Sibford Prospectus

Shape your story A co-educational day and boarding school from Early Years to Sixth Form

Welcome

Space to Discover.

Space to Belong.

Space to Grow.

Sibford is a co-educational day and boarding school from Early Years to Sixth Form.

'It’s hard to put the Sibford difference into words. It’s a feeling – one of optimism, humanity and belonging.'

This is a school where every pupil is encouraged to discover, grow and belong. And they do. Pupils leave us with an inner confidence and a clear sense of where they want to go in life – for us, this is a measure of our success.

We believe that academic success is driven by outstanding pastoral care and a well-rounded education.

A commitment to the individual needs of each child is central to our approach. Our open and calm environment gives pupils the confidence and mindset to reach their full potential. Small class sizes with dedicated teachers nurture, inspire and stretch pupils, giving them space to collaborate, challenge and be creative in their learning.

Learn about pastoral care at Sibford.

Rebecca Evans Head

Our Values At Sibford, we nurture ambitious learners who shape their worlds with their compassionate, creative and questioning minds, and aim to empower future generations who live adventurously in the world and take responsibility to improve it.

Our core values are embedded in the culture of Sibford and brought to life by our staff, pupils and wider school community every day.

Endeavour

Community

• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning journey, striving to give their best in all lessons and activities.

• Pupils actively help others and the community.

• They have the resilience to take accountability for their mistakes and recognise they help them learn and develop.

• There is a strong sense of pride in their work, and pupils arrive prepared, punctual and ready to engage meaningfully with their learning.

Respect

• They’re responsible for shaping an environment where equality is valued and treat everyone how they want to be treated themselves.

• They understand their responsibility to display stewardship and make the world a better place.

Kindness

• Pupils respect themselves, their surroundings and those around them.

• Pupils advocate for inclusivity and try to include everyone in their lessons and activities.

• They show integrity by being truthful, reflecting on their decisions and making wise choices.

• They actively try to consider and understand how someone else may be feeling and respond with kindness.

• They actively listen, value the perspectives of others and seek stillness even amid the activities of daily life.

• They look for peaceful resolutions to disagreements, never using words or actions to deliberately hurt others.

Curriculum and Academics As an independent school, we welcome the opportunity to enrich our curriculum, encouraging individuals to follow their own path, whether it’s a traditional academic one, creative arts, technology or horticulture.

We value every discipline, and small classes with dedicated teachers nurture, inspire and stretch students, giving them the space to unearth their talents and truly know themselves.

We embrace innovative teaching and learning practices grounded in the science of learning, ensuring every pupil is supported to achieve their personal best. Through evidence-informed strategies, adaptive teaching and thoughtfully designed learning environments, we help students develop strong learning habits, curiosity and independence.

Our teachers use ongoing assessment and research-led methods to tailor learning experiences, enabling all pupils to thrive, whatever their strengths or aspirations.

Our approach empowers every pupil to reach their full potential and discover the interests that will shape their future.

Read more about our academic outcomes.

Read more about Support for Learning at Sibford.

Early Years Ages 3 – 5

Where your child’s journey begins

Set in 50 acres of grounds, Sibford Early Years offers space to explore, play and learn – from Forest School and horticulture to music, swimming and pottery.

Small class sizes and daily one-to-one reading nurture individual growth, while a focus on curiosity, creativity and care for the environment builds confidence, kindness and respect. With close links to parents, Early Years at Sibford feels like a family.

Children can join Sibford Nursery from September after turning three, with Reception welcoming fouryear-olds. Under the Early Education Funding Scheme, nursery children (ages 3-4) are eligible for up to 15 hours’ free funding weekly.

We encourage questions, curiosity and child-led exploration. Our knowledge of each child, combined with small class sizes, enables us to truly tailor learning.

Learn more about Early Years at Sibford.

Junior School Ages 4 – 11

Where your child becomes a lifelong learner

Sibford Junior School offers a rich, varied education where curiosity, creativity and individuality thrive.

Small class sizes, exceptional pastoral care and a dedicated Junior area within our 50-acre campus provide the space children need to flourish both personally and academically.

