford, Dragon QUEST provides our children with the opportunity to discover talents, develop new skills and dare to embrace new challenges.
Dragon QUEST from Dragon School, Oxford on Vimeo.
BOARDING
Every Sunday evening, the Dragon Bus from London takes boarders back to School. Day and flexi boarding are increasingly popular with modern families and day pupils can spend regular or occasional nights enjoying life in a boarding house. Our boarders are drawn from local, national and international backgrounds and they live with dedicated House parents in family-style Boarding Houses. With an informality that builds trust and allows children to develop a sense of responsibility and respect for others, pupils are helped to become well-rounded, confident, independent and motivated – all the attributes they will need to become socially adept and emotionally intelligent adults.
Dragon Boarding from Dragon School, Oxford on Vimeo.
THE CURRICULUM
The Dragon is a co-educational school which has offered a unique educational experience to pupils since 1877. Our distinctive approach encourages enquiry, confidence and enthusiasm. The breadth of intellectual and philosophical challenge underpins an expansive academic curriculum. There are six separate science labs, opportunities to learn Classics and three large Art and DT studios where children explore drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics and experiment with a range of materials and electronics.
SPORTS & THE ARTS
The Dragon offers over 20 sporting activities for its boys and girls to enjoy including sculling, fencing, football, golf, cricket, equestrianism and judo. There is a busy calendar of fixtures against other schools and senior squads have the opportunity to go on overseas tours. Music and Drama are real strengths as you would imagine from a school with alumni such as Emma Watson and Tom Hiddleston. There are annual plays and musical productions and over 800 individual Music lessons per week (held in soundproof pods) and 60 music ensembles
PASTORAL CARE
The Dragon strives to create a happy, secure and stimulating learning environment in which all members of the School community can grow and develop as individuals. The Dragon follows a nurturing programme which enhances self-awareness, personal empowerment, self-esteem and empathy for all pupils.
RECENT SCHOLARSHIPS
2022 Leavers: 60 pupils have been awarded academic or specialist scholarships to a wide range of leading schools including Eton, Winchester, Wycombe Abbey, Radley, Cheltenham Ladies College, St Edward’s Oxford, Harrow and Marlborough College.
ADMISSIONS
Prospective parents are welcome to experience the energy and creativity of the Dragon Prep and Pre-Prep by registering for an Open Morning. Private visits are also available on request.
Next Open Mornings on
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Saturday 17th September – Prep
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Friday 30th September – Pre-Prep
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Saturday 5th November – Virtual
