John Mason School
96%
Capacity
995
Pupils
3.1x
Demand
About John Mason School
John Mason School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Vale of White Horse community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 995 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 1,040 places).
Ofsted has rated John Mason School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Alastair West, it falls under Oxfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.52 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 2636th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 8 in Vale of White Horse.
John Mason School is a popular choice with families — it received 419 applications for 137 places, making it 3.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 90 were first-preference applications.
John Mason School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 53% recommending the school (150 responses).
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 John Mason School include Library, Art Studios, Astro Turf, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Science Labs, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Football, Gymnastics, Swimming and 2 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Orchestra, Debate, Science Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 22.5%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Vale of White Horse, John Mason 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 | Wootton Road, Abingdon, Vale of White Horse, OX14 1JB |
| Headteacher | Alastair West |
| Local Authority | Oxfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 995 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 22.5% |
| School Capacity | 995 / 1,040 (96% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
11 Dec 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (11 Dec 2024): Some aspects not as strong
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Jun 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.52)
2636th of 3,141
Nationally
379th of 461
In South East
7th of 8
In Vale of White Horse
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less 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
37.7
'22/23
31.4
'23/24
36.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
150 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed137
419
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
90 families put this school as their 1st choice (21% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Mason 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
Wootton Road, Abingdon
Vale of White Horse, OX14 1JB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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