English + Horse Riding at The Oratory School

Course Description: English + Horse Riding at The Oratory School

The Oratory School, Oxfordshire

Established in 1859, The Oratory School is a prestigious boarding school set within 100 acres of beautiful countryside in Oxfordshire. The campus combines historic character with state-of-the-art academic and sports facilities, creating an inspiring environment for learning, creativity, and personal growth.

The school is renowned for its peaceful setting and rich heritage. Author J.R.R. Tolkien lived on campus during 1949, where he is believed to have written a portion of The Lord of the Rings, adding a unique literary legacy to this remarkable location.

📍 Location & Accessibility

• Approximately 30 minutes from Oxford city centre

• Around 45 minutes from Heathrow Airport

• Under 50 minutes to London Paddington by train

  This central location allows students to enjoy both a tranquil campus atmosphere and easy access to major UK cities.

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🏫 Campus Facilities

Students benefit from a wide range of modern facilities designed to support academic excellence and wellbeing:

• Shared single, twin, and quad bedrooms (en-suite and shared bathroom options)

• Modern, well-equipped classrooms

• Indoor swimming pool

• Excellent sports facilities and playing fields

• Theatre and drama studios for performance and creative arts

🐎 Horse-Riding Programme

This unique programme blends high-quality English language tuition with professional horse-riding instruction and stable management, offering students an unforgettable learning experience both in and out of the classroom.

Open to beginners and experienced riders, the course is delivered in collaboration with leading equestrian centres and is designed to build confidence, communication skills, and a strong understanding of equine care. Over two weeks, students improve their English while developing practical riding skills and forming international friendships in a supportive environment.

🌟 Programme Highlights

• Full-board residential accommodation

• 15 hours of English tuition per week

• 4 horse-riding & stable management sessions per week (3 hours per session)

• Structured evening activity programme

• 2 full-day excursions per week

• Rosette awarded upon successful completion

🐴 Riding & Stable Experience

Students take part in a complete equestrian journey, including:

• Grooming and caring for horses

• Tacking up and stable management

• Countryside hacks

• Introductory show jumping (level-appropriate)

As students gain confidence in the saddle, they naturally enhance their English vocabulary, communication skills, and teamwork through hands-on activities and guided instruction.

🛡️ Safety & Supervision

Student safety is our top priority:

• Approved riding helmets are provided

• Parents may supply a personal body protector if preferred

• All riding sessions are supervised by qualified instructors

This programme is ideal for students who love animals, enjoy outdoor activity, and want to combine language learning with a truly memorable equestrian experience.

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🛏️ Accommodation

Comfortable boarding houses provide a safe and supportive residential experience:

• High-quality boarding accommodation

• Age-appropriate room allocations

• Supervised environment ensuring student welfare at all times

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🗺️ Excursions & Experiences

Students enjoy a varied programme of educational and recreational trips, including:

• Warwick Castle overnight excursion

• London sightseeing and river cruise

• Theme park visit

• Oxford city exploration

Meals & Dining 🍽️

Students enjoy a wide variety of nutritious international meals prepared by an experienced catering team. Meals are served in a modern dining hall overlooking the school’s beautiful grounds, creating a welcoming and social dining environment.

Special dietary requirements—including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and medical needs—can be accommodated. Families are encouraged to provide full details on the application form so arrangements can be made in advance.

A Typical Day at The Oratory School ⏰

Each day is carefully structured to balance academic learning, activities, meals, and rest, ensuring students stay engaged, supported, and energised throughout their stay.

Weekday Schedule (Monday–Friday)

07:30 – Wake up

08:00 – 09:00 – Breakfast 🍳

09:30 – 11:00 – Lesson 1 (English)

11:00 – 11:15 – Morning break

11:15 – 12:45 – Lesson 2 (English)

12:45 – 13:45 – Lunch 🍽️

13:45 – 15:15 – Afternoon classes / Lab activities

15:15 – 15:30 – Afternoon break

15:30 – 17:00 – Afternoon classes / Lab activities

17:00 – 19:00 – Free time / relaxation / supervised social time

19:00 – 20:00 – Dinner 🍝

20:00 – 22:30 – Evening activities (games, shows, sports, quizzes)

23:00 – Lights out 🌙

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Arrival Day (Sunday)

Students arrive on campus on Sunday afternoon.

• Welcome activities run throughout the day

• Room check-in is available from mid-afternoon

• Evening welcome session and light activities

• Dinner included

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Excursion Days 🌍 (2+ week programmes)

On designated excursion days, the normal class schedule is replaced with a full-day trip to a major UK destination such as:

• London

• Oxford

• Alton Towers

• Stratford-upon-Avon

All meals, transport, and supervision are included on excursion days.

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Check-Out Day (Saturday)

• Breakfast included

• Departures throughout the day

• Staff available to assist with transfers and departures

🕒 Day Student Schedule

Day students attend the programme Monday to Friday and return home each evening, enjoying the full academic and activity experience during the day.

A Typical Day for Day Students:

• Check-in: 08:30 – 09:00

• Morning Assembly: 09:00

• English Lessons: 09:15 – 13:00

• Lunch: 13:00 – 14:00

• Afternoon Activities: 14:00 – 17:30

• Pick-up: 17:00 – 18:00

Day students take part in all English lessons, supervised activities, and lunch alongside residential students, ensuring they benefit from the same high-quality teaching and social experience—while returning home in the evening.

This option is ideal for local families or students staying nearby who prefer a non-residential experience without missing out on the full programme.

Please Note

• Evening activities, dinner, and overnight supervision are not included for day students.

• On excursion days, day student timings may vary slightly and will be communicated in advance.

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Arrival, Travel & Transfers ✈️

• Arrival Day: Sunday afternoon (earlier arrivals are welcome, though rooms may not be available until mid-afternoon)

• Closest Airport: Birmingham Airport (approximately 30 minutes away)

✈️ Transfer Information

Airport transfers are £30 each way for students whose flights arrive and depart within the following time windows:

Arrival (Sunday):

Flights landing between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Departure:

Flights departing between 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM

Supported Airports:

• London Heathrow (LHR)

• London Gatwick (LGW)

Students arriving within these times will be met by trained staff and transferred directly to campus. Full supervision is provided throughout the transfer process to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

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Academic Placement & Class Structure 🎓

Before arrival, students complete an online English assessment to determine their language level. This ensures placement in a class with peers of similar age and ability.

• Maximum standard class size: 15 students

• Six English proficiency levels available

• Curriculum covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening

• Focus on confidence, communication, and academic progression

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Practical Information for Parents 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Recommended pocket money: approximately £50 per week

• Valuables such as passports and travel documents can be securely stored on campus

• Students are advised to bring minimal valuables