Whitelands Academy
Bicester, OX26 1AY · Oxfordshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
22nd 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 887 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0/10 among them, against 5.6/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 48.7 · 60 | 45% | 2.68 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 40% | 2.10 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.5 · 47 | 15% | 0.70 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Whitelands Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. The school’s Attainment 8 score was 46.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. 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 (6.7 out of 10 either way).
Getting in
The published school roll is 565 pupils against a stated capacity of 600. 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 35 places currently available, how does the school manage class sizes for new intakes? Since the last inspection was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils in reaching the 53.5% benchmark for English and maths?
What Ofsted said about Whitelands Academy
Overview
Leaders have created a "distinctive and vibrant school" where pupils are "well prepared to succeed academically and to become responsible citizens." The inspection highlights a "calm and orderly" environment underpinned by high expectations and a clear set of values, resulting in strong pupil engagement and respect.
Strengths
- Personal development is "outstanding," with a "very well planned" PSHE programme and a careers programme described as a "particular strength."
- The curriculum is "ambitious and challenging," notably in languages where all pupils study both French and Spanish.
- Reading is prioritised through daily guided lessons, with "specialist teaching" ensuring weaker readers "catch up quickly."
- Staff and pupils share "warm" relationships, and bullying is "rare" due to swift responses to incidents.
- Staff feel "well supported by leaders" and are trained in methods that "challenge and support all pupils."
Areas to improve
- Teachers do not always check carefully enough that pupils have understood key points, failing to address errors before moving on.
- Assessment for learning is not consistently used to help pupils embed knowledge or deepen understanding over time.
- A minority of parents, particularly those with children with SEND, feel the school does not respond to concerns in a "timely and effective manner."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff who are "highly vigilant" and an experienced team that acts quickly on concerns.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 46.4 |
| 2025/26 | 45.5 |
| 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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