Gosford Hill School
Kidlington, OX5 2NT · Oxfordshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
35th of 40 secondary schools in Oxfordshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 891 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2/10 among them, against 3.8/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 13 | 35% | 0.47 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 44.0 · 47 | 30% | 1.42 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.36 · 23 | 25% | 0.58 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.1 · 45 | 10% | 0.45 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Gosford Hill School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 41.5% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.36 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9 out of 10 among them, against 3.7 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the German Club, Soul Band, Junior Orchestra, Kidlington Schools Brass Band, and PALS Drop In Sessions, or pursue the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The school offers a School Production and organises trips to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Ypres, and the Imperial War Museum.
Getting in
The published school roll is 825 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,100. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
With a Progress 8 score of -0.36, how does the school support students to improve their progress from their starting point? How does the new Ofsted framework affect the current teaching priorities? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise
What Ofsted said about Gosford Hill School
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders place the "best interests of pupils at the centre of its work" and provide strong academic and pastoral support. While most aspects of education meet the expected standard, attendance and behaviour during social times require further attention to ensure all pupils achieve their potential.
Strengths
- Teachers possess "detailed subject knowledge" and use assessment data to "address any gaps in pupils’ knowledge" effectively.
- Inclusive practices are "implemented well across the school," ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve in line with peers.
- The sixth form is highly regarded, with students described as "motivated, curious and independent learners" who are well prepared for future pathways.
- Staff feel "well supported" by leaders who provide "high-quality professional development" matched to improvement priorities.
- Pupils benefit from a "wide range of extra opportunities," including popular sports clubs and lunchtime activities that promote engagement.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure pupils’ attendance improves so they can "maximise their opportunities for learning."
- Effective behavioural support is needed for pupils who face barriers, particularly to address "derogatory language" and concerns about bullying during social times.
- Leaders should check that "all aspects of the curriculum support pupils to achieve highly," noting that some areas, including key stage 5, are not as well developed as others.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 45.2 |
| 2024/25 | 45.3 |
| 2025/26 | 45.1 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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