PrepboysBoardingISI · Excellent
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Summer Fields School

Oxford, Oxfordshire · OX2 7EN

Pupils

329

Established

1,864

Day fees

£33k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

Summer Fields is a long-established independent boarding and day school for boys aged 4–13 in Oxford, set across 70+ acres just minutes from the city centre. The school combines traditional prep-school values with a contemporary curriculum, positioning itself as a feeder to leading senior schools. Its proximity to Oxford and London, combined with substantial boarding provision, appeals to families seeking a well-rounded, countryside-based education within reach of major urban centres.

  • Established boarding tradition with strong pastoral infrastructure for younger boarders
  • Proximity to Oxford and London; distinctive Oxfordshire location with 70+ acres of grounds
  • Explicit focus on 'destination schools' advising and preparation for senior entry
  • Bursary provision through the Maclaren Foundation charity for talented pupils

Who thrives here

Bright, resilient boys who thrive in a country-school setting with boarding flexibility; families valuing traditional prep ethos, outdoor space, and structured progression to selective senior schools.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports56th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Boarding
Founded1864
Number of pupils329
Day pupils162
Boarders178
Pupils with SEND52
Age range4–13
GenderBoys
Day fees£33.4k/yr
Boarding fees£47.9k/yr
AssociationsISC, IB (prep-school membership)
Settingrural
LocationOne hour from London Paddington by train via Oxford; accessible for regular day attendance from Oxford and surrounding villages; good road links to Cotswolds and Midlands.
EthosAnglican

Contact & visit

Mayfield Road

Oxford, Oxfordshire

OX2 7EN

www.summerfields.com
01865454433
Mr David Faber, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Oxford Station10 min
Oxford Brookes Bus Station15 min

Notable alumni

James Herriot

Veterinarian and author of All Creatures Great and Small

John Betjeman

Poet Laureate and architectural historian

Recent investment

Grounds maintenance and expansion of boarding facilities
Digital learning resources across the school

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Summer Fields School?

Day fees at Summer Fields School are approximately £33,390 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Summer Fields School?

Summer Fields School admits pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is Summer Fields School a boarding school?

Summer Fields School offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Summer Fields School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Summer Fields School “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Strong pastoral care, particularly for younger boarders; caring house staff and tutors

Excellent preparation for senior-school transition; explicit focus on 'destination schools' advising

Beautiful grounds and sense of community; traditional prep-school values valued by families

Breadth of curriculum and co-curricular offer; outdoor education and sport highly regarded

Common concerns

!Limited transparency on fees and full boarding costs; bursary allocation process not detailed publicly

!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; parental familiarity may depend on historical reputation and word-of-mouth

!Boarding at prep-school age not suitable for all families; potential isolation from day-pupil cohort for full boarders

!Traditional curriculum may feel conservative to families seeking progressive or alternative approaches