Magdalen College School

Learning Support Department offers tailored support ranging from diagnosed medical needs to focus, study skills, time management, and English as an Additional Language

“Our experienced Learning Support Department offers tailored support to help pupils achieve their full potential – from help to manage a diagnosed medical need, through to more routine interventions and classroom support to manage issues such as focus and attention, study skills or time management.”

Registration process asks about medical conditions or specific learning difficulties so access arrangements can be arranged for entrance tests

“The registration form will ask you if your child has any medical conditions or specific learning difficulties that the school should be made aware of, so that access arrangements may be put in place if applicable.”

Dedicated Medical Centre with full-time health professionals offering first aid and counselling

“There is a dedicated Medical Centre in the Junior School, with full-time health professionals. From first aid to counseling, Junior School pupils can benefit from on-site health provision during term-time.”

Medical Centre with four registered nurses provides physical and mental health support, referring to external agencies including school counsellors

“the Medical Centre is a key point of support for both physical and mental health. Our four registered nurses offer care and guidance and, where necessary, refer pupils to external support, including school doctors, the John Radcliffe Hospital, or the school counsellors.”

40% of the year group (45 pupils) achieved 10 grades 9-8, while 12 pupils secured at least 10 grade 9s

“40% of the year group (45 pupils) achieved 10 grades 9-8, while 12 pupils secured at least 10 grade 9s.”

Two pupils singled out by exam board OCR for exceptional performance in English Literature

“Marcus (Head of School) and Finn were both singled out by exam board OCR for their exceptional performance in English Literature”

A-level Music classes range from 5 to 12 candidates

“we have one set of between 5 and 12 candidates”

MCS runs the Waynflete Studies Programme, a bespoke extended-project-style research programme open to every Lower Sixth former, often mentored by an external university tutor.

“The Waynflete Studies Programme is our unique version of the extended project, in which every Lower Sixth former has the opportunity to research a topic of their choice, many under the guidance of an external university tutor.”

History department runs a well-established History Society with visiting speakers from Oxford's universities, an annual A level History conference, a reading group, and past trips to Paris (6th form)

“We have a well-established History Society, with visiting speakers coming regularly, particularly from Oxford’s two universities, including Professors William Doyle, Michael Broers, the Wolfson Prize winner Peter Marshall and the 2019 Ford lecturer Mark Bailey.”

Founded in 1480 as an academically ambitious school open to children of all backgrounds.

“We were founded in 1480 as an academically ambitious school where children of all backgrounds could learn, flourish and serve – a legacy which continues to this day.”

MCS describes itself as a diverse, inclusive, kind and friendly community that values each child, alongside a high-quality academic offer.

“MCS has always been a diverse and inclusive community. We are proud to be known as a kind, friendly and inclusive school, where each child is valued.”

A-level Music at sixth form is taught in small groups (5-12 candidates) following Pearson Edexcel, covering performance, composition, listening and analysis

“At A Level, we have one set of between 5 and 12 candidates and follow the Pearson Edexcel course, which further develops the skills of performance, composition, listening and analysis.”

Sixth Form applicants must indicate preferred A Level options during registration so the school can arrange admissions tests and subject interviews.

“Applicants for the Sixth Form will need to indicate their preferred A Level options as part of the Registration process to enable us to arrange admissions tests and subject interviews.”

Registration deadline for Sixth Form applicants is 30th September in the year prior to entry.

“30th September in the year prior to entry for Sixth Form applicants.”

Pre-test registration deadline is 31st October in Year 6

“The deadline for registration for pre-test applicants is 31st October when pupils are in Year 6 at their current prep school.”

On average, over 10 pupils per year go on to read History or Joint Honours at university, with half of them gaining places at Oxford or Cambridge

“On average, over 10 pupils go on to read History or Joint Honours at university each year, with half that number gaining places at Oxford or Cambridge.”

Cambridge, Oxford and Durham are popular leaver destinations, with the vast majority going to Russell Group universities

“Cambridge, Oxford and Durham were popular destinations, with the vast majority of pupils going to Russell Group Universities.”

2025 GCSE results: 61% of all grades were grade 9, 83% grades 9-8, 94% grades 9-7

“The school is delighted to report that 61% of all grades were grade 9, 83% grades 9-8 and 94% grades 9-7.”

42 pupils (over a quarter of the year group) attained 3 A*s or more, 24 achieved 4 A*s or more, 7 achieved 5 A*s

“In addition, 42 pupils (over a quarter of the year group) attained 3 A\*s or more, with 24 achieving 4 A\*s or more and 7 achieving 5 A\*s.”