THE LONDON ORATORY SCHOOL in Greater London, Hammersmith and Fulham

Education Centre Information: The London Oratory School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Middle Deemed Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Hammersmith and Fulham
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 31/07/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Diocese: Archdiocese of Westminster
Total Pupils: 1349
Number of boys: 1269
Number of girls: 80
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 7-18
Gender: Boys
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Background:

Founded in Chelsea in 1863 by the Fathers of the London Oratory, at the request of Cardinal Wiseman, the London Oratory became a grammar school in 1963. It moved to its current buildings in 1970 as an all-ability boys' school with girls admitted to sixth form. In the past 10 years, the school has built a £2.2 million arts centre, including 340-seat theatre, three art studios, a pottery, three music rooms and music practice rooms. A 220-seat chapel was also opened in 1992, and there has been refurbishment of science laboratories and classrooms. Many pupils study Latin. There are five choirs, a school orchestra, a concert band and string ensembles. More than 500 pupils have individual instrumental lessons. There are two drama productions and an opera each year. The school offers a variety of sports with a particular focus on rugby. Combined Cadet Force, with Army and RAF sections; Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. After-school care, until 4.45pm. Over-subscribed, with three applications per place. Ethos: 'The school aims to assist parents in fulfilling their obligation to educate their children in accordance with the principles and teachings of the church; to do this in an environment thta will encourage and support the spiritual physical, moral, and intellectual development of the child and help him grow towards full Christian maturity; and to provide a wide range of educational and cultural experiences that will encourage children to develop their potential to its maximum and to strive for excellence in all activities. The school'sees its primary function as that of a teaching establishment in which children are expected to learn and teachers to teach'.