Members

Sibford School is one of the many great independent day and boarding schools in Oxfordshire. Based near Banbury, Sibford School stands out among the rest for its long history of providing top quality education informed by Quaker philosophy.

Sibford recognises all children are different and their commitment to the individual needs of each child is the bedrock of the approach at Sibford School. The school offers an extensive education for pupils aged 3 – 18 years, and offers the option to join as a day pupil, full, weekly, or flexi boarder.

Academic life at Sibford School

Academic life is one of the most important parts of a student’s time at Sibford. During their time in the school, students learn a wide variety of academic subjects and develop themselves as individuals with their own unique talents and hobbies.

A student can start at Sibford in the nursery at three years old and stay until they’ve achieved their A Levels at age 18.

Nursery and Reception

The skills that pupils learn in Sibford School Early Years set them up to be lifelong learners. Sibford encourages curiosity and an adventurous spirit and will use the children’s own ideas and interests to drive their learning forward.

The children have weekly swimming and PE lessons, as well as a forest school session on their very own forest school site. The importance of music, art, and drama with young children should never be underestimated. The children have continuous access to a ‘creative area’ and painting as well as lots of opportunities to create ‘art’ using a variety of mediums such as clay.  On top of this, they have weekly music and musical theatre sessions with specialist teachers.

About nursery and reception at Sibford

Junior School

The junior school at Sibford is set in its own distinctive part of the 50 acre campus to give young children the space they need to learn and grow. They have a strong focus on transition and make sure that all students are prepared for the challenges that they’ll face when they move into Year 7.

There is a strong focus on literacy, numeracy and science, but teachers are not restricted by the National Curriculum. The school’s innovative and varied curriculum focuses on skills like teamwork, respect and communication as well as delivering a great foundation in core subjects for study in later life. Music, drama, art, technology and sport are key parts of junior learning.

About Sibford’s Junior School

Senior School

Sibford Senior School offers an extensive, diverse and innovative education for pupils aged 11 -18, where all pupils are encouraged to ‘live adventurously’. Fundamental to this ethos is a belief in the importance of developing pupils’ enjoyment and excitement about learning. Students are encouraged to grow in confidence, broaden their horizons, demonstrate curiosity and to think independently.

Self-esteem is enhanced with an enduring sense of personal value and a belief that we all have something to offer. Sibford believe passionately in the uniqueness of every pupil and know it is our job to seek out and nurture their gifts and develop their confidence to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

About the Sibford's senior school

Sixth Form

Sibford Sixth Form is a thriving, vibrant, and energetic community. A place where students make the transition from school life to the wider world of higher education, work and a broad range of further destinations.

Sibford is a small, close-knit community that offers students high levels of support, care, and guidance. Sibford Sixth Form actively supports students in building on academic success and preparing students for their adult life, both vocationally and academically. The school prides itself on helping students make successful post 18 applications, with ongoing 1:1 support to help with UCAS applications.

About sixth form at Sibford

Extra-curricular activities

Sibford knows that education is about more than just the lessons that are taught during school hours. Students are learning all the time through their experiences with the world, so the school aims to provide lots of different experiences for its students.

All students are encouraged to make use of the extensive facilities on offer at the school. They offer a 25m indoor swimming pool, climbing wall, sports hall, tennis courts, and football and rugby pitches. Senior Sibford students can also access the music facilities and the art and textile studios out of school hours while supervised by a member of staff.

A wide range of activities for boarders are on offer during the evenings and weekends and include cooking, climbing, gaming, board games, pool, table tennis and crafting.

There are also many trips and activities that take place away from the school grounds that students can go on to enhance their learning and broaden their experiences. The school offers a wide variety of different activities that is continually changing to meet the needs and interests of their pupils.

Boarding

Students have the opportunity to board at the school or to attend during the day. For those who choose to board, House Parents are on hand to ensure a comfortable and happy home-from-home.

The school offers a flexible boarding option. Some students board at the school full-time, weekly or on a flexible basis. Students can also arrange to sleep over at the school certain nights of the term to stay with their friends, join in with after school activities, or complete additional study.

About boarding at Sibford

Learning support

The school operates a Gifted and Talented scheme for students who are able to achieve exceptionally high results. Additional enrichment sessions and support are provided to ensure students are appropriately challenged. The school helps them explore the full extent of their intellectual capabilities.

Sibford School also have a well-established support system. They help students with learning difficulties to achieve their full potential. They can support needs such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Development Coordination Disorder.

Students will follow the National Curriculum alongside their peers. Additional support is provided in literacy, numeracy, and study skills. Tuition occurs in small group settings typically in place of lessons in modern foreign language.

Admissions Criteria

Before beginning at Sibford School, prospective students must complete certain entry criteria.

Junior School

After applying, students wishing to join the Junior School are invited to attend a two day taster session and complete core skills assessment in reading, spelling and maths. This assessment occurs on a one to one basis with a member of the school’s Support for Learning department.

Year 7

Pupils who have applied to join Sibford School in Year 7 will be required to join for Year 7 entry days. These days are designed to offer prospective pupils a warm welcome to the school whilst assessing their ability to thrive in an academic environment. There is no prior preparation needed for the days. Children will undergo assessments and join in with a number of fun activities alongside our current Year 6 pupils and will meet with the Head.

Years 9

Pupils who have applied to join Sibford School in Year 9 will be required to join for a Year 9 entry day. This entry day is designed to offer prospective pupils a warm welcome to the school whilst assessing their ability to thrive in an academic environment. There is no prior preparation needed for the day. Pupils will undergo assessments and join in with a fun activity alongside our current Sibford pupils and will meet with Rebecca Evans, Sibford Head.

Years 8 and 10

Pupils applying to enter Years 8 and 10 will be invited, along with their families, to meet with the Head, Rebecca Evans to discuss their application. Following this, assessments and taster days will be offered to the student where appropriate.

Sixth Form

Upon application, students will be invited to have an interview with the Co-Heads of Sixth Form. Unless undertaking a vocational course, entry to Sibford Sixth Form is largely dependent on the student achieving five 9 – 4 grades at GCSE.

Sibford School Fees, Scholarships & Bursaries

Fees

Sibford School fees are regularly reviewed. This makes sure that the price of each child’s education is always fair and reflective of the support they receive. Upon acceptance of a place, there will be a refundable deposit. This will be held by the school until the student leaves.

Day pupils’ fees are inclusive of their lunch, and evening meals can be added on for an additional fee. Boarding pupils have all their meals included in their boarding fee.

Take a look at up to date fees

Scholarships & Bursaries

Scholarships and bursaries are available through the school for both Quaker and non-Quaker families. Bursaries can be granted in the form of a discount on day fees and are not dependent on any academic or creative achievement. They are reviewed annually.

Sibford School always award scholarships to students who are showing excellence in art, music, sport and academic study. These scholarships are a maximum of 10% discount on fees.

About scholarships and bursaries

Arrange a visit

All students are invited to attend taster sessions before beginning the process of their enrolment with Sibford School. However, private appointments can be made if the taster session dates aren’t suitable by contacting the school directly.

BACK TOTOP