Best 3 Secondary schools in Oxford – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: The Cherwell School (Secondary) in Oxford; Oxford Spires Academy (Secondary) in Oxford; The Swan School (Secondary) in Oxford — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares The Cherwell School, Oxford Spires Academy and The Swan School. They are secondary phase and academy converter, academy sponsor led and free schools type located around Oxford, Oxfordshire and Oxford. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (The Cherwell School), published Dec 2022. The lowest is 2 (Oxford Spires Academy), published Jan 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Oxford Spires Academy (Jan 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,400, combined total ≈ 4,250, typical FSM 20–25%, range 15–20%–25–30%; spread across trusts such as River Learning Trust and ANTHEM SCHOOLS TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	The Cherwell School OX2 7EE	Oxford Spires Academy OX4 2AU	The Swan School OX2 7WP
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy sponsor led	Secondary • Free schools
Location	Oxford Oxfordshire OX2 7EE	Oxford OX4 2AU	Oxford OX2 7WP
Latest Ofsted	1 1 Dec 2022	2 18 Jan 2024	2 28 Nov 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 2,000 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,300 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 950 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1850	1050	1260
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	River Learning Trust	ANTHEM SCHOOLS TRUST	River Learning Trust
Website	www.cherwell.oxon.sch.uk	www.oxfordspiresacademy.org	www.theswanschool.org.uk
Telephone	01865558719	01865428200	01865416070
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

The Cherwell School

OX2 7EE

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX2 7EE
Ofsted: 1 1 Dec 2022
Pupils: ≈ 2,000 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: River Learning Trust
Website: www.cherwell.oxon.sch.uk
Telephone: 01865558719

Oxford Spires Academy

OX4 2AU

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Oxford
OX4 2AU
Ofsted: 2 18 Jan 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,300 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: ANTHEM SCHOOLS TRUST
Website: www.oxfordspiresacademy.org
Telephone: 01865428200

The Swan School

OX2 7WP

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Oxford
OX2 7WP
Ofsted: 2 28 Nov 2023
Pupils: ≈ 950 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: River Learning Trust
Website: www.theswanschool.org.uk
Telephone: 01865416070

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Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.