Sunday Times Schools Guide names MCS a Top 20 Independent School and top school in Oxfordshire

We are delighted that MCS has today been recognised in the prestigious Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2026 – as a Top 20 Independent School Nationally and a Top Ten Independent School in the South East, making us the highest ranking school in Oxfordshire.

Combining GCSE and A Level results alongside broader educational provision, the Guide is highly respected within the sector and this achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication of our pupils and staff.

This summer pupils celebrated outstanding success in their exams. In GCSEs, 61% of all grades were grade 9, with 83% grades 9-8 and 94% grades 9-7. Meanwhile, 93% of A Level grades were awarded at A*-B, with 81% at A*-A and 43% at A* – helping pupils to secure offers at some of the best universities in the UK and abroad.

Helen Pike, Master, said: “While academic success is the bedrock of life here, an MCS education is about so much more – and our pupils achieve so highly because of the richness of the extra-curricular experience we offer. A cast and crew of over 90 Sixth Form pupils were involved in last week’s joyous production of Singin’ in the Rain – all while revising for mocks and, in some cases, preparing for Oxbridge interviews. It is this holistic experience that is core to how we support pupils to become happy, fulfilled and rounded individuals – and the best version of themselves they can be.”