INTRODUCTION:

Oxford's Magdalen College School (MCS), which has been around since 1480, is notable for being the first boys' school to receive two Independent School of the Year awards from The Sunday Times. According to the most current ISI report, the school is dedicated to giving pupils a wide range of options where they regularly achieve academic success. Inspiring and demanding instruction in a range of subjects, such as physics, math, languages, and design technology, characterize the Senior School's unique learning atmosphere. By encouraging boys to explore both academic and extracurricular interests, this method seeks to foster an affection for learning and creative thinking.

Beyond its reputation in academia, MCS is renowned for the wide range of clubs and societies that it offers to enhance the extensive enrichment program. To strike a balance between difficult in-class teaching and learning via play and collaboration, students participate in activities including CCF, creative writing, Diplomacy Club, fencing, Geography Club, and photography. The school's dedication is demonstrated by the wide range of travel places it offers its pupils, including Slovenia, Italy, India, and the US. These excursions support the growth of social skills, a strong sense of academic achievement, cultural awareness, and an adventurous spirit. With its foundation in the values of respect and tolerance, MCS seeks to give students a strong moral and intellectual education, enabling them to move forward in life with a clear understanding of their civic duty and a positive outlook on challenges.

ADMISSION GUIDELINES:

It's recommended that you visit one of MCS's annual Open Events before applying for admission. The activities, which usually start with a presentation by the Head, involve staff meetings and a guided tour of the property and its amenities.

Oversubscription Criteria:

·       Looked after or previously looked after children.

·  Students that reside in the school's connected neighborhood.

·    Students who, at the time of the younger child's enrollment, have an older brother or sister enrolled at Magdalen College School.

·   Students enrolled in the designated contributed elementary school and staying there until the last round of placement offers is made.

·       Other students.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

You have to register your child with the school for him to be eligible for 11+ entrance. This is accomplished using an internet gateway that may be found on the school's website. By the end of October of the year before enrollment, the school must receive the completed registration form and payment of a £100 registration fee.

January is when the entrance exams are held. Based on their success in these, applicants for admission will get an invitation to return to the school for a 30-minute interview.

Place offers are extended in February, and accepting one entails paying a £1,000 deposit.

CATCHMENT AREA:

Astwell, Aynho, Brackley, Charlton, Croughton, Crowfield, Evenley, Falcutt, Halse, Helmdon, Hinton-in-the-Hedges, Radstone, Silverstone, Steane, Syresham, and Whitfield are the boundaries of the school's specified area.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES:

The school offers several prizes at the 11+ level to acknowledge and honor academic accomplishment as well as overall success. Academic Scholarships and Exhibitions are awarded based on admission exam results; the annual value of Scholarships is £300, the annual value of Exhibitions is £200, and the value of All-Rounder Awards is equal to the amount of Scholarships. A unique Governors' Presentation Award is also available, which grants a £500 discount for the first year's fees. These prizes are intended to encourage and assist students who exhibit outstanding ability in both academics and other areas. There is no requirement for a separate application because selection is based only on performance in the admission exam.

Additionally, the school is dedicated to helping families with limited resources financially by offering bursaries. Bursaries take into account several characteristics, including earnings, assets, liabilities, and lifestyle, and can range from 10% to 100% of fees. By indicating their intention to apply for a bursary on the registration form, families will receive a connection to the Bursary Application Form, which needs to be completed by November 1st. The school also provides means-tested funding for school lunches, uniforms, and trips to those who are awarded free placements, underscoring its commitment to providing education to a wide variety of pupils.

EXAM FORMAT:

The school holds the 11+ entrance exam in January of the year of admission. There are three tests in it:

1)      Verbal Reasoning:

• 45 Minutes total time.
• Written answers (no multiple-choice questions).
• Before the test begins, you have the chance to ask questions and work over sample questions and answers with a staff member.

2)     English:

• One hour total time.
• Two compositions: one in fiction and the other in non-fiction.
• In every part, there are choices for questions.
• In addition to the ability to write, efficiently, and with flair, emphasis is given to spelling, punctuation, and handwriting.

3)    Mathematics:

• One Hour total time.
• Calculator not allowed.
• Structured around the Year 5 Program of Study of the National Curriculum, with some subjects added from the Year 6 Program of Study.

PREPARATION AND TARGET TEST SCORES:

Using our practice exams is one of the finest methods to get ready for a competitive entrance exam. Acquainting yourself with the format and question kinds of the real test will make your youngster feel more confident. Our practice exams will help your child become accustomed to the exam style while also ensuring that they answer the questions effectively and efficiently. They also give your child a great chance to practice performing under time constraints. Children can become accustomed to responding to questions rapidly and precisely when taking timed examinations.

Students who regularly achieve 80%+ on the 11+ practice exams should be prepared to pass the 11+ exam at Magdalen College School. This has historically been a pretty good indication that your child should perform well on the MCS 11+ exam, however, there are no promises.

Summary:

Name: Magdalen College School

School Type: Boys’ independent day school

School Website: https://www.mcsoxford.org/

County: Oxfordshire

Address:  Cowley Place, Oxford OX4 1DZ

Email:  registrar@mcsoxford.org

Phone: 01865 242191

Number of Places Available: (Unknown)

11+ Exam Date: 18th January 2025

Exam Format: School’s own

This information was last updated in December 2024.