Moving to Oxford. Advice on Schools…

[Mama0ftw0]

Just thought I would drop a message here for some thoughts on the below. Appreciate any response.

Moving to Oxford for my job.
I am looking at different Primary Schools for an in year transfer lower School for Sept 2026.
So far, I have spoken with Wolvercote and Windmill.
Not yet made a final decision on where to live, shall be renting so currently not panicking as many properties available across the market.
Therefore, I am more than happy to look at all Schools.

Not concerned about attending a School that will give opportunity for a great Secondary as I leave in 4 years.

Many thanks.

I believe Wolvercote is good. Would you be living there? If not you’d need to drive or go by bus. It isn’t far but it wouldn’t be the same as a school you walk to within Oxford.

Thank you @ScrollingLeaves for your reply.

Not yet decided on location so open to hear about Schools because I know very little about the Primary Schools.

As mentioned, only really heard of Wolvercote and Windmill in Headington.

@Mama0ftw0 You really need to know if the schools have spaces! You won’t want to pin your hopes on one and then find it’s full! Oxfordshire doesn’t seem to publish where schools have spaces but does have info on how to apply if you are moving. Applying before you live there might disadvantage you though as catchment applicants seem to get preference. Therefore I’d want info on where has places and they take 3 weeks to let you know whether applications are successful so you need to consider this too. Some schools also make their own decisions on admissions. The issue is they want you to have an address before applying if possible but you need to speak to them I think.

Have you visited Oxford? I assume you have some areas you’d prefer! I know I would.

Thank you @MeetMeOnTheCorner for your reply. Yes I have spoken to the 2 I am interested in and as of yesterday still have space. I just wanted to know of any others or even thoughts on those mentioned.

I have visited yes many times.
Thank you again.

Both West Oxford Community Primary and North Hinksey Primary are nice schools, though West Oxford doesn’t have much outside space. I hear nice things about St Ebbe’s too.

St Philip & St James’ was always supposed to be especially desirable.

If I’m honest I don’t know of any primary schools in Oxford that are considered dodgy, though it depends on what you are looking for.

Thank you @PermanentTemporary

I shall take a look at all of those.

Over the last couple of weeks different people have spoken positive of Wolvercote but yes, I just wanted to take a look at some others and then next week decide because we are very close to the end of the academic year now.

thank you

My daughter went to Windmill! Great school, outstanding Ofsted, great community, but it’s one of the largest in Oxfordshire (if that bothers you) and the iconic Head is leaving this year.

@Mama0ftw0 From what I read, you need to apply via the LA. This means you don’t know if they are processing other in catchment applications and where you sit in admission order. I think you maybe need to ask more contacts in Oxford for recommendations.