The school consists of 7 different blocks, mainly separated into different subject groups. There have been an extensive site improvement programme seeing the replacement of prefabricated buildings with purpose designed brick-built buildings. The three new blocks consist of a new music block, Humanities block and Sixth Form Block. Each of these blocks has been built in a similar style, often incorporating a cross in different coloured bricks. 2012 has seen a major refurbishment of the Maths/Science block with Maths moving to A Block and the labs being update in 3 phases with completion eventually around Summer 2013. The grounds incorporate many mature oak trees, giving the site its name. The White House, which houses admin and religious education, is a Palladian structure built for General Napier.
Ofsted
The school received a 'Good' Ofsted report in 2017, however were accredited, with 'many outstanding features'.
Section 48
The school received an 'outstanding' section 48 report in 2019.
The Religious Education department offers a GCSE course that is compulsory for all students; the course is an AQA course and students learn about two religions, Catholic Christianity and Judaism. They also study themes. An A level course is also available for sixth form students, educating about the new testament, and the 'themes' on the course at the time.
Maths
The maths department located in the upper floors of Thomas More block, offering GCSE and A level courses. The maths department uses e-education resources such as MathsWatch and MathsBuster for student homework tasks. Students can choose their exam board for this subject.
Music
The music department offers GCSE and A level music and instrument tuition. There are currently three school bands, the Oaklands band, the Concert band, and the Big band. For GCSE the exam board is AQA.
Geography
The Geography department is situated in the top of new John Paul II block. The team teach for GCSE and A level.
Technology
The technology department located in Angelico block accommodates Art, Electronics, textiles, metal work, photography and resistant materials. The food preparation technology is located in the 2 new kitchens on John Henry Newman block. A GCSE course is available in all technology subjects. A level courses are available but only in fine art and design.
The school uniform was for the September 2009 academic year, now fully implemented. The colours are navy blue and royal blue. All students must wear the Eco-Blazer with the school crest ; boys wear a plain white shirt and striped school tie and navy trousers; girls may wear either navy blue trousers or a stitched down pleated skirt with a short sleeved navy and white striped v-neck blouse. The expense of the uniform caused controversy in 2009, due to the expense of the uniform excluding the PE kit. A press release was submitted on the school website claiming many of the facts written by the newspaper articles are incorrect, and that the uniform was very hard wearing due to its materials however, many of the products are available for less in different stores. As a response to the controversy, the school started a '' shop where the uniform could be brought cheaper.
