Dean Close Kingham Hill School is a vibrant independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 11–18, where young people are inspired to achieve, encouraged to discover their talents and supported to flourish. Set in 105 acres of beautiful Cotswold countryside, the school combines a strong sense of community with exceptional opportunities in academics, sport, the arts and personal development, all within easy reach of Oxford, the Midlands and London.
At Kingham Hill, every pupil is known, valued and supported as an individual. Kingham Hill believes every young person has something valuable to contribute, and is committed to helping each one discover and develop their unique strengths. Through outstanding pastoral care, academic challenge and a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom, pupils gain the courage to be themselves, the confidence to serve others and the character to flourish in all aspects of life. Rooted in the Dean Close Foundation values of Love, Contribution, Courage and Flourishing, it is a community where young people grow into compassionate, resilient and purposeful individuals, ready to make a positive difference in the world.
Academic excellence has long been a hallmark of the school. Consistently strong GCSE and A level results, combined with exceptional value-added performance, reflect the school’s commitment to helping every pupil achieve their personal best. Sixth Form leavers progress to leading universities, apprenticeships and career pathways in the UK and beyond, equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed.
Yet a Kingham Hill education is about far more than examination results. The school believes that character matters. Through an extensive programme of sport, outdoor education, performing arts, leadership opportunities, clubs and service activities, pupils discover new passions, build resilience and learn the importance of contributing to something greater than themselves.
Community sits at the heart of the Kingham Hill experience. Every pupil belongs to one of 10 houses, which provide a supportive and welcoming home-from-home environment. Whether day or boarding, pupils enjoy a strong sense of belonging, encouraged by houseparents and pastoral staff who help each individual settle quickly and thrive throughout their school journey.
Boarding is a vibrant and enriching part of school life. With most boarders living on site full time, weekends are filled with activities, trips, expeditions and social events that strengthen friendships and create lasting memories. Flexible boarding options, including weekly and occasional boarding, are also available to meet the needs of modern families.
Message from the Head. The strongest endorsement of any school is its pupils. When families visit Kingham Hill, they often say that it is the warmth, confidence and genuine happiness of our young people that makes the greatest impression.
I warmly encourage you to visit us and experience life on the Hill for yourself. Guided by one of our Sixth Form pupils, you will gain an authentic insight into daily life at Kingham Hill and discover the values, opportunities and sense of community that make our school such a special place to learn, grow and flourish.
Student Numbers. 270.
Fees per term (2026–2027). Day: from £8,950 to £9,550. Weekly Boarding: from £11,750 to £14,300. Full Boarding: from £12,750 to £16,650. All figures are inclusive of VAT.
Admission. Kingham Hill accepts applications from children looking to enter from Year 7 as either day or boarding pupils. The main points of entry are Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 (Sixth Form). However, the school recognises that life does not always allow for these timelines and is happy to offer admission into other year groups where availability and suitability allow.
•Step One – Enquiry
The first step in the admissions process is to make an initial enquiry and visit the school. This can be done by contacting the Admissions Team at admissions@deanclosekingham.org.uk.
•Step Two – Registration
Following an initial enquiry, the next step in the process is registration which is a formal application to join the school by completing the online Registration Form and providing a Registration Fee payment.
•Step Three – Entrance Assessments
Once a pupil is registered, the Admissions Team will arrange the relevant age-appropriate entrance testing (CAT 4), including English language testing for international pupils. This can be carried out in a number of ways, including remotely with Kingham Hill staff.
•Step Four – Entrance Interview
The final step in the process is an entrance interview, with the Head, or a member of the Senior Academic Team.
•Step Five – Outcome
Once all elements of the admissions process have been completed, the school will then be in a position to advise as to whether or not they are able to offer a place. Kingham Hill seeks to ensure that all prospective pupils will thrive at the school and as such, not all applications will be successful. Waiting lists may also be in operation from time to time and, if this is the case, the Admissions Team will do all that they can to support families with up-to-date information on the likelihood of future enrolment.
Curriculum. GCSE, A level, BTEC and CTEC.
Co-curricular activities. There are a wide variety of regular clubs and activities on offer in areas including sport, music and drama, to educate, enrich, challenge and engage pupils of all ages.
Scholarships and bursaries. Each year the school offers scholarships for pupils joining Kingham Hill in the Year 7, Year 9 and the Lower Sixth. Scholarships available for Year 7 and Year 9 are:
•Academic
•Art
•Drama
•Equestrian
•Music
•Sport
Scholarships available for Lower Sixth entry are:
•Academic
•Equestrian
•Sport
•Subject Specific.
Charitable Status. Dean Close Foundation is a Registered Charity, number 1086829.