Cheney School, Oxford

In its own words: "We are a school: we will educate a new generation to view the world critically, make their own decisions, and act in a way that benefits the wider community, not just themselves."

From the headteacher's welcome: "You can expect your Sixth Form studies to be challenging, rewarding and fun. We offer students a wide range of academic and extra-curricular activities and support to help them successfully transition to the next stage of life - whatever that might be. We offer stimulating A-Levels and BTECs, taught by an inspiring and committed group of professionals."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include basketball, debating, Duke of Edinburgh and cadets.

In 2026, pupils at Cheney School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 47, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 45.2 in Oxfordshire and 47 across England.

47% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 45% in Oxfordshire and 47% in England.

That is up from 46 in 2025.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was 0.19: pupils made above average progress compared with pupils nationally who started secondary school at the same level. Progress 8 was not published for 2026.

Disadvantaged pupils averaged an Attainment 8 of 30, against 52.6 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 22.6 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 25 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Combined Science, Geography and History.

For September 2026 entry, 228 families put Cheney School as their first choice and 659 named it as one of their preferences, for 260 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. 7 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Cheney School are Oxford Spires Academy (0.7 miles, Good, Attainment 8 47.7); Greyfriars Catholic School (1.1 miles, Good, Attainment 8 34.7); The Swan School (1.5 miles, Good, Attainment 8 60.1); and The Oxford Academy (2.1 miles, Requires improvement, Attainment 8 31.2).

Cheney School's 2026 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

Cheney School is one of 31 schools run by River Learning Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's secondary schools, pupils averaged an Attainment 8 score of 49.3 in 2024/25.

Of the 270 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 85% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 29% to a further education college, 2% to an apprenticeship and 2% into work.

Of the 134 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 57% went on to university or other higher education, 3% to apprenticeships and 26% into work. 39% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

30.5% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (41%), Asian (20%) and Mixed (12%).

The nearest railway station is Oxford Rail Station, about 2 miles away in a straight line.

13 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Warneford Hospital (opposite), 60 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 341 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Oxfordshire (52), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Cheney School issued 412 suspensions, 24.2 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 2 permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Cheney School are East Oxford Primary School (0.6 miles); St Michael's CofE Primary School, Oxford City (0.7 miles); Windmill Primary School (0.7 miles); and St Andrew's Church of England Primary School, Oxford (0.8 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.