Cheney School
106%
Capacity
1,704
Pupils
2.5x
Demand
About Cheney School
Cheney School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Oxford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,704 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (106% of 1,615 places).
Ofsted has rated Cheney School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Rob Pavey, it falls under Oxfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.19 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 1096th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 7 in Oxford.
Cheney School is a popular choice with families — it received 678 applications for 268 places, making it 2.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 218 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Cheney School include Sports Hall, Theatre, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Dance, Rugby, Cross Country and 4 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Choir, Eco Club, Chess and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 26.2%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Oxford, Cheney School is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Cheney Lane, Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7QH |
| Headteacher | Rob Pavey |
| Local Authority | Oxfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,704 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 26.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,704 / 1,615 (106% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (21 Sept 2023): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Feb 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.19)
1096th of 3,141
Nationally
174th of 461
In South East
4th of 7
In Oxford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
39.0
'22/23
37.1
'23/24
36.8
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed268
678
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
218 families put this school as their 1st choice (32% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheney School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Cheney Lane, Oxford
Oxford, OX3 7QH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
