The Bicester School, Bicester

In its own words: "It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to our exceptional school, where I am honoured to have taken up the role of Headteacher. To be leading such an excellent secondary school and thriving sixth form is both a privilege and a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly."

From the headteacher's welcome: "There’s never been a better time to join our Sixth Form, so apply by clicking here now. At The Bicester School, we offer a comprehensive support package that facilitates students to achieve a wide range of inspiring futures, whether that’s employment, apprenticeships, or university education. Our Sixth Form is more than just academic success."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, tennis, basketball, badminton, swimming, yoga, drama, ukulele, guitar and chess.

Coming up: an open evening on Thursday 12 November 2026 at 5.30pm. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2026, pupils at The Bicester School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 47.3, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 45.2 in Oxfordshire and 47 across England.

46% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 45% in Oxfordshire and 47% in England.

That is in line with 2025, when the score was 47.9.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was -0.16: pupils made below 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 32.9, against 51.3 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 18.4 points.

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

For September 2026 entry, 184 families put The Bicester School as their first choice and 385 named it as one of their preferences, for 233 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state secondary schools to The Bicester School are The Cooper School (0.8 miles, Requires improvement, Attainment 8 43.9); Whitelands Academy (0.8 miles, Good, Attainment 8 45.5); and Heyford Park School (4.3 miles, Good, Attainment 8 39.7).

The Bicester School's 2026 results were higher than all 3 of them.

The Bicester School is one of 6 schools run by Activate Learning Education Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's secondary schools, pupils averaged an Attainment 8 score of 40.3 in 2024/25.

Of the 264 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 85% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 42% to a further education college, 2% to an apprenticeship and 5% into work.

Of the 84 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 48% went on to university or other higher education, 10% to apprenticeships and 32% into work. 10% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

15.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 223 pupils (19%) received SEN support and 20 (1.7%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a moderate learning difficulty.

The nearest railway station is Bicester North Rail Station, about 780 metres away (roughly a 10-minute walk).

13 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Community College (outside), 130 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 250 crimes within a mile of the school, most often shoplifting, violence and sexual offences 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, The Bicester School issued 148 suspensions, 12.4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 2 permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to The Bicester School are St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Bicester (0.1 miles); Brookside Primary School (0.2 miles); King's Meadow Primary School (0.6 miles); and Longfields Primary and Nursery School (0.6 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.