Many children will be starting secondary school in the Oxford area next September (2025) and lots of parents will soon have choices to make about where to send them.

If you've not yet made your decision and are worried you are running out of time, you're in luck as we've rounded up the best-rated schools in the area.

Using Ofsted ratings, we've found the secondary schools rated the best under outstanding status.

The results are listed for the Oxford area with each of the ratings correct as of October 15, 2024. 

You can see all the Ofsted ratings for local schools in the Oxford area via the Ofsted website here.

The Cherwell School

Category: Secondary

Marston Ferry Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 7EE

Rating: Outstanding

Latest report: December 2, 2022

The Iffley Academy

Category: Special School

Iffley Turn, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 4DU

Rating: Outstanding

Latest report: September 18, 2024

Oxfordshire Hospital School

Category: Special School

61-63 Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 6SB

Rating: Outstanding

Latest report: July 28, 2023

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Oxford school rated 'Outstanding' after Ofsted inspection

The Iffley Academy in Oxford rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted

What is 'outstanding'?

In 'outstanding' schools, there's a deep-rooted culture of respect and good discipline among pupils, staff, parents and visitors, and: Behaviour is excellent. There are good, clear disciplinary procedures in place that are followed consistently.

Providers judged 'outstanding' for overall effectiveness are not normally subject to routine inspection and can go a decade without the education watchdog revisiting.

However, they may receive a full inspection if its performance declines or if there are risks, such as potential safeguarding concerns.