Free from the National Curriculum, our approach balances core subjects with outdoor learning, creativity and enrichment opportunities. Pupils benefit from outstanding facilities, including a music school, drama studio, food and nutrition suite, science labs and sports amenities.

With specialist support, Forest School, residential trips, and countless co-curricular opportunities, Junior School pupils are encouraged to grow in confidence, independence and community spirit.

Learn about life at Sibford Junior School.

Senior School Ages 11 – 16

Where your child grows in confidence

At Sibford, we have always believed that a nurturing approach and a focus on holistic education create the best environment for pupils to thrive.

Our broad and balanced curriculum reflects our belief in the power of a well-rounded education and all disciplines are given equal respect. While some pupils shine in mathematics, science or history, others flourish in the arts, horticulture, or sport. We are here for all of them.

With small classes and dedicated teachers, pupils are supported and challenged through Key Stage 3 and GCSEs. Beyond the classroom, a wealth of co-curricular activities, residential trips and community initiatives foster friendships, resilience and social responsibility.

Learn more about Senior School and download our Key Stage 4 course guide.

Sixth Form Ages 16 – 18

Where young people thrive Our Sixth Form is a close-knit community where young people are supported to explore their ambitions and define their own path. Through one-to-one guidance, expert teaching and a strong sense of belonging, students are empowered to thrive – both academically and personally.

Small class sizes mean everyone is known and supported by staff who are invested in their success. Individual attention from subject teachers is complemented by personalised tutor guidance, helping students to progress academically while developing resilience and self-belief.

Our curriculum is designed to stretch students while allowing space for reflection and growth, whilst the pastoral care team plays a central role in monitoring wellbeing, providing support when needed.

Learn more about Sixth Form and download our A Level and BTEC course guide.

Shape your story

Ages 10 – 18

Meet your extended family

We aim to create an enriching and positive experience for boarders from the UK and beyond, where pupils build independence and develop a spirit of adventure.

In addition to full and weekly boarding, Sibford offers a flexible boarding option that allows students to stay overnight at school on a part-time basis, designed to work around busy family life.

Boarders join us from Year 6 onwards and value a home-from-home environment where they feel known and part of a community.

Learn more about our Houses and life as a boarder at Sibford.

Encouraging Every Individual to Thrive At Sibford, sport is for everyone. From Junior School onwards, pupils enjoy a wide range of activities designed to encourage lifelong participation, build skills and nurture talent.

Weekly games afternoons, specialist coaching and a rich extra-curricular programme provide opportunities to compete, discover new sports and develop resilience. Performance Sports Tours, both in the UK and abroad, enhance teamwork and broaden horizons. With expert staff and Sports Scholarships available, Sibford inspires students to stay active, aim high and enjoy sport at every level.

From Year 7, students engage in a weekly dedicated games afternoon, focusing on training and fixture in our Performance Sports: Autumn Term: Girls’ Hockey and Rugby Spring Term: Netball and Football Summer Term: Cricket and Athletics Swimming and Cross Country are offered throughout the year, with regular training and competitions. From Year 9 onwards, students can choose from a wider variety of activities.

Learn more about our Sport offer and the facilities at Sibford.

CREATIVE ARTS Nurturing Artistic Confidence in Every Student

Creativity is central to life at Sibford. Through art, music and drama, pupils are given the freedom and encouragement to explore ideas, develop skills and express themselves with confidence.

Our purpose-built Art School, Music School and Drama Studio provide inspiring spaces for experimentation and performance, while opportunities such as concerts, productions, exhibitions and festivals celebrate every student’s contribution.

From Early Years to Sixth Form, pupils can learn instruments, take LAMDA lessons, join ensembles, or showcase artwork in professional-style galleries.

At Sibford, the arts are more than subjects – they are a powerful way for young people to find their voice.

Learn more about Drama, Music and Art & Design at Sibford.

CO-CURRICULAR Horizon: Sibford’s unique co-curricular experience

Our varied curriculum is enriched by a wealth of co-curricular activities which encourage individuals to discover and follow their own path, whether it’s a traditional academic one, creative arts, technology or horticulture.

