WHAT? WHERE?

Burford School, dating back to 1571, sits pretty in the picturesque honey-stoned high street of Burford, one of the loveliest towns in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, around 30 minutes from Oxford. An unusual proposition in being a state school with boarding provision – it’s the only one in the Cotswolds – the Senior school caters for co-ed pupils 11-18, with both Junior (Years 7-9) Senior (Years 10-11) and Sixth Form boarding available.

The original school, 16^th-century Lenthall House on Burford’s main street, was founded by town merchant Simon Wysdom to educate the sons of local families, but is now used as the boarding house, while the school proper is a mixture of historic and modern buildings set in 35 acres of beautiful countryside (there was a working farm onsite until the Eighties).

The school pupil numbers total 1500 with an equal split between boys and girls, with around 100 weekly or termly boarders. This review is focused primarily on the Sixth Form and boarding provision.

FACILITIES

SPORT

A fresh astro turf sports pitch was laid three years ago, which, alongside the historic thatched cricket pavilion, serves Burford’s seriously sporty contingent. Hockey and football are big in the girls’ camp and rugby and cricket are most popular for boys, and they make winners here. In the last two years pupils have achieved national representation in girls’ cricket, mens’ karate, boys’ athletics and cycling.

Two boarders currently attend Gloucester Rugby Academy, and the Sunday Running Club is a real hit with the termly boarding gang – there’s views for days on cross-country runs around these parts, so it’s no great surprise. Another boarding-specific sport is volleyball; there’s a house volleyball competition in the summer, later followed by the traditional annual water fight, then ice creams.

CREATIVE ARTS

Burford choir singing at the Sheldonian — Burford School orchestra performing at the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford

Burford School’s Director of Music Sean Frankcom is one of the longest serving teachers on staff and was honoured in Pearson’s National Teaching Awards in 2025, winning both a silver and lifetime achievement award. The facilities here extend to various rooms and halls for practise and performance, though new practise-rooms and a purpose-built recital hall are in a development plan for the school. Regardless of investment, Frankcom and his team have already put Burford’s musical prowess on the map, making all genres of music accessible to kids from all backgrounds – one of the pupils recently earned a percussion place at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music with percussion kit funded by the independent Burford School Foundation. 

The charity also supports pupils who need it to attend an annual week long-residential, where they learn the ropes from the pros and take on fresh musical challenges. There’s a number of ensembles on the go, including a symphony orchestra and jazz band. The graft clearly pays off; Burford School’s musicians and vocalists have performed at 10 Downing Street and at the Tower of London, but also regularly in the local church. The Burford Singers unites members of the school with the wider Burford community, which perfectly chimes with the inclusive ethos of this school. 

There’s a light-filled art block and the yearly Sixth Form art exhibition at Warwick Hall in Burford is a calendar highlight. Leavers showcase their final work and sell it to the public where there’s interest, so they get to flex their business nous as well as their paintbrushes. Burford School alumni also regularly return to run creative, sports and outdoors workshops across the board; the family feel is real. 

Drama-wise, there’s a musical theatre production every other year for the Sixth Form. Last time around it was Kinky Boots – a risqué choice that I’m very much here for. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is up next, so slightly more trad vibes, but no doubt there will be some twists; Head of Drama David Brookes has professional screen-writing credentials and is in charge of the scripts. 

GENERAL

Burford School Sixth Form block — The Sixth Form centre

As well as the recently reno’d Sixth Form centre, the Reading Room was revamped in 2023 to become a modern university-style library space where students can spread out and focus on their studies in peace. Y12 pupils have 10 dedicated Reading Room sessions per term, and this reduces in Y13 to allow for more independent time management. 

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the bucolic setting here too – there’s a dedicated outdoor learning space on site (The Acre) where they can hone outdoor crafts, put teamwork skills into action or just get their hands dirty. Staying connected to the school’s heritage is a priority, but there are some areas earmarked for an impending spruce up – the main hall and reception are looking a little tired so they’re next on the list, with a phased plan in place to reimagine the science block with stronger emphasis on STEM in a rural environment, a new dining area including covered outdoor seating and an extended learning support zone.

ACADEMICS

Above average, especially for a state school of its size. In 2025, 51% of A-Level grades across the 24 different subjects offered here were A*-B and 19% A*-A, with 82% of pupils gaining A*-C. There’s been a big academic push here over the last few years, with A-level subject clinics take place at lunchtime and after school and a new Sixth Form Enrichment programme for boarders as well, which aims to prep students for life after Burford and includes weekend tours to universities around the UK. 

