The Swan School
Oxford, OX2 7WP · Oxfordshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
5th 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 — 9.5/10 against 916 of them, against 9.0/10 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 | 73.2 · 92 | 30% | 2.76 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.55 · 86 | 25% | 2.14 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 60.1 · 92 | 10% | 0.92 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Swan School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2023. In 2024/25, 68.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 55.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.55 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join drama club, choir, orchestra, and jazz band, with an annual whole-school production. Sports include football, rounders, cricket, netball, athletics, rugby, volleyball, and basketball. The school offers a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and a breakfast club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,057 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,260. 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 to maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for higher grades in English and maths? How does the breakfast club integrate with the wider pastoral care for secondary students?
What Ofsted said about The Swan School
Overview
The Swan School is described as having a "vibrant culture" where pupils are "happy, safe and valued." The report highlights an "extremely ambitious and inclusive curriculum" that supports high academic standards and personal development for all students, including those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "excellent" behaviour and conduct, supported by a strong sense of pride in the school’s inclusive environment.
- Teaching is "consistently effective," with lessons that are "purposeful and calm," enabling pupils to embed learning over time.
- The "personal development programme" is a "strong and distinctive feature," helping pupils navigate complex real and online worlds safely.
- A "comprehensive reading strategy" precisely identifies gaps and provides targeted support, including pupil-chosen texts in Year 11.
- The careers programme makes "effective use of links with local employers," ensuring pupils are "very well prepared for future study and the world of work."
Areas to improve
- The school should refine curriculum design to ensure pupils can consistently "connect new knowledge to big ideas over time" across all subjects, as this is "not yet as strong in all areas."
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective" and that statutory duties are "fulfilled diligently."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 55.7 |
| 2024/25 | 55.4 |
| 2025/26 | 60.1 |
| 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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