Burford School: Is a rural comprehensive with a proud tradition dating back to 1571. It has a Boarding House for 90 boys and girls occupying the historic site within Burford town originally an Elizabethan grammar school and pioneering comprehensive school in 1954, it has since developed a reputation for relevance and practical curriculum policy. There are well equipped modern science laboratories and there is a strong art, music and drama tradition with orchestra, choirs and instrumental groups. French, German and Spanish are available to A Level, and exchange visits take place annually. Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is very well supported and highly successful. GCSE results are good and A Level pass rates usually attain 90% and higher. Accommodation has been upgraded over the past 10 years and there are excellent networked computer facilities (4 computer rooms and a Community Computer Centre), 12 laboratories, and a Sports Hall along with a gym. Organisation is into Upper and Lower Schools, with Year Heads and Form Tutors for pastoral care and to monitor academic progress. The Boarding House occupies the original grammar school buildings in the town and has been completely refurbished to provide excellent student study, dormitory and leisure facilities in a homely setting off the main school campus. Dormitory accommodation is of a very high standard with younger students in larger dormitories and senior students sharing study bedrooms or in single rooms. Girls dormitory accommodation has recently been expanded. Facilities for sport are extensive and allow considerable commitment to traditional team sports as well as newer school sports such as badminton, volleyball, basketball. The House system supports competitive sports and arts festivals within the School. Three activity evenings are organised each week with the boarding students enjoying additional in house activity programmes. The School is a designated Community College and this aspect of school life provides an extensive programme of classes in the evening for students and the wider community to participate in. Additionally the School has a Farm with Riding School.
