With more than 600 years of history, Oswestry School is one of the oldest and most traditional private schools in England – but tradition is only part of the story. This is also one of the warmest and most welcoming boarding schools we know.
Looking for a true all-rounder? Oswestry may have deep roots, but it’s clearly a school focused on the future. Its campus radiates charm, blending historic buildings with well-kept sports facilities and an impressive reputation in music and the arts.
What stood out to us most during our visit was the sense of belonging. The 477 pupils at Oswestry are known for their strong sense of community and engagement. Their guiding motto – “We learn not for school, but for life” – is something that genuinely shapes daily life here. We were especially impressed by the school’s commitment to outdoor learning. Pupils take part in nature-based group experiences that build character, resilience, and teamwork. This is a school where every child is warmly welcomed and individually supported. You can feel the care in every corner.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Age of Students: 4–18
Number of Students: 477
Boarding Students: 31% of Sixth Form
International Students: 33%
Sixth Form Students: 84
Boarding Fees for Sixth Form per Term: £14,995
Main Sports Besides Traditional Team Sports: Horse riding, ballet, swimming, climbing, athletics
Nearest Airports: Manchester (73 min), Heathrow (2.8 h), direct train connection to London
https://oswestryschool.org.uk/
Key Strengths at a Glance
All-round education
Experiential learning
Warm, family-like support
Fantastic outdoor opportunities
Oswestry School – Photo Highlights
Oswestry School in Detail
Pastoral Care
Oswestry is non-denominational, inclusive, and nationally recognised for its commitment to both academic and emotional care. Teachers here are passionate and hands-on. The academic support is exceptional, and pupils who may need extra help – including those with dyslexia – are given outstanding individual attention. Tutors, Houseparents, and teaching staff are always on hand, around the clock.
Boarding
Around 150 pupils board at Oswestry, and all live on campus. The vibrant weekend activity programme helps build bonds and keeps spirits high. This is a particularly good choice for short-term boarding too – new pupils are quickly absorbed into the school community thanks to the school’s open-hearted culture and genuinely dedicated staff. Oswestry calls itself “a home away from home,” and it’s a phrase that rings true. Family values underpin everything. The boarding houses remain open throughout term time, only closing during major holidays.
Academics
Pupils at Oswestry benefit from a high-quality, broad-based education and consistently strong academic results. Teaching is rigorous and inspiring, backed by modern technology and tailored support. Students can take GCSEs or A-levels, and the subject range is striking for a school of this size – from Design Technology and Economics to Modern Languages, Food Science, and Sports Science.
Co-Curricular and Sports
Oswestry is a school where sport and creativity go hand in hand. Tennis is especially popular, but pupils also enjoy riding, golf, athletics, volleyball, swimming, and basketball. Outdoor education is a particular strength – adventurous activities challenge students and help them grow. The nearby countryside and Snowdonia National Park are perfect for kayaking, climbing, sailing and more. Creative pupils are also wonderfully catered for, with a fully equipped art department offering everything from sculpture and ceramics to photography and textiles.
Message from the Headmaster
Peter Middleton
“Oswestry School has enjoyed a close relationship with Akademis for some time, and I am very much looking forward to our continued collaboration. Founded in 1407, we are proud of our heritage – but we are also a forward-thinking, dynamic community. Pupils who have joined us through Akademis have flourished here. They’ve made the most of every opportunity, embraced school life fully, developed skills for the future, and built lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. We look forward to welcoming many more Akademis students – and their families – into our unique school community.”
Student Voice
Ann Sophie
“When I arrived one Saturday in April, the first thing I noticed was the huge playing field and the beautiful grounds. Then we went into the dining hall, which was serving brunch – I was amazed at how new and attractive it looked (you can see it in the photos online).
A boarding staff member gave me a tour, and I loved how the campus looked. The boarding house was a bit older than the dining hall – more traditional and British in style – but very cosy. The staff were incredibly friendly, and I instantly felt safe and well looked after.
The other students were kind and welcoming too. I’ve settled in well and made new friends. I feel very at home here.
I love the weekend activities – we often go on trips to towns where we can walk around in small groups and go shopping. There are also movie nights, board games, and special events. And coming up soon are even more exciting plans – beach trips and go-karting!”
What our clients say about us
Get a free consultation and find out more about Oswestry School
Oswestry School Fees
The cost of boarding at Oswestry School starts at £14,995 per term – that’s £44,985 for the full academic year.
Final Thoughts
Oswestry School offers a warm, sporty, and deeply supportive environment for young people. Through our ongoing contact with the school, we know just how well our students thrive there – both academically and personally. Artists, musicians, performers, and athletes alike find plenty of scope to shine.
Of course, Oswestry is just one of many fantastic schools in the UK that might suit your child. Your wishes and your child’s needs are unique – and our role is to help you find the best possible match. Let us guide you through the process.
We know the British boarding landscape inside out and would be delighted to advise you personally.
With Akademis, you benefit from:
- Easy personal contact
- Exclusive video insights featuring the Headmaster
- Increased chances of acceptance at Oswestry
- Support with visa questions
- First-hand, authentic perspectives from our students and team
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
