Oxford schools - help please!

[AzureZebra]

We would be grateful for any current feedback please - we are moving to Oxford (from within the UK) and would welcome any advice about Oxford state schools.
We've narrowed down our search to West Oxford (North Hinksey or West Oxford Primary) and Jericho/North Oxford (Phil and Jim, St Aloysius and Wolvercote Primary).
We have visited all the schools and liked them all but would like to hear from parents who have their children there or general opinions about the schools as it's difficult to gather without knowing other parents in the area.
We're still trying to find somewhere to live as well but will be doing this according to the school.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

do any of these schools have spaces?
are you aware of the house prices in these areas?

Absolutely avoid Phil and Jim, unless you are prepared to teach your DC at home from A-Z, including the basics of reading. It's a chaotic school with a lot of behaviour problems and without any leadership.

I'd go with Wolvercote or St Aloysius. In Wolvercote you will only get a place if you live near the school and in the catchment. St Aloysius used to have spaces, but with St Barnabas being rated Ofsted requires improvement, and problems at Phil and Jim, it might be oversubscribed as well.

In North Hinksey or Hinksey you might be in a better position.

hasn't phil and jim got a new head now?

Thank you very much for your replies - very useful to know about P&J. We're aware a new head started recently but not familiar with the issues you've mentioned.

We've managed to secure a house near West Oxford Primary School now but only visited it briefly and haven't had the chance to meet the Head or any other parents. Any feedback on this one at all?
Alternatively, we're considering North Hinksey Primary which should have places

Many thanks in advance

Absolutely avoid Phil and Jim

That's fascinating, 15 years ago it was one of the most sought after primaries in the city.

The times have changed. 15 years ago Britain was in the EU. That’s fascinating. But seriously, it’s not a good school. They should have gotten requires improvement on their latest report, and that’s only if you overlook their failings in safeguarding (my DC attended this school, very sadly, until last year) - if ofsted were checking property, the school would be now rated as inadequate. I hear they still struggle to retain staff and still haven’t found a new permanent head. I suspect the problems there must run deep. (PS posting about P&J)

I'm sorry to hear about your experiences with P&J, I also believed it was a sought-after school but looks like things have changed.

Does anyone have any updated info about West Oxford Primary School and/or North Hinksey Primary School? We'll likely go to one of these based on where we're moving to in Oxford.

Many thanks in advance!

I have a few friends whose DCs go to North Hinksey Primary. They are very happy with it!

If you’re buying in west Oxford/hinksey, you could look at St Ebbes too. It’s wonderful.

what year(s) do you need spaces in?

Phil & Jim - massively oversubscribed and difficult to get a place.

St Aloysius - catholic school (they will ask for a certificate of baptism, not compulsory but it will be a selection criteria)

Have you thought about schools just outside Oxford, in the villages?

Your advice is certainly out of date. P&J has many places, so does St Aloysius. These days you get a place there even if you apply with a London address. However, I’d avoid P&J for the reasons given above.

PS also have friends whose kids go to St Ebbe’s and they love it.

Thank you all, in response to a comment above we're looking for a place in reception this September.

St Ebbes and West Oxford are both heavily subscribed. If you’re a late applicant you can try for them, but might find you’ve a better chance at North Hinksey.

Both my children went to Phil & Jim it was fine but big problems with the then head who did go on to leave after an investigation. It was a good enough school but if your child struggles in any way or needs extra help it’s not great - they didn't then give the kids enough support. It’s in a really nice area though and there’s a lovely park right next to it which is really great after school especially in the summer. But wherever you choose make sure you are in the catchment for Cherwell secondary. It’s fantastic.

@Solonomi interesting. I didn't know there had been an investigation. Are you able to PM me the vague reason?

It was a long time ago! I don’t think any need to know the details now?

oh right. so not the head that's just left? I used to visit the school a couple of years ago. I thought she seemed pretty good. Maybe not?

West Oxford primary is great I know several people with kids there. As is Mathew Arnold as a secondary. West office has a nice community.

It was the head before - I believe the head that’s just left was good, I don’t know a lot about the school now and didn’t realise the newer head had even left. Sorry for the confusion! It’s still a decent school as far as I’m aware but wasn’t great for kids who needed more attention when mine went there.

Matthew Arnold has gone downhill unfortunately. Stats are not looking good, especially maths. They’ve also had significant behaviour issues including police involvement. Parents I know are looking to move their kids and this years year 7 allocations show it’s no longer popular - they only just managed to fill it, and that included an offer to someone 12 miles away.

What to look for when searching for primary And secondary school?

Any help please