Dean Close Kingham Hill School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

Kingham Hill School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, set within 96 acres in Oxfordshire. Founded in 1886 by Christian philanthropist Charles Edward Baring Young, the school was originally established as a refuge for disadvantaged boys from the east end of London. Today, it continues to welcome pupils from a wide range of social, cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds, with a number of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds attending through charitable support, in keeping with the founder's vision. The school's mission is to provide an excellent all-round education within a distinctively Christian context, aiming to develop young people of vision, faith and character who are well-qualified and equipped to flourish in adult life. There are eight boarding houses on site, four for male pupils and four for female pupils, alongside facilities that include a sports hall, a performing arts space and a medical centre. The school community is a varied one. A small number of pupils come from abroad, and the school supports 46 pupils for whom English is an additional language. It has also identified a number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with specialist help available for those who need it.

Pupil use of mobile phones is not permitted during the working day (8.30am to 5pm) and devices must be stored in the storage/charging units provided in the boarding/day houses. In certain circumstances, such as an international boarder needing to contact family in their home country, a pupil may be given permission to use their own mobile device during the school day but permission to do so must be sought from their house parent.