The Cherwell School
109%
Capacity
2,008
Pupils
4.1x
Demand
About The Cherwell School
The Cherwell School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Oxford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 2,008 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (109% of 1,850 places).
the school is led by headteacher Chris Price, it falls under Oxfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.88 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 58.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, placing it in the top 5% of schools nationally. Additionally, ranked 133rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 7 in Oxford.
The Cherwell School is a popular choice with families — it received 1,056 applications for 255 places, making it 4.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 360 were first-preference applications.
The Cherwell School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.7/5 from 2 parents).
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 The Cherwell School include Theatre, Library, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Swimming, Cricket, Dance and 3 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Drama, Choir, Eco Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 17.6%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Oxford, The Cherwell 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 | Marston Ferry Road, Oxford, Oxford, OX2 7EE |
| Headteacher | Chris Price |
| Local Authority | Oxfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 2,008 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 17.6% |
| School Capacity | 2,008 / 1,850 (109% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Oct 2022Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 1 Dec 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.88)
133rd of 3,141
Nationally
18th of 461
In South East
1st of 7
In Oxford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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
43.4
'22/23
36.8
'23/24
37.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed255
1,056
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
360 families put this school as their 1st choice (34% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Cherwell 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
Marston Ferry Road, Oxford
Oxford, OX2 7EE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
Opening Hours
Similar Schools Nearby
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at The Cherwell School!
Write a Review