At Sibford, we provide a unique co-curricular experience, Horizon, where students, as part of the timetabled school day, have the opportunity to select from a variety of activities and clubs.

Every pupil takes part in at least two each week, as we believe these experiences are key to building confidence, nurturing friendships and developing a strong sense of responsibility.

Learn more about cocurricular and the Horizon clubs on offer at Sibford.

Our School Day

Senior School

Sixth Form

7.00am

Morning clubs

7.00am

Morning clubs

8.00am

Breakfast

8.00am

Breakfast

8.30am

Registration in tutor rooms

8.30am

Registration in tutor rooms

8.40am

Morning Meeting

8.40am

Morning Meeting

wellbeing, ensuring every pupil can make the

9.00am

Period 1

9.00am

Period 1

most of their time with us.

9.55am

Period 2

9.55am

Period 2

10.45am

Break

10.45am

Break

11.00am

Period 3

11.00am

Period 3

11.55am

Period 4

11.55am

Period 4

12.45pm

Lunch

12.45pm

Lunch

1.35pm

Registration in tutor rooms

1.35pm

Registration in tutor rooms

1.40pm

Period 5

1.40pm

Period 5

2.35pm

Period 6

2.35pm

Period 6

3.30pm

Period 7

3.30pm

Period 7

4.20pm

End of lessons/buses depart

4.20pm

End of lessons/buses depart

Our school day is carefully structured to provide a balance of academic learning, enrichment and

Core school hours run from 8.30am to 4.00pm for the Junior School, and from 8.30am to 4.20pm for the Senior School and Sixth Form.

For families who require greater flexibility, we offer wraparound care before and after school, with pupils able to join us for breakfast and tea at an additional cost. This provision provides a safe, welcoming environment and helps support busy family schedules.

Early Years 8.30am

Welcome and play

10.35am

Snack and story

11.05am

Reading

11.45am

Lunch

1.30pm

Afternoon activities

4.00pm

After school care

5.20pm

Tea (Early Years pupils may stay for Tea)

Junior School

Prep/Activities

Prep/Activities

5.30pm

Boarders’ break

5.30pm

Boarders’ break

08.30am

Registration

5.45pm

Tea (Senior School pupils may stay for Tea)

5.45pm

Tea (Sixth Form pupils may stay for Tea)

08.45am

Morning lessons/activities

6.15pm

Boarders’ Prep

6.15pm

Boarders’ Prep

10.15am

Break

10.35am

Morning lessons/activities

12.20pm

Lunch

1.30pm

Afternoon lessons/activities

4.00pm

End of lessons/school pick up

4.20pm

Buses depart (for those who use transport)

Prep/Activities 5.30pm

Tea (Junior School pupils may stay for Tea)

Bus Service Sibford operates a number of bus routes for pupils to travel to school and back home using both school minibuses and coaches.

See our current bus routes.

Scholarships “A Sibford Scholarship is not just about celebrating excellence, it’s about developing it and sharing it.”

Our Scholarship students are given the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities and extra support in their chosen field of talent by staff who are experts in their field and encouraged to challenge themselves to achieve at the very highest level.

There are three categories of Scholarship at Sibford for students entering Years 7, 9 and 12:

• Academic • Creative Arts: Art and DT • Performing Arts: Drama, Music and Musical Theatre

Learn more about Scholarships and bursaries at Sibford.

See our fees.

Admissions Sibford offers day places for children

Shape Your Story

aged 3–11 and both day and boarding

Sixth Form

options for pupils aged 11–18.

Senior School Our main entry points are Nursery, Reception, Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form, but we welcome enquiries throughout the year.

We believe that the best way to experience the unique atmosphere of Sibford is to visit us in person.

We warmly invite you to attend one of our Open events or arrange a personal tour to see our vibrant community in action.​

Junior School

Get in touch admissions@sibford.org.uk 01295 781 203 To book a place at an open event, scan the QR code to visit our website.

Early Years

Space to Discover Space to Belong Space to Grow

Sibford School, The Hill, Sibford Ferris, Banbury Oxon, OX15 5QL

01295 781 200 admissions@sibford.org.uk sibford.org.uk