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Annual Information booklet: 2025/6

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ANNUAL INFORMATION


Radley College is an independent full boarding school in Oxfordshire for boys aged 13-18.


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We wish to surround the boys with an atmosphere breathing greatness and goodness. No man of experience but knows the value of teaching… religion and mortality, history and truth, wisdom and learning are best taught by example. R O B E R T S I N G L E TO N , F I R S T WA R D E N , J U N E 1847


WARDEN’S WELCOME A Radleian is recognisable by his drive and ambition, his confidence and kindness, his loyalty and integrity, and his love of life. Whilst society has often leaned towards a utilitarian pursuit of tangible outcomes, Radley has maintained a steadfast belief in the importance of good character. In a challenging and changing world, it is not merely skills, knowledge and expertise that will define success in the modern workplace but the ability to act with conviction, creativity and kindness.


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It is our privilege to help shape the character of our boys such that they become people of real value: wherever they are and whatever they do. An Old Testament prophet had the right priorities: “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly” (Micah 5:8).  At Radley, we always have higher ideals in mind: doing the right things in the right way and developing young men who have the core values that will make a difference in the world. That is our purpose. Of course, the how is important. We expect a lot from our boys. We want them to be ambitious; to set challenging goals and to meet them. We want them to lead by example and stand for what is right. We want them to be adventurous; to try new things and work in partnership with others. We want them to be engaged thinkers, intellectually curious and ready to engage in debate and discussion. We have an ambitious academic programme which aims to nurture boys who can critically evaluate information, develop creative and collaborative minds and who work in partnership with others.  Our boys are well-prepared for the challenges of public examinations and our strong results are evidence of this. But we know that life doesn’t have a syllabus, so we place great emphasis on intellectual and co-curricular enrichment, and on developing the skills that will allow our boys to flourish. Everything we do is underpinned by a deep sense of collective spirit. From the moment they arrive, Radleians are immersed in community. It is seen in their singing in Chapel, in the bonds formed with dons at Cocoa and in the

friendships they make. In good times and bad, they support each other. We continue to be shaped by our history, but we look to the future too. We will continue to welcome more boys from different social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Our sector-leading partnership programme will build on our existing links with organisations locally and across the globe. We will embrace the challenges and opportunities of sustainability and digital change. We will encourage boys to learn, think, and act. It is never easy to summarise the purpose of education but I think the Apostle Paul got it right nearly two thousand years ago: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8) We want a Radley education to do that: to explore truth, to value beauty and to pursue excellence. Our founders understood these principles and we hold to them today. Please do come and visit us. I look forward to welcoming you to Radley.

JOHN MOULE, WARDEN


ADMISSIONS Our friendly and experienced Admissions team will support you and your son through the process of applying to Radley College. Our Year 9 entry assessment starts in Year 6, so we encourage applicants to register with us by the start of the summer term of Year 5. We also welcome registration from birth via the Radley List. Further places are made available for boys via our scholarship assessment in Year 8 (Non-Registered Scholars). Sixth Form entrants are assessed in the Autumn Term of Year 11 and we have some occasional places for Year 10 pupils. We are looking for kind, talented and ambitious boys who will thrive in a boarding environment. We are an academically selective school and our assessment reflects this but we are interested in boys who will make the most of every opportunity and significantly contribute to Radley life.

Every boy will have a slightly different journey to entry. However, we have outlined a ‘typical’ process with key milestones so you know what to expect, and when, in the Apply section of our website. Please share your son’s name, date of birth and citizenship and we will share the most appropriate routemap for both UK and international candidates. References from a pupil’s current school, interviews and assessment tests are required at all entry points.

We recognise that choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your son and families are welcome to visit us as many times as they wish through Open Days and personal visits. Our assessment process is designed to bring out the best in every boy and we pride ourselves on offering a bespoke, warm and friendly service for each individual family. I look forward to meeting your son and showing him everything this wonderful school has to offer. SOPHIE LANGDALE D I R E C TO R O F A D M I S S I O N S A N D CO M M U N I C AT I O N S


ENTRY POINTS SHELL (YEAR 9) ENTRY

Up to Age 5 – Register for the Radley List Year 5 – Register for Open Entry (by June) Year 6 (October – February) – Assessment Days Year 6 (March) – Results Letters Year 8 (November – February) – Scholarship Assessment Days Year 8 (June) – Common Entrance, Radley Papers or Current School Exams (for setting)

SIXTH FORM ENTRY

Year 11 (September) – Sixth Form Open Day Year 11 (October) – Application Deadline Year 11 (November) – Assessment Day (two papers and two interviews) Year 11 (December) – Results Letters

To learn more about our admissions process, please follow the QR code or visit: www.radley.org.uk/admissions

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VISIT US Whilst our prospectus and website will give you a flavour of life at Radley, we encourage families, whether registered with us or not, to visit. We recommend attending an Open Day in the Summer Term of Year 4 or in Year 5 for Year 9 entry, or in Year 10 or 11 for Sixth Form entry. Films about the campus and Socials can be viewed via our website.

