- About MCS
MCS ranks among the top independent secondary schools, and in 2024 was awarded Independent School of the Year for our contribution to social mobility. - Admissions
Approximately 1 in 10 pupils receive a bursary or scholarship. We are committed to ensuring an MCS education is open to the brightest pupils, no matter their personal circumstances.
- Junior School
“The Junior School is a very busy and happy school and here, a smile goes a long way.”
- Senior School
28 of our pupils achieved 10 or more 8 or 9 grades in 2024. - Sixth Form
Over 25% of our Sixth Form pupils take up places at Oxford and Cambridge every year.
- Supporting MCS
In 2023-24 MCS received over £448,000 in donated funds. 70% was spent on bursaries, 17% on partnership activities and 13% on pupil activities.
- About MCS
MCS ranks among the top independent secondary schools, and in 2024 was awarded Independent School of the Year for our contribution to social mobility.
- Admissions
Approximately 1 in 10 pupils receive a bursary or scholarship. We are committed to ensuring an MCS education is open to the brightest pupils, no matter their personal circumstances.
- Junior School
“The Junior School is a very busy and happy school and here, a smile goes a long way.”
- Senior School
28 of our pupils achieved 10 or more 8 or 9 grades in 2024.
- Sixth Form
Over 25% of our Sixth Form pupils take up places at Oxford and Cambridge every year.
- Supporting MCS
In 2023-24 MCS received over £448,000 in donated funds. 70% was spent on bursaries, 17% on partnership activities and 13% on pupil activities.
Welcome
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role involves leading the School’s partnership and community engagement programme. This work underpins our fourth aim,  which sets out our ambition to equip Magdalen College School pupils to make a positive and lasting contribution to their communities. We often see our pupils at their very best when they are involved in partnership activities, and for many their experiences in this area will be a highlight of their time at school.
We have a growing band of teaching colleagues who have up to a quarter of their timetable dedicated to partnership work. Moreover, nearly a fifth of all our teachers spend one afternoon a week, alongside our lower sixth form pupils, in schools, care homes and charitable organisations across Oxford as part of our Community Service programme. I ask all our teaching and support staff colleagues to see their work through the prism of partnership and to consider how to open up their work to our friends and neighbours. I encourage you to visit our profile on the Schools Together website, and to read through our latest Partnerships and Sustainability Report to get a flavour of the work we do.
At MCS, we speak of partnership rather than outreach, as we place a high value on the shared benefits of working with others. We continually seek new collaborations, so please do get in touch if you would like to explore an idea or project. Our primary focus involves working with our neighbours in Oxford’s OX4 postcode area, but our reach extends far beyond to encompass city-wide, regional and national projects.
Dr S R Crawford
Deputy Head (Education Development)
We aim to equip our pupils to make a positive and lasting contribution to their communities, both now and in the future.
This ambition, embedded as one of our four aims, represents part of the school’s identity and it offers pupils vital preparation for a fulfilling life beyond the classroom.
Located at Magdalen bridge, looking both towards the city centre and towards east Oxford, MCS is well placed to collaborate with our neighbouring communities. Our partnership projects are varied and diverse, and offer exciting opportunities to share ideas, resources and expertise, to the benefit both of our neighbours and our pupils. The majority of our teaching colleagues contribute to some aspect of our partnership work, and we have a team of Partnership Co-ordinators responsible for sustaining existing links and developing new projects.
Amount of hours of voluntary service given by MCS Sixth Form pupils each year
Children enjoyed author talks arranged by MCS in 2022-23
The amount of money raised for charity by MCS pupils in 2022-23
Our Partnerships Programme
Each year the school coordinates and hosts a wide range of partnership projects and events, professional development meetings for fellow teachers, and academic, cultural and sporting enrichment for local children. Key elements in an extensive programme are a pioneering Oxford Festival of the Arts, a Summer School for Gifted and Talented primary school children, and open days for aspiring medics and engineers. In all these areas, we aim to support our community by creating connections between people, and by bringing them together in enriching, collaborative activity.
Approximate proportion of pupils in receipt of a bursary award at MCS
Number of organisations in partnership with MCS in the last five years
Contribution MCS makes to UK GDP
Community Service Organisation (CSO)
Through the school’s Community Service Organisation (CSO), Lower Sixth pupils spend one afternoon each week volunteering in the community. The placements in which the pupils take part are varied, offering each individual an opportunity to unearth that which captures their imagination. Activities range from mentoring primary school pupils with Maths and English; running clubs in chess, languages, film and sport; providing reading support; producing art work for the walls of local hospitals; performing concerts in schools and care homes; and offering company and entertainment for care home residents. Each year, a number of pupils choose to continue volunteering at their placement beyond the end of the Lower Sixth.
A key part of the Sixth Form curriculum, CSO enables pupils to develop their understanding of the world around them, and of the contribution they can make to it; to grow to in confidence and develop skills of team work, organisation, communication and problem solving. For some, it offers a valuable insight into a professional vocation; for all, it offers a rewarding, illuminating and enjoyable chance to engage with the wider community.
Find out more
For the full scope of MCS partnership activities, read our Partnerships and Sustainability Report 2024 here:
or visit our page on Schools Together.
