Dragon School

The Dragon has offered a unique educational experience to pupils since the School was founded in 1877 to educate the children of Oxford University dons. It is a truly co-educational school whose distinctive, progressive approach encourages enquiry, confidence and enthusiasm and ensures that the boys and girls are happy and have fun. The Dragon's location on the edge of the beautiful, cosmopolitan city of Oxford provides the perfect balance of green space and culture, whilst its scale ensures that children benefit from an amazing breadth of opportunities.

Dragon QUEST- an exciting enrichment curriculum programme - has transformed Saturday mornings at the Prep. A matrix of activities provides Dragons with a wide range of options, from farm visits and yoga, film making and animation, first aid and debating through to astronomy, orienteering and cultural exploration in Oxford.  QUEST gives children the opportunity to discover talents, develop new skills and dare to embrace new challenges.

The Dragon now offers flexible boarding options to suit modern families, with full boarders enjoying an immersive ‘home from home’ experience, weekly boarders able to choose to spend weekends with their family and many day pupils boarding for a couple of nights a week or getting a taste of boarding on an occasional stay. Boarders live with dedicated Houseparents and their families in characterful boarding houses next to the School. The independence and confidence that the children develop as a result is an ideal preparation for boarding at a senior public school.

The nurturing Pre-Prep is on a separate site in Summer Town and small class sizes ensure that each child can develop at their own pace. At the Prep, specialist teachers, with a wealth of experience and talents, provide an expansive academic curriculum. There are six separate science labs, a number of ICT suites with the latest technology, opportunities to learn Classics and Modern Languages, 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.

The Dragon strives to create a happy, secure and stimulating learning environment which prioritises the wellbeing of the young Dragons and their development as individuals. 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. Philanthropy is on the curriculum from Reception onwards and children take an active role in social and environmental impact initiatives.

The Dragon places great emphasis on the holistic development of the children and there is a rich extra-curricular life. The Dragon offers over 20 sporting activities for its boys and girls to enjoy including sculling, rugby, hockey, football, netball, cricket, athletics, swimming, equestrianism, fencing and judo. There is a busy calendar of fixtures against other schools giving all children the opportunity to represent the School and senior squads have the opportunity to go on overseas tours. Music and Drama are real strengths with annual plays and musical productions, over 800 individual Music lessons per week (held in soundproof pods), 60 music ensembles and regular concerts. There is also a huge range of after school clubs as well as trips and exchanges in other countries to widen children’s horizons.

2020 Leavers went on to over 30 different senior schools including the top names in the UK. Families are supported and advised by senior staff and a dedicated Future Schools team so that each child goes on to a school where they will thrive.

An impressive 55 academic or specialist scholarships were achieved at a wide range of leading schools including Eton, Winchester, Wycombe Abbey, Radley, Cheltenham Ladies College, St Edward’s Oxford, Harrow and Marlborough College

Prospective parents are welcome to experience the energy and creativity of the Dragon by registering for an Open Morning. Private visits are also available on request. Main entry points are Reception, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 7 but there may be spaces in other year groups so please do contact the Admissions team. Transformational, means-tested bursaries are offered at year 4 to children whose families would not otherwise be able to afford the fees.