In a podcast where Dragons interviewed their new headteacher, ‘Ma Goldsmith’ comes across as very warm, approachable, and down to earth. Dr Hyde-Dunn was a popular head who had a flair for innovation during his time at the school, when he successfully launched the Dragon QUEST Saturday enrichment programme and flexible boarding options. A mother of four, she succeeded Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn as the 12th Head of the Dragon.Ī former English teacher, Mrs Goldsmith says the “future is full of possibilities”, and she had a tough act to follow. Mrs Goldsmith has knowledge of both prep and senior schools she was previously Head of Winchester House School, and Deputy Head at Bloxham School where she also worked as Housemistress and set up the first girls’ boarding house. However, there are hints of a much s maller, family-friendly feel to this school: students take morning ‘Bun Breaks’, senior teachers are known as “Ma” followed by their surname, and a there’s a regular light-hearted podcast hosted by students.Įmma Goldsmith (known as Ma Goldsmith) took over as Head of Dragon School, Oxford in September 2021. With its enviable riverside location, the Dragon is one of the UK’s largest prep schools – it has around 800 students. Old Dragons include Emma Watson, Jack Whitehall, Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, and Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick. Today, the Dragon (named in honour of St George) offers a broad curriculum enriched with plenty of music, sport and after-school clubs, an activities-based Saturday programme, and dedicated reasoning and preparation lessons for senior school exams and scholarships. Around a third of Year 8 Dragons gain academic or specialist scholarships.įounded in 1877 as the Oxford Preparatory School to educate the sons of Oxford University dons (professors), Dragon School has evolved to become a progressive co-ed school with a very international student community representing 30 different nationalities. It combines a well-rounded curriculum with bespoke support on moving to senior schools – and the school has a track record of sending children onto some of the UK’s most selective private schools including Harrow, Eton College, Wycombe Abbey, Oundle, Magdalen College School and Wellington College.

A prep school with an innovative Saturday programme, a very active music department, and a track record of sending girls and boys to some of the UK’s top senior schools.ĭragon School, Oxford is a co-ed day and boarding Pre-prep and Prep School for four to 13 year olds.

Dragon school, oxford alumni