Oakwood, founded in 1912, is an IAPS preparatory school for boys and girls (day and boarding) between the ages of 7 and 11. There is also a thriving pre-preparatory department, 2.5-7 years, which shares many of the main school's first-rate facilities.
The school estate is situated two and a half miles west of Chichester at the end of a mile of private drive. The fine Georgian house which forms the heart of the school dates from 1812, but in recent years a variety of extra facilities has been added, including classroom block, Gymnasium, Science Laboratory, DT Room and IT/Library Centre. A new theatre with Art and Craft studios was opened in May 1990.
There are usually about 15 children in each form, and no form is ever larger than 20. This allows close attention to be paid to pupils' progress, both academic and personal. There is an excellent record of success at 11+ entrance examination to independent senior schools, preparation for which is an important priority - though never to the extent that the benefits of healthy, broad education are in any way jeopardised. Oakwood has a warm family atmosphere, with good manners and discipline considered to be of great importance.
One of the most attractive features of Oakwood is its secluded parkland setting, with its beautifully maintained gardens and grounds. All the games fields immediately adjoin the school buildings.
The boys play soccer (Michaelmas Term), hockey and rugby (Easter Term) and have cricket, athletics, tennis and swimming (Summer Term). The girls do badminton, netball, hockey, athletics, tennis, swimming, rounders and dance. Extra-curricular opportunities are many and varied. There is a strong music and drama emphasis, with most children taking specialist-taught speech and drama lessons.
