Kingham School and state schools N Oxford

[StephG1912]

We are looking for good state school around north Oxfordshire for our two children 11 & 13. We are currently living in Hong Kong but looking to relocate next sumner. I hope to get them into good state school schools if possible ( need a house first!) but have no clue which ones are any good in this area. Alternatively we could afford Kingham at a push ( the rest are out of our price range). Does anyone have any experience of Kingham or opinions/advice on any state schools. I have to assume we may not get them into a preferred state as they will be entering in Years 8 and 10 next summer hence the Kingham back up. I wish we could stretch the budget but sadly not. Many thanks

Sorry about typos!

Cherwell has a fantastic reputation and Cheney is decent too. However schools in Oxford are very full - suggest you contact the education authority first to see what places might be available.

How bright or academic are your kids, and what's you're attitude to religion? We ruled out Kingham due to middling academics and too much God. Getting into Cherwell catchment is a good solution if you can find a house.

We are not religious at all, my husband is atheist! Hmmmmm maybe I should be concerned?! It’s hard to know their abilities as they have only been in the international system - I’d say slightly above average, daughter a little sporty boy not but enjoys and is good at science, design etc... They are all send to classes of 15-20 and a relatively small school. I’m worried about big schools!

Sorry I meant they are used to small classes

There's a lot to be said for coming over a visit well in advance, looking around at a few schools and forming your own judgement on the fit to your children's needs and your family expectations. I've become rather intolerant of the promotion of religion in schools - you might not be bothered by it. They offer a Theology GCSE (fortunately not apparently compulsory), which appears to be entirely focused on Christianity and Judaism. In my view that is not a remotely good enough approach to school RS.

Not sure why you've ruled out other private schools? For instance, Our Lady's in Abingdon is actually cheaper than Kingham for day pupils and is a lot closer to Oxford Or are you wanting them to board?

My DC will be starting at Kingham - moving from an international school this term. Definitely go have a look. We loved the feel, opportunities it offered and the academics, which are good but not ridiculously pressured. Did not feel that religion was being pushed at all - not mentioned once during our discussions with the school prior to or during visits. I accept that most private schools in the uk have a religious base to them though, more so than state.

Many thanks, we plan to come over and look at options before Christmas.