Open Days

Personal Visits

Our Open Days include a full tour of the College with our pupils, presentations by the Warden and a senior prefect, a Social (boarding house) tour with a Tutor (housemaster) and lunch. We welcome up to 80 families to each event. Open Days start from 9.45am and finish around 1.30pm. Bookings can be made via our website.

We are happy to arrange group visits. These take place on a Monday and Friday morning and are tailored according to the wishes of each family, which can include short meetings with senior staff or a tour of Socials. Please arrange your visit by contacting admissions@radley.org.uk.

Upcoming Open Days 14th September 2025 (11+ Radley Keys Award) 20th September 2025 (Sixth Form)

7th February 2026 21st March 2026 18th April 2026 25th April 2026

11th October 2025 15th November 2025 29th November 2025

9th May 2026 6th June 2026 13th June 2026

To book a visit or to learn more about our open days please follow the QR code or visit: www.radley.org.uk/apply/open-days


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OUR FEES Our fees for the 2025/26 academic year are £20,112 per term, inclusive of VAT. Payment is due in full on the first day of term. Some activities, such as music and drama lessons, incur additional costs. Our iPad programme also incurs additional charges. A full overview of our fees and charges is available on our website.


FUNDING Our generous, and nationally recognised, financial awards programmes allow us to welcome the very best and most deserving boys to Radley, whatever their means or background. At the heart of every award is the celebration of ambition, talent and potential. Awards can be made at 11+, 13+ and 16+ (Year 7, 9, 12). Some candidates will be guaranteed funding when they receive their unconditional offer (in Year 6 or Year 11) whilst other awards for 13+ entry are dependent on successfully securing one of our six main scholarships: Academic, Art, Drama, Innovation, Music and Sport. The Radley Keys Award is an allinclusive scholarship programme for boys from lower income families who currently attend a state primary or secondary school. There are two entry points: 11+ (where boys will spend two years at an independent prep school before joining Radley in Year 9) and 16+. The Silk Award is an unconditional offer, made in Year 6 with guaranteed funding following means testing. This is awarded to a select number of boys who are academically strong and will make a significant contribution to the life of the College.

The Warden’s Award is for boys who secure one or more of our elite scholarships in Year 8. Following means testing, our awards can be worth up to 110% of fees. Applications for funding are assessed by the Bursar following the receipt of an online financial circumstances form. If you need financial help to come to Radley, we encourage you to apply. We understand that this is a daunting and challenging prospect. Some families tell us they were reluctant to apply because of this and others had concerns about raising their son’s hopes. We encourage families to arrange a preliminary conversation with Sophie Langdale, Director of Admissions and Communications, who will be able to help with any questions or concerns you may have.


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SCHOLARSHIPS We are proud to celebrate and recognise excellence and potential through Scholarships and Exhibitions. We welcome applications for Academic, Art, Drama, Innovation, Music and Sport awards for 13+ Entry, which are assessed in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms of Year 8. Scholarships and Exhibitions are honorary and do not carry any fee remission, but candidates requiring financial support are encouraged to apply for means-tested funding. All scholarship applications must be supported by references from the candidate’s current school and external coaches/teachers if relevant. Applications from non-registered candidates (boys in Year 8 who do not currently hold an offer from Radley) are welcomed at this stage. Please visit our website or contact the Admissions Team for more information regarding scholarship assessment.

Scholarship Assessment Dates Scholarship Entry Forms are available from the end of June in Year 7. Candidates who have expressed a wish to sit for Scholarship(s) will receive the entry forms via email.

ACADEMIC

ART

19th January 2026 (Stage One)

20th January 2026

25th & 26th February 2026 (Stage Two)

DRAMA 15th or 16th January 2026

INNOVATION 20th November 2025

MUSIC 28th or 29th January 2026

SPORT 10th November 2025


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RESULTS We are proud of our excellent academic outcomes. Our GCSE and A-Level results have been consistently high in recent years with outstanding individual and collective performances by our boys. We work hard to ensure every boy maximises his potential and we are renowned for added value.

A-LEVEL EXAM RESULTS Five Year Results Average

35%

70%

91%

A*

A*-A

A*-B

GCSE EXAM RESULTS Five Year Results Average

41%

68%

86%

GRADE 9

GRADE 8–9

GRADE 7–9

In 2025, 31 boys achieved nine Grade 9s or more.


