Age Range. 4–8 (Pre-Prep), 8–13 (Prep).
Number of Pupils. 806.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Prep Day: £8,550; Prep Boarding: £12,630; Pre-Prep: £4,850–£6,380.
Since 1877, Dragon School has cultivated kindness, courage, and respect in its young learners. Today, it is an extraordinary co-ed day and boarding school in Oxford for children aged 4–13.
In terms of location, the Dragon enjoys the best of both worlds. The nurturing Pre-Prep is in vibrant Summertown, and the North Oxford Prep boasts expansive playing fields rolling down to the banks of the River Cherwell. In classrooms, you’ll feel the energy, excitement and aspiration which define a Dragon education. And elsewhere around school – on the playing fields, in the boathouse, art studio, science labs or the homely boarding houses – you’ll get a sense of the strong relationships and the powerful ethos that binds the school community.
The Dragon’s progressive outlook is built on a legacy of intellectual curiosity. The school was founded as the Oxford Preparatory School in the 19th century to educate the sons of Oxford University dons. The name was soon changed to Dragon School and it was run for many years by the Lynams, a family with progressive educational views. Today, the Dragon’s aims and ethos remains true to its founding tenets: that school should be a place of inspiration, wonder and, above all, fun.
The Curriculum
Dragons are academically rigorous, creative, independent and ambitious free thinkers. The pupils are inspired and encouraged to reach for the sun in their learning, and to strive for excellent academic outcomes and experiences through a rich and progressive curriculum.
Co-Curricular
The Dragon has an enviable programme of over 100 co-curricular activities, guaranteeing something for everyone. From animation club to yoga, rock group to roller skating, skiing to surfing and gardening to coding, there are countless opportunities for children to develop their creative talents and build their confidence, physical health, and general wellbeing.
We make the most of our location on the River Cherwell with our extensive sports and leisure facilities, meaning that activities such as paddle-boarding, sculling and lifeguarding are always on offer.
Pastoral
At the Dragon, pupils live by their values: they are kind, courageous and respectful. The Dragon spirit is like no other – ambitious, caring, spirited, curious and always reaching for the sun.
This spirit is instilled through the unique pastoral approach. Dragons love the family feel of the school, and the focus on fun and playful exploration balanced with intellectual ambition. The pastoral mission is for pupils to end their time there with an understanding of what it means to be a human, to know their place in the world, and to have a grasp of their potential.
Dragons’ differences are celebrated, whether they’re playful or thoughtful, sensitive or loud, expressive or analytical. That’s why the three key values are instilled – kindness, courage and respect – from Day 1, so that every member of the Dragon community feels valued and nurtured.
Boarding
Boarding is the beating heart of the Dragon. In the nine vibrant boarding homes, the focus is very simple: family, friends and having fun. If you arrange to visit the Dragon, make sure you speak to a young boarder for their view – we’re sure you’ll hear about all of the above – and more!
Boarding is an experience that endures in the most positive of ways. Former boarders regularly talk about the long-lasting friendships, strong relationships with staff and the powerful sense of independence they developed at the Dragon.
Head’s Philosophy
It is important to harness the vitality, imagination and natural curiosity of young people to develop the mindset of ‘why not?’. If this culture of questioning is embedded at an early age, it will encourage an enthusiasm to lead a lifetime of learning. Arduus ad solem – ‘reach for the sun’ – is the School’s motto and is as relevant today as it was when the school was founded. We want all of our children to become resilient and ambitious, ready to take on the challenges of being a global citizen of the 21st century. The Dragon has a well-earned reputation of providing a community which will nurture these characteristics with the values of kindness, courage and respect underpinning all that we do.
Outstanding Characteristics. The 2022 ISI inspection rated Dragon School as ‘outstanding’, and teaching and learning as ‘exceptional’. The School ethos promotes a warmly enthusiastic, genuinely respectful and a naturally unpretentious approach to learning. It manages to be nurturing yet ambitious while fostering an intellectual curiosity, a strong sense of community and a keen pursuit of excellence in all its forms.
For further information or to arrange a visit please contact Dr Kate Heath, Registrar, on 01865 315 405 or admissions@dragonschool.org. Please visit www.dragonschool.org for more information. Personal tours available by appointment.
Charitable status. The Dragon School Trust Ltd is a Registered Charity, number 309676. Aim: to provide education for boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 13.