The initiatives are clearly working: Y13 leavers predominantly go on to Russell Group universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, St Andrews, Bristol and Bath. Four students gained degree apprenticeships in engineering in 2025, and in 2025 two pupils applied to Oxbridge, a 100% uplift on the year before. There are plans to increase the number of A-level courses, so watch this space. 

SIXTH FORM

Sixth Form places are awarded following an informal ‘get to know you’ style interview and based on GCSE or equivalent results. Average class size in the Sixth Form is 16 (obviously dependent on your subject choices), with a third of the Y12 intake new to Burford, and there’s been significant investment over the past few years with the Sixth Form block more akin to a sleek student’s union, complete with glossy tiled café, pendant lighting and smart booths from which to study or socialise.

SEND

While there’s a dedicated learning zone and SENDCo, assistant SENDCo and two other members in the admin team, a programme of staff development over the past three years has upskilled teachers and TAs to create inclusive classrooms. Burford School puts a lot of stock in participation and providing opportunities for all, so SEND provision is woven into all subject areas. Parents are on board with the approach and there’s 1-1 academic support available. Evening prep arrangements were recently revised so that pupils with SEND requirements have access to a dedicated area for study, with staff always on-hand to offer support. 

THE HEAD

Matthew Albrighton has been at the helm since 2021 and has a boarding school background; he was Deputy Head Academic at St Edward’s in Oxford for nine years, having worked his way up from Head of Geography. He’s full of energy, and dead set on giving Burford School’s pupils the kind of enriching opportunities his former pupils benefitted from. 

As such he champions an abundance of extra-curriculars, from debating to conversational Chinese to Warhammer. If there’s something the kids are interested in, he’ll pull all the strings he can to make it an option. The Duke of Edinburgh Award has become a runaway success under his tenure, with an unusually high number of students participating and scoring coveted golds by the time they reach Sixth Form. While he certainly has his eyes on the academic prize, his M.O is to give children and young adults the confidence and resilience to try something new and not be afraid to fail. There’s a strong culture of students helping one another and developing practical leadership skills in the process. 

As an Oxfordshire boy himself, he’s embedded in the local community and clearly wears a lot of hats – on the day I visited I noticed a spangly Christmas jumper on a hanger beneath the spare suit jacket and sports jersey in his office, which pretty much sums it up. 

BOARDING

A real jewel in Burford School’s crown; aside from being the only state boarding school in the Cotswolds it’s also one of the oldest in the UK. While Burford’s undoubtedly a community school, the boarding houses are truly international, with over 20 countries represented. It’s roughly an even split between local and overseas families, with London, the Home Counties and Yorkshire most represented in the UK. A glance at the clocks in the refectory gives you an idea of students’ international roots; Japan, China, Italy, Nigeria, Zambia and the UAE are all accounted for and there’s a particularly high number of boarders that come from the Falkland Islands owing to Burford School’s proximity to RAF Brize Norton. 

The refectory at Burford School — The refectory

There are 80 students living on-site currently, with the majority on full-board. Accommodation is in large dorms for junior boarders (Y7–9), smaller dorms for senior boarders (Y10-11) and for Sixth Formers there is a mixture of single and twin rooms, but always with their own desk and study area. 

For shared rooms, an application form assesses where boarders might feel most settled, whether it’s teaming up students starting around the same time from the same place or taking mutual interests into account. There’s also an ‘independent living’ flat for three female prefects to foster greater autonomy and give them some flex. 

Senior boys’ rooms are located in the Tower (less imposing than it sounds), added in the 1880s, and cottages and a former pub were incorporated into the boarding houses in the 1920s. Dorms up in the eaves are undoubtedly cosy and there’s definitely some modernising to be done, but the beech bed-led accommodation feels homely. It’s also lovely and warm, which is no mean feat given the heritage of the main building.

Burford Girls Kitchen — The girls’ kitchen

Students flit between large boys’ and girls’ common rooms and the gym, plus there’s a drum kit located dangerously near to the staff accommodation. The kitchens are a hub of Bake-Off style activity and older students are encouraged to do their own washing here too, although there is a laundry service if they neglect to put a load on.

Burford School Boys Kitchen — The boys’ kitchen

Hot breakfast kicks off from 7am during the week and snack and meal options are then offered roughly every two hours. The enormous post lie-in Sunday brunch spread is a culinary high point and boarders can invite day pupils back for tea whenever they like.

There are two fixed exeats per year, and while pupils can go out for leave every weekend, 60% of boarders stay on, making the most of trips to local towns, sports activities and organised fun (laser tag, ice skating, shopping, film screenings and even spa trips). Lots of Sixth Formers also take on Saturday jobs locally to earn some extra spending money, which in turn involves them even more with Burford life. Boarders told me they felt looked after by the entire town, which brings us neatly to the wellbeing element. 

