North Oxfordshire Academy
89%
Capacity
1,023
Pupils
2.5x
Demand
About North Oxfordshire Academy
North Oxfordshire Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Cherwell community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 1,023 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,150 places).
Ofsted has rated North Oxfordshire Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Ellie Jacobs, it falls under Oxfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.14 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.6. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1224th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 9 in Cherwell.
North Oxfordshire Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 433 applications for 172 places, making it 2.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 220 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at North Oxfordshire Academy include ICT Suite, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Gymnastics, Rowing, Rugby and 5 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Book Club, Newspaper, Art Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 30.1%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Cherwell, North Oxfordshire Academy 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 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Drayton Road, Banbury, Cherwell, OX16 0UD |
| Headteacher | Ellie Jacobs |
| Local Authority | Oxfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,023 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 30.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,023 / 1,150 (89% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
9 Nov 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (9 Nov 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 25 Feb 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.14)
1224th of 3,141
Nationally
191st of 461
In South East
2nd of 9
In Cherwell
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
35.6
'22/23
28.5
'23/24
33.4
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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed172
433
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
220 families put this school as their 1st choice (51% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Oxfordshire Academy
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
Drayton Road, Banbury
Cherwell, OX16 0UD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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