Relocating to Oxford

[InTheFamilyTree]

My other half has just received a job offer, with accommodation in Summertown, Oxford. Our eldest is about to start reception in September & am wondering (and worrying!) what this means for a school place.

As we are applying so late in the year where are we likely to be allocated? I'm not driving currently and wonder if I may have to shlep across Oxford traffic with 3 small children twice a day

I'd guess your best bet would be to call Oxfordshire Admissions and find out if any schools in the area are undersubscribed? They will be able to tell you, based on postcode of accommodation if there are any nearby schools that have spaces.
I live in Oxfordshire and the admissions team is always really helpful.
Where I live, the vast majority of schools are oversubscribed but this may not be the case in Oxford itself, I don't know.

Even if schools are all over subscribed, if you are moving close to one you may find yourself quite high on the waiting list.

You can see a list of primary schools that currently have vacancies for Sept here: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/file/place-allocations/P21_APR_PLACES.pdf

Of those listed in the link above, St Aloysius, St Barnabas and SS Philip and James (locally known as Phil and Jim) would be probably be doable for you, depending on where you'd be in Summertown. There's Cutteslowe as well further towards the ring road.

@YenneferOfBattenberg @CommanderShepard

Whoops! Forgot about this thread, so much going on right now.

Thanks for suggestions though. Funny, I called them and asked about vacancies but they didn't tell me that they hold that info. Thanks for the list, does that get updated evey so often?

Annoyingly we were wsiitng for written Info from new job proving new address and they are taking there time so can't actually prove the move until we have this.

Anyone know why St Philip and James have places? Usually oversubscribed but not ful atm. Our first choice is Wolvercote but looks full unfortunately.

Really hope we get a school with good Pastoral support, my dad's dying and what with new move, pandemic and lack of access to wider family I'm wondering how many more changes my kid can assimilate

If you want an updated list there should be one available after 10 June. I’m in the same position - we’ve missed even ‚late‘ applications and so I’m just crossing my fingers and hoping at least one of my desired schools still had places.

Hi @KleineDracheKokosnuss are you also looking for a Reception place?

I will be relocating to Oxford this summer. I feel the traffic is a very big factor to consider in terms of where to live and where the school is. Am I correct?

@InTheFamilyTree both a reception place and current year 3. I used FOIA to narrow down schools which had (at the time) both places available - it’s a bit annoying they don’t just publish this regularly like my current council do. Now I’ve made the applications and am just waiting to hear.

@uk2020 it seems so. Routes across the city seem difficult.