16 | LUXlife Magazine Leading Co-Educational Day & Boarding School 2026 – Oxfordshire & Pioneer of Individuality in Academic Excellence 2026 – UK Oxfordshire has long been home to some of the finest academic institutions in the UK and the rest of the world, and d’Overbroeck’s has proudly been adding to that reputation since it was founded in 1977. Starting out life as a sixth form college, this private boarding and day school in Oxford today comprises three main sites where happy and independent learners achieve incredible academic and personal success. We caught up with the school’s own Matthew Highton for more. At d’Overbroeck’s, every student is treated as an individual and immersed in an education that is as unique as they are. Here, children discover their talents, follow their passions, and grow into confident and independent learners. This all takes place across its three main campus sites – a senior school, an international school, and a thriving sixth form – where pupils between the ages of 11 and 18 can experience the highest academic standards in Britian, mixed with an undercurrent of fun, expressive learning. Compared to the more traditional models favoured by many independent schools in Oxford and across the UK, d’Overbroeck’s approach is more personalised and attentive, with smaller class sizes and an environment where everyone knows each other on a firstname basis. The result is tailored learning, where individuals are supported to achieve their own ambitions, be it academic excellence, a creative pursuit, or finding their strengths. Supporting the school in delivering these outstanding student outcomes and the life skills needed in a world that is always changing is d’Overbroeck’s status as part of Nord Anglia Education, a global family of day and boarding schools serving 89 institutions across 37 countries. This partnership offers an international perspective and a shared purpose of achieving academic excellence, which exists alongside the close-knit, supportive community that comes from d’Overbroeck’s independent nature. Matthew told us: “We stand out for the way we combine true academic rigour with a culture that genuinely celebrates individuality. Students can choose from over 40 subjects, including a wide range of Level 3 courses, with no fixed option blocks, allowing them to create bespoke programmes tailored to their interests and ambitions. This level of freedom is rare and ensures every student can shape their own path.” The staff at d’Overbroeck’s, including Principal Patrick Horne, play a major role in nurturing students, and the school’s aforementioned partnership with Nord Anglia Education sees them benefit from exceptional support, worldclass training, a global network of colleagues, and development opportunities through partner North Anglia University. As a result, teachers are driven by the impact they have on the education and lives of pupils, with the guidance provided in the classroom matched by equally inspiring pastoral care. All of this adds up to the distinctive culture that can be felt across d’Overbroeck’s, from the A-Level courses at its sixth form college through to its international school in the beating heart of Oxford. Described by Matthew as a “rare blend of academic rigour and a relaxed, inclusive environment where individuality is genuinely celebrated”, this culture sees students known, supported, and encouraged to succeed in their own way, without the pressure or competition that is synonymous with many private schools in the region. The results of this approach speak for themselves, as 92% of students who completed their A-Level courses at this Oxford independent school in the class of 2025 went on to their first-choice university. This is just the beginning, as impressive GCSE and A-Level results are commonplace every year at d’Overbroeck’s, opening the doors to some of the UK’s most prestigious universities, including a leading institution just down the road… Looking to continue its track record of excellence as it goes into its 50th year in 2027, d’Overbroeck’s is excited to be entering into a new phase of growth and development, with its new principal, Christopher Bromham, set to be welcomed aboard. Currently the principal of another Nord Anglia institution, namely International College Spain, Christopher brings with him more than two decades of leadership experience in high-performing schools. This is not all, as new courses and a new boarding house are also on the cards. In closing, Matthew commented: “With continued investment in wellbeing, pastoral care and our highly personalised academic approach, we continue to go from strength to strength – combining thoughtful growth with a clear vision for the future.” Standing out for what its student achieve and the confident, well-rounded individuals they become in the process, we are delighted to recognise d’Overbroeck’s private boarding and day school in Oxford with two titles in our Private Education Awards 2026. Contact: Matthew Highton Company: d’Overbroeck’s Web Address: www.doverbroecks.com d’Overbroeck’s
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