The Cherwell School

The Cherwell School is a mixed, non-selective academy for ages 11 to 18 in Oxford, with a sixth form. It is large: 2008 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1850. Around 17.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals and 25.9% speak English as an additional language. 13.6% receive SEN support and 3.64% have an EHC plan.

Results are consistently well above England. In 2024-25, 66.2% of pupils achieved grade 5+ in English and maths (England 45.3%) and 79.2% achieved grade 4+ (England 65%). Attainment 8 was 58.3 against 46.3 nationally. The figure for grade 5+ has stayed in a similar range over three years: 68% in 2022-23 and 64.8% in 2023-24. Progress 8 was 0.95 and 0.88 in those years, well above the national average of 0; it is not published for 2024-25.

In the sixth form, the average A-level grade was B in 2024-25, up from B- in the two previous years, and 34.3% achieved AAB+ in facilitating subjects (England 15.8%).

What Ofsted found

Ofsted inspected the school on 19 and 20 October 2022 and judged it Outstanding overall and in all five areas, including sixth-form provision. This was its first inspection as an academy.

The report describes pupils who "learn deeply and achieve highly from Year 7 through to Year 13", teachers with expert subject knowledge, and a calm, orderly atmosphere. Inspectors found staff "identify pupils' needs accurately and meet them precisely" for pupils with SEND, including in the two resourced provisions (one for hearing impairment, one for autism and speech, language and communication needs). Pastoral care, careers guidance and the social well-being curriculum were also praised.

The report sets no formal areas for improvement. It did note that leaders were "still re-establishing enrichment and extra-curricular activities" after the pandemic. The school's website now says it runs over 30 clubs and societies, which parents may want to ask about.

How it compares nearby

The Swan School, 0.8 miles away, has similar results (68.3% grade 5+ in English and maths) and an Ofsted rating of Good. Matthew Arnold School, 3.0 miles away, is close too at 65.2%, though no Ofsted grade is listed for it in the data used here. Other nearby schools have lower figures: Cheney School (2.2 miles, 48.6%), Oxford Spires Academy (2.8 miles, 49.8%), Gosford Hill School (2.9 miles, 41.5%) and Greyfriars Catholic School (2.9 miles, 28.9%).

Who it may suit

The Cherwell may suit academically motivated children who would do well in a big, diverse school with a large sixth form. Its resourced provisions and the strong SEND findings make it worth a look for families of children with hearing impairment or autism. The school's website says it is a non-uniform school, which some families will value.

Because the school is over capacity, the main question is whether you can get a place. The school's website says applications for Years 7 to 11 go through Oxfordshire County Council and that a catchment map is published. Check the admissions arrangements before relying on it as a first choice.

May suit: Families wanting an academically strong, inclusive comprehensive with a large sixth form, including children with SEND who may benefit from its specialist resourced provisions.

Drafted with the help of AI tools from our research notes and the sources above, then checked and edited by EduNavigate Research Team before publishing.

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