Oxford Sandhills schools

[Rocklox]

Hello, Does anyone have any knowledge of schools in Sandhills Oxford? It appears the local primary was in special measures -- has it improved, is it a school you would send your children too. How about secondaries in the area - I think Endevour would be our nearest one, with Cheney school around 1.8 miles away, possibly just in the catchement area? We are thinking of moving to the area. Any info appreciated, thank you!

Endeavour School is a specialist school and children's home for children with autism and sever learning difficulties.
If you're looking at mainstream schools then yes it would be Sandhills primary and maybe The Swan, Wheatley Park or Cheney.
IMO, the head at Sandhills is pretty unimaginative. If you want an exciting, stimulating and creative place of learning, then you might be frustrated. Depends what you want. Many primaries in Oxford are full to bursting though, so you may have to take a place where you can. Check first!

Thank you for your response. Do you know anything about Cheney? I met someone recently who said avoid at all costs but someone else who said they knew someone who was there and they were happy with it.

Traditionally Cheney had a very bad reputation however I have no idea now what it’s like.
Wheatley Park & Cherwell are both good secondary’s.

I'm a few years out of date with Cheney, but a few years ago I knew families who a) liked it, b) didn't like it but stayed, c) didn't like it and moved schools after 1 year. (All 3 pupils went on to top universities)
I doubt you'd get into Cherwell from Sandhills area. Always worth trying though of course.

Swan looks good so far I reckon. I think they keep the pupils pretty much in line. Very young staff if that has anything to do with anything. Just an observation. It is noticeable though that there is a lack of 'more mature' teachers there.

Around us, the last 2-3 years children have not only not got into Cherwell, but not got into Cheney. When the Swan opened last year, families that should have had a "choice" were offered schools in Witney and Abingdon so had not real alternative to being in the first Swan school cohort. We're closer to Cherwell then Sandhills, and perhaps similar or slightly closer to Cheney.

I've heard positive things about Cheney and had the impression of a shift in the population going there for a few years now (thinking of one family whose eldest is now in 6th form for example). Possibly that a number of areas where children used to get into Cherwell started ending up at Cheney, for example. That shift has perhaps raised the overall expectations and aspirations within the school in general.

(however, we've used independent schools so my impressions are only from what I've gathered talking to friends and neighbours)