Cherwell vs Swan Schools

[ChefWannabe]

Hi there,

We are considering moving to Oxford from London and good secondary schools are high on our list. Going private is out of the question so we would really like to get into Cherwell School. From previous Mumsnet posts, it looks like the school is extremely oversubscribed and many children within the catchment area are not getting a place.

We are looking in areas around Marston and Headington as they are, theoretically, within the catchment for Cherwell and also easy to hop into the Oxford tube. Does anybody know what is the real, latest catchment area for the school? Otherwise, does anybody have experience or know more about the new Swan School? It is run by the same academy group that runs Cherwell so I have high hopes as a second option but I know this can be a bit hit and miss.

Thanks so much in advance!

Headington main is pretty far from Cherwell and chances are you don’t get in. If you’re looking at Marston/headington boundary, you will be okay up to the lakes area ending in Bowness Avenue, old Marston, new Marston up to old marston road, most of summer town (e.g till Victoria road) and parts of Jericho. Of course changes year to year but lots of kids are split between swan and Cherwell now easing the pressure on Cherwell. Good luck with house hunting.

Hi Alchemyst, this is super helpful, thank you!
Do you know any more about Swan School? It is encouraging it is run by the same Trust as Cherwell but so difficult to know when it's a new school - no Ofsted nor students' results available yet.

Also, thanks for wishing me luck - not much housing stock available at all. We'll need to rent for a while for sure until we find the house that fits our criteria and budget.

I have a child at The Swan and he's thriving. Great teaching, lovely buliding. Always giving lots of positive feedback to students. Really encouraging. You might hear loads about it being "strict" but that really doesn't represent what it's like in practice - clear rules, consistently implemented, calmly and respectfully. So the classes are really calm - not silent at all, just without the kind of daily disruption I hear about in other secondaries. I'd go and visit if you can.

Apologies for the late response. Just saw this. As oldymouldy says the Swan is brand new, good labs etc and have heard positive things from parents. One major difference between them is -the Cherwell streams their class based on abilities, where as the Swan does not do this. You can argue on which approach is better on an individual vs social basis etc. but end of the day, I guess most will Judge the school based on results, which is not available yet for the Swan. Also look at extra curricular activities (orchestra, choir,drama, sports etc). These are well established at the Cherwell and is in the process of getting established at the Swan. My guess is either will be fine in the long run. Hope you find your place soon. Best.