Head of Boarding Ruth Hogg joined in Sept 2025, having worked at nearby Kitebrook and Cothill Prep schools previously. She’s warm, calm and has formed an immediate rapport with boarders; they were all-smiles for her on the main school campus and breezily chatting through haircare routines back at base when I visited. She lives onsite full time alongside three other members of boarding staff and a medical lead, with duty staff coming down to offer specialist support.

PASTORAL CARE

Three full-time pastoral assistants and a pastoral Assistant Headteacher, alongside a qualified medical officer, ensure that help’s always on hand. The pastoral approach for children here is rooted in the NHS’ ‘5 steps to mental wellbeing’. It’s sensible stuff. The outdoor learning zone, The Acre, part of the original farm plot, is frequently used as space for all pupils to connect with nature via The Gardening Club (there’s a burgeoning fruit orchard that the kids have helped to plant) or to just hang out and blow off steam.

Pastoral care at Burford is quietly impressive, and is built on trust, care, and collaboration, where every student knows there is someone ready to listen and support them. It’s thoughtfully woven into daily school life with calm, supportive spaces students can access with exemption passes when they need a breather, including the Library. Access is handled with care and trust, encouraging students to take responsibility while knowing there’s somewhere they can pause, regroup and reset.

For the moments when the classroom feels a little overwhelming, there’s the option to slip off to the Learning Zone – a space that offers a smaller, quieter environment where pupils can continue their work with the extra support. Practical and causes no fuss (just the way we like it). This way, learning and studying is kept on track while simultaneously recognising that wellbeing comes first.

Behind the curtain is a highly trained pastoral and safeguarding team which underpins it all. Based around the House, this experienced group works closely with pupils and families, regularly liaising with external professionals and specialist services ensuring the students receive the right support at the right time. Overall, this is a place where every child’s needs are met with care and professionalism, and wellbeing is a priority.

QUIRKS

Burford School leans more into tradition than quirks, though infamous water fights, particularly with the boarders, shows that the school also knows how to let the kids have fun.

OFSTED REPORT

The most recent Ofsted report is from 2023 and both the school and boarding school provision retained its ‘Good’ rating.

MOBILE PHONE POLICY

Students aren’t allowed mobile phones onsite at school, bar the Sixth Formers who are allowed to use phones responsibly and respectfully in the Sixth Form block only. At the boarding house, Y7–9 have access to smartphones for two hours per day during the week and more flexibly at weekends to keep in touch with friends and loved ones. Older boarders are given greater free rein but there’s enough going on to prevent them falling into endless scroll holes. 

TRANSPORT

Local bus services serve day pupils and there’s a minibus shuttle to the local train station for boarders every Friday to allow easy travel to Oxford and London, with a pick-up service every Sunday evening. Transport to clubs, activities and jobs within 20 minutes of the boarding house can be easily arranged too. 

FEES

Comparatively very competitive, especially in the face of recent independent school VAT hikes. Annual boarding for 2026 is £14,985 from Y7–9 (£4,995 per term) and £15,495 from Y10–13 (£5,165 per term). The admission fee is £200 for UK students and £350 for overseas students, going up to £250 and £500 respectively for the Sixth Form. There’s a small discount for weekly boarders.

WORD ON THE GROUND

There’s a nurturing atmosphere here, with several of the Sixth Formers telling me they’ve settled right into rural life, despite coming from urban areas. The Sixth Form boarders were full of praise for the staff who create an atmosphere of trust and respect – there are generous curfews and Sixth Former are allowed to wake-up when they fancy, as long as they sign in at breakfast and make it to school on time. Only one moan from the kids – apparently the WIFI speed in the boarding houses could be better!

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Families and students seeking a strong boarding and Sixth Form experience, without the lofty price tag. Those with musical and sporting talents in particular will fly, as will self-starters and outdoorsy types. A degree of free-rein is par for the course here and most kids flourish.  

Not for: Those expecting gleaming facilities around every corner or boujie boarding accommodation; funds here are directed towards educational and extra-curricular needs first and foremost. It’s also not the spot for Sixth Formers craving nightlife; a pheasant crossing the high street is probably the most racey activity you’ll see post 11pm.

Want to see for yourself? Contact Admissions to arrange an individual tour – they’d love to have you!

Burford School, Cheltenham Road, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4PL. Tel: 01993 823303.

Burford School Sixth Form and Boarding

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