Kingham School and state schools N Oxford

[StephG1912]

We are looking for good state school around north Oxfordshire for our two children 11 & 13. We are currently living in Hong Kong but looking to relocate next sumner. I hope to get them into good state school schools if possible ( need a house first!) but have no clue which ones are any good in this area. Alternatively we could afford Kingham at a push ( the rest are out of our price range). Does anyone have any experience of Kingham or opinions/advice on any state schools. I have to assume we may not get them into a preferred state as they will be entering in Years 8 and 10 next summer hence the Kingham back up. I wish we could stretch the budget but sadly not. Many thanks

[StephG1912]

Sorry about typos!

[HPFA]

Cherwell has a fantastic reputation and Cheney is decent too. However schools in Oxford are very full - suggest you contact the education authority first to see what places might be available.

[roguedad]

How bright or academic are your kids, and what's you're attitude to religion? We ruled out Kingham due to middling academics and too much God. Getting into Cherwell catchment is a good solution if you can find a house.

[StephG1912]

We are not religious at all, my husband is atheist! Hmmmmm maybe I should be concerned?! It’s hard to know their abilities as they have only been in the international system - I’d say slightly above average, daughter a little sporty boy not but enjoys and is good at science, design etc... They are all send to classes of 15-20 and a relatively small school. I’m worried about big schools!

[StephG1912]

Sorry I meant they are used to small classes

[roguedad]

There's a lot to be said for coming over a visit well in advance, looking around at a few schools and forming your own judgement on the fit to your children's needs and your family expectations. I've become rather intolerant of the promotion of religion in schools - you might not be bothered by it. They offer a Theology GCSE (fortunately not apparently compulsory), which appears to be entirely focused on Christianity and Judaism. In my view that is not a remotely good enough approach to school RS.

[HPFA]

Not sure why you've ruled out other private schools? For instance, Our Lady's in Abingdon is actually cheaper than Kingham for day pupils and is a lot closer to Oxford Or are you wanting them to board?

[ksb76]

My DC will be starting at Kingham - moving from an international school this term. Definitely go have a look. We loved the feel, opportunities it offered and the academics, which are good but not ridiculously pressured. Did not feel that religion was being pushed at all - not mentioned once during our discussions with the school prior to or during visits. I accept that most private schools in the uk have a religious base to them though, more so than state.

[StephG1912]

Many thanks, we plan to come over and look at options before Christmas.