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FUTURES Our Futures team, led by the Head of Sixth Form and incorporating University Entrance and Careers, plays a critical role in preparing our boys for life beyond Radley. They provide expert guidance on course choices, universities and apprenticeships. We work hard to instil a strong and varied skill set that will allow boys to thrive in their chosen careers. University Entrance

Entrepreneurship

Our expert team of university advisors provides comprehensive guidance through the process of applying to UK and international universities.

Increasingly, boys are eager to develop entrepreneurial ventures either as part of an academic programme, such as the Mini MBA, the Entrepreneurship Curriculum Extension Programme, or independently. This is something we encourage. Boys, along with our Old Radleians, can tap into the Radley Community for guidance on how to progress their venture.

More than 90% of boys will secure their first-choice university destination, with the majority at a Russell Group institution. For those applying to Oxford or Cambridge additional support is provided. We support boys with applications to overseas destinations where we benefit from a long-standing relationship with external consultants as well as significant in-house expertise. The USA is the most popular destination, with recent leavers securing places at Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Duke, New York University, UCLA, University of Washington and McGill University (Canada) amongst many others. The variety of overseas destinations is such that boys are supervised on a case-by-case basis. We are also seeing an increasing number of boys applying to a variety of prestigious degree apprenticeship programmes with companies including Dyson, UBS, EY and PwC.

Careers We encourage boys in all year groups to think about their career plans early, and shape their Radley experience around them. Boys have access to an extensive interactive careers platform and many parents choose for their son to have a detailed career profile in the Fifth year (Year 10) before meeting with a professional advisor in the 6.1. We encourage boys to actively seek out work experience opportunities throughout their time at school. Radley Connect, our community portal, provides a hub for networking with Old Radleians, current and past parents, many of whom are happy to act as mentors and/or offer work experience opportunities.


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Gone are the days when boys would head off to university without considering what lay beyond that, and the steps required to reach their goals. Now, we offer a bespoke programme of support to every boy, encouraging them to think deeply and strategically about their life beyond Radley, and to challenge their preconceptions about specific routes and courses. It is a constantly evolving world, and it is our responsibility to not only help prepare our boys for the challenges ahead, but to ensure they flourish. T I M L AW S O N , H E A D O F S I X T H F O R M


SPORT On land and water, we are renowned for sporting excellence and sportsmanship. Some boys leave us with professional contracts and major scholarships to universities in the UK and around the world, but we give boys of all abilities the support to achieve their goals. We regularly have more than 400 boys representing the College in a sports team on a Saturday, which evidences a strength and depth that few other schools can match.

The primary objective for sport at Radley College is to create an environment where all boys of all abilities can strive for success, achieve it, and be rewarded for their accomplishment. J A M E S G AU N T, D I R E C TO R O F S P O R T


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MUSIC

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Music is at the heart of Radley life. The full school and 130-strong choir sing together (brilliantly) almost every day in Chapel, and with three concerts, 30 rehearsals and more than 500 music lessons a week, every day is enriched by the joy of live performance. Alongside orchestras, choirs and chamber ensembles, we have our own record label and host regular jam nights for rock bands, DJs and producers.

The Music Department is home to boys of all musical persuasions. Those with classical interests can explore solo, chamber and orchestral repertoire to a very high standard, supported by some of the South East’s leading teachers. Boys who DJ or have formed a band can record and release music on our new label, Radley Records, and give live performances at our regular bands nights. And those who are just finding their feet musically are supported and encouraged. Increasingly, I feel the department is like another Social, where boys of all year groups mix freely and explore their passions and interests together. S A M G L A D S TO N E , D I R E C TO R O F M U S I C

Our new Music School is currently being expanded and refurbished. Completion is expected in January 2026. To find out more, follow the QR code or visit: www.radley.org.uk/live/music


THEATRE Our exceptional theatre hosts full-scale dramatic and musical productions all year round. Directors lead enthusiastic casts of boys and a professional Theatre team, to create spectacular performances. From the off, boys are encouraged to tread the boards, and our popular annual inter-Social competition provides the perfect platform for every boy to find a place in the spotlight. We also offer a busy programme of drama competitions, ranging from classical acting to musical theatre, and our studio hosts workshops covering a wide range of performance skills, such as acting for screen and improvisation skills.

Taking part in a production, whether as an actor, stage manager, technician or crew provides an unparalleled challenge which builds collaboration, creativity and confidence, as well as long-lasting friendship. I am incredibly proud that many Old Radleians often cite a past production as a cherished memory during their time here. We hope that our current boys will do the same in the years ahead. V I C TO R I A B U S E , D I R E C TO R O F D R A M A


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PARTNERSHIPS At the heart of our celebrated and award winning partnerships programme is a determination to enact positive change for the remarkable organisations we work with and in our boys. We have the resource, expertise, and enthusiasm to make a difference, but we have just as much to learn as we have to give. Our growing portfolio of meaningful, sustainable and mutually beneficial collaborations with schools, charities and community groups is central to our core purpose: to inspire greatness and nurture goodness. We are proud of the work we do and are honoured to grow in tandem with outstanding, purpose-driven organisations.

