Junior boys at Magdalen College School lead busy lives! Many of them are members of the Junior Orchestra or receive musical tuition in a wide range of instruments. There is individual and group tuition and there are plenty of opportunities for public performance in both formal and informal concerts. Boys greatly enjoy such opportunities as the Junior School Entertainment or the Junior Play, as well as assembly 'sketches' and curriculum drama, for developing their interest in acting and the stage. Our chess players have several times been gold award winners in the National Primary Schools' Chess Championships, and Junior boys have gone on to put MCS in the final eight of The BCF British Chess Championships, and even to play for England. There is a thriving art club, plenty of extra sport for those who want it, numerous societies and regular excursions as well as educational excursions.

The emphasis in PE is on learning through a range of physical activities where participation and good-natured competition are encouraged. There is a full sporting fixture list in football, hockey, cricket and tennis; mini tours occur in most years, including a football tour to the Channel Islands. Boys have swimming lessons and New Image rugby is taught to the older pupils. The Junior School has an excellent record in its fixtures with prep and primary schools. MCS cricketers were Southern champtions in the 8-a-side Daily Telegraph Under 11 Hardball competition in 2000 and county winners of the Oxfordshire Kwik Cricket festival. There is weekly after-school coaching in all major sports.