The Cherwell School
Oxford, OX2 7EE · Oxfordshire · secondary school
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3rd of 40 secondary schools in Oxfordshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.4/10 against 834 of them, against 9.1/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 64.9 · 87 | 30% | 2.60 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.88 · 96 | 25% | 2.39 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 58.9 · 91 | 10% | 0.91 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Cherwell School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2022. In 2024/25, 66.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 58.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.88 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those starting from the same place nationally. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 2,023 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,850. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who need to catch up in English and maths? How does the school maintain its Outstanding standards with a high intake?
What Ofsted said about The Cherwell School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils receive an "excellent education" and achieve "extremely well" across all key stages. Leaders maintain "high expectations" within a "vibrant culture" that respects differences and ensures pupils are safe from bullying.
Strengths
- The curriculum is described as "ambitious for all pupils" and a "cohesive journey" where learners "continually build on what they have previously learned."
- Staff possess "expert subject knowledge" and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "very well," identifying needs "accurately" and meeting them "precisely."
- Behaviour is "very respectful" in a "calm and orderly" atmosphere, with pupils being "highly committed to their education."
- Pastoral support is "insightful" and has a "clear impact on pupils’ well-being," particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable students.
- Leaders prioritise "character development" and provide effective careers guidance, with the "vast majority" of sixth-form students progressing to higher education.
Areas to improve
- The report notes that leaders are "still re-establishing enrichment and extra-curricular activities after the COVID-19 pandemic," though a wide range is already in place.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff being "knowledgeable, very well trained" and referring concerns to leaders "quickly," who then act with "urgency and expertise."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 58.4 |
| 2024/25 | 58.3 |
| 2025/26 | 58.9 |
| 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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