Best Schools in Oxford 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 45 schools and nurseries in Oxford — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Oxford has 45 schools educating over 18,000 pupils in one of the world's most famous university cities. The city offers a unique educational environment where school pupils grow up surrounded by academic excellence, historic architecture and world-class museums.
Oxford's schools range from high-performing comprehensives like Cherwell School and Oxford Spires Academy to leading independent schools including Magdalen College School and Oxford High School. The city's primary schools benefit from strong community engagement and proximity to university resources.
Oxford at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Oxford
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Michael's CofE Primary School, Oxford City | Oxford | Good | 86% | — | — |
| West Oxford Community Primary School | Oxford | Good | 80% | — | — |
| Wolvercote Primary School | Oxford | Good | 80% | — | — |
| New Marston Primary School | Oxford | Good | 78% | — | — |
| East Oxford Primary School | Oxford | Good | 76% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Oxford
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cherwell School | Oxford | Outstanding | +0.88 | 79% | 48% |
| The Swan School | Oxford | Good | +0.55 | 77% | 83% |
| Oxford Spires Academy | Oxford | Good | +0.53 | 69% | 43% |
| Cheney School | Oxford | Good | +0.19 | 64% | 41% |
| Greyfriars Catholic School | Oxford | Good | -0.04 | 56% | 15% |
Admissions in Oxford — Key Dates
Oxfordshire County Council coordinates admissions for state schools. Secondary applications closed on 31 October 2025 with offers on 1 March 2026. Primary applications close on 15 January 2026 with offers on 16 April 2026. Apply through oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Oxford?
Cherwell School and The Oxford Academy are well-regarded state secondaries. Magdalen College School and Oxford High School are top independents. At primary level, many Oxford schools achieve strong KS2 results.
Are there grammar schools in Oxford?
No. Oxford has no state grammar schools. The nearest selective schools are in Buckinghamshire and Reading. Oxford operates a comprehensive admissions system.
How competitive are school admissions in Oxford?
Competitive for popular schools, particularly in areas like Summertown and Jericho. Admission distances for sought-after primaries can be tight. Classpot shows oversubscription data for all Oxford schools.
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