North Oxfordshire Academy
Banbury, OX16 0UD · Oxfordshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
15th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.4/10 against 740 of them, against 6.0/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 49.1 · 60 | 30% | 1.81 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.14 · 60 | 25% | 1.50 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.7 · 59 | 10% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
North Oxfordshire Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.14 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join cookery, animal care, leadership, and Duke of Edinburgh clubs. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,004 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,150. 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
How does the school support pupils in reaching the national median for Attainment 8? What specific support is available for students aiming for Duke of Edinburgh awards? How does the after-school club integrate with the wider curriculum?
What Ofsted said about North Oxfordshire Academy
Overview
North Oxfordshire Academy is described as a “caring and inclusive school” where staff “always put the needs of the children at the heart of everything they do.” The inspection confirms that the school continues to be good, with pupils receiving a “good all-round education” in a calm and orderly environment.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “ambitious” and well-organised, offering a broad range of academic and vocational pathways tailored to pupils’ aspirations.
- Teaching is effective, with teachers presenting information “clearly and logically” and checking understanding regularly to help pupils remember what they have been taught.
- Behaviour is positive, with “very clear expectations” and effective systems to resolve issues, contributing to a reduction in suspensions.
- Safeguarding is a “strength of the school,” with “meticulous records” and a shared responsibility for pupils’ safety and well-being.
- Careers education is “strong” and thoughtfully planned, ensuring meaningful post-16 choices for all pupils, including those with special educational needs.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should implement plans to introduce computer science in key stages 3 and 4, as the school currently does not offer a full computing course.
- Staff should provide more opportunities for high-attaining pupils to tackle complex questions to develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Leaders should continue strategies to reduce the number of pupils leaving the school mid-key stage for other destinations or home education.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and using reporting systems very well to ensure pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.6 |
| 2024/25 | 46.8 |
| 2025/26 | 47.7 |
| 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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