Radley’s impressive partnerships scheme is making waves locally and nationally. TA L K E D U C AT I O N


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ADVENTURE We want every boy to have a taste of adventure during their time at Radley. Our extensive programme, which includes Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh and a growing calendar of adventure training trips, provides ample opportunity for boys to challenge themselves, boost their resilience and make lifelong memories.


CAMPUS We are fortunate to boast genuinely world-class facilities in 800-acres of stunning countryside. In addition to bright and airy classrooms, our boys benefit from a professionally-equipped theatre, concert hall, lecture hall, rowing tank, strength and conditioning centre, athletics track, observatory, real tennis, rackets, squash and fives courts, golf course and simulator, boat house, fishing lake and countryside centre.

Watch our Campus Tour FILMED BY RADLEY VIDEO YOUTUBE


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BIRMINGHAM OXFORD

RADLEY COLLEGE

LONDON HEATHROW GAT WICK

LOCATION We are conveniently located just 10 minutes from the university city of Oxford and one hour from London and Heathrow. The nearest train station is Radley which is approximately 10 minutes walk from the College. There is a regular Great Western train service to and from both London Paddington and Oxford.

Radley College, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 2HR


LEADERSHIP

WA R D E N

BURSAR

S U B - WA R D E N

John Moule MA

Jonathan Bochenski MA

Niall Murphy MA

DEPUTY HEAD (ACADEMIC)

DEPUTY HEAD ( CO - C U R R I C U L A R )

DEPUTY HEAD (SYSTEMS)

Jonathan Porter MA

Harry Crump LLB, BA

Roger Shaw MA

D I R E C TO R O F D E V E LO P M E N T

Elisabeth Anderson BA

DEPUTY HEAD ( PA S TO R A L )

Ed James BA, MSc

D I R E C TO R O F ADMISSIONS AND CO M M U N I C AT I O N S

Sophie Langdale BA

H R D I R E C TO R

E S TAT E S B U R S A R

F I N A N C E D I R E C TO R

Sarah Ballard MCIPD

David Anderson BSc, FRICS

Julie Fletcher BA, ACA


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COUNCIL MEMBERS OF COUNCIL CHAIR

VICE CHAIR

David Smellie MA

Gerald Kaye BSc, FRICS

Tracy Blackwell CBE MBA

Mary Breen MSc

Peta Darnley MA

Apostolos Gkoutzinis PhD

Revd Stephen Hampton DPhil

James Hunter MA FRCSE

Edward Lethbridge BA

Alastair Mathewson OBE MA

Emma McKendrick BA

Henry Morris MEng

John Nugée MA

Charles Palmer BSc

Simon Pillar MBA BSc

Andrew Rodzynski BSc FCA

Mark Rushton MA

Robert Warner FCA

Justin Webb MBA

Hugh Willis MA

CO U N C I L M E M B E R R E S P O N S I B L E F O R S A F E G UA R D I N G

Carole Sweetnam BEd Council is legally responsible for the overall management and control of the College as a registered charity. It appoints the Warden. The Chairman of Council can be contacted c/o the College at the address below.

CONTACT US Radley College Kennington Road Radley Oxfordshire OX14 2HR www.radley.org.uk

Admissions admissions@radley.org.uk 01235 543174

Bursary bursary@radley.org.uk 01235 543000


TERM DATES

MICHAELMAS TERM 2025 Tuesday 2nd September

Start of Term

Friday 26th September

Michaelmas Weekend

Friday 17 October

Leave-Away begins

Sunday 2nd November

Leave-Away ends

Friday 21 November

Advent Weekend

Tuesday 9th December

End of Term

th

st

LENT TERM 2026 Monday 5th January

Start of Term

Friday 23rd January

Hilary Weekend

Friday 13 February

Leave-Away begins

Sunday 22nd February

Leave-Away ends

Tuesday 24th March

End of Term

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SUMMER TERM 2026 Wednesday 15th April

Start of Term

Friday 1 May

Trinity Weekend

Friday 22nd May

Leave-Away begins

Sunday 31 May

Leave-Away ends

Saturday 4th July

Gaudy / End of Term

st

st

MICHAELMAS TERM 2026 Wednesday 2nd September

Start of Term

Friday 25th September

Michaelmas Weekend

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Friday 16 October

Leave-Away begins

Sunday 1st November

Leave-Away ends

Friday 20 November

Advent Weekend

Tuesday 8th December

End of Term

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Boys are allowed two Privis (privilege weekends) each term. If there is no Trinity Weekend, they may take three Privis in the Summer Term.


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www.radley.org.uk


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