Advice for a faith based secondary school in Oxfordshire

[SunnyRhi]

Hi there,

I am looking for a strict faith based secondary school in Oxfordshire. Any recommendations?

Nice sweeping statement about state schools there, persimmon

Which sweeping statement? Can you re-read what I wrote instead of getting all offended for no reason. I am talking about secondary state schools in OXFORD. A lot of them are not very good. It’s a fact. Are you in Oxford?

I don't think that you will find a school with no bullying and no swearing and no drugs. All secondary schools have problems, and sometimes the stricter ones have quite a bullying atmosphere, once you are actually involved, rather than an outsider looking in. I would look for a school with a nurturing atmosphere, where kids are seen as individuals. For me D'Overbroecks in Oxford came the closest to this out of the schools I know well (Including Magdalen, Abingdon and Cherwell). However it is very expensive and not at all religious, just fundamentally kind and flexible (relatively speaking).

Thank you Claraschu, that useful to know. D'overbroeks (sorry can't see to check spelling while in typing) would you know if it's more expensive than Cokethorpe? I know someone who's son went to Cokethorpe but he was very academic and apparently softer nature personality wise so did well. Fees are high but if we have to sacrifice a bit then so be it.

All the schools will have their fees on their respective websites. Don't forget to factor in a 5% rise every year when budgeting. Your other option is to leave him at a prep until year 8 where he can have a more gentle introduction to school here and then the head can help guide you to which is the best senior school to choose. The year 7/8 that stay at prep instead of going to senior school seem younger and might be a bit more what you're after. I'd have a look at St. Hugh's. They aren't selective and have a nice inclusive ethos and stunning facilities.

personally I've heard better things about D'Overbroecks than Cokethorpe.

From my experience, for what you're after, I'd try to find the smallest school. Shame he's a boy, otherwise I'd recommend Wychwood!

D'Overbroecks and Cokethorpe are very different types of schools. D'Overbroecks is small, very informal, very tailored to the needs of the individual kids, not particularly sporty, modest buildings and facilities (for years 7-1, fancy new 6th form building), fantastic teaching, and has been the top school in Oxfordshire for progress at A levels (students improved the most, not had the best marks, which shows that the school is helping everyone to do their best, not just taking students who are on target to get A*.)

I think it is a good, nurturing school, but it is not 'strict' and is not at all 'faith based', so probably not what you are looking for. It might be worth a visit though, just to see the options.

I think part of your issue is culture shock.
All secondary schools in the UK whether private or state, strict or otherwise will have drugs. That doesn't mean your son will end up an addict, or even really encounter them. But it does mean your choice of school will not be the protecting factor.
Swearing is another thing you cannot avoid totally.
The school may seem very different to what you are used to - less listen and absorb from teachers, but that doesn't mean students learn less.
Don't believe what you read in newspapers. Most uk schools are not full of feral children.

Claraschu thank you so much, D'overbroecks sounds like it would really be a good fit for us. MollyButton, you bring up all true and valid points and yes it has been a bit of a culture shock even though I'm half Welsh and lived in the UK and went to Primary School here myself and so the UK is not totally unfamiliar to me. I love it here.
I've made English friends here, one in particular is dreading Secondary school and considering home schooling. Ive seen the most awful things written and experienced by parents of children at a Sschool close to me. I read everyone's comments on social media etc to try understand the full picture. I think I'm just shocked that kids get away with what they do here in such a great and functional first world country. I'm not talking about drugs. Kids can be taught at home to stay away from drugs, you can't be taught to stay away from bullies though can you, if they target you it's usually for reasons of their own and out of your control. I'm just trying my hardest to find the a good school. Not trying to protect my son from everything. I know it's not a perfect world.

In my experience a good school can deal effectively with bullies. In fact good schools deal with bullying far far better than in the past.
A good school doesn't pretend bullying doesn't happen there. But deals with reports quickly and firmly. For example when I reported one incident - the bully was immediately taken aside spoken to and punished, then warned not to retaliate, when they started to they were swooped on and their punishment increased.
It is also useful if there is a system to anonymously report bullying.

I have observed parents panic and make very wrong decisions for their children, as they believed misleading reports.
Bullying has occurred in UK schools for hundreds of years. It is now taken more seriously than ever. (I somehow struggle to believe that it doesn't occur in other school systems.)

That is all that I look for and hope for in a school. That bullying is taken seriously and dealt with.

Do ask those questions when you visit. And if you ever get a chance to talk to present students then do.

Oh and I'd certainly make sure I was aware of gossip, although how reliable this is can vary. The best I got was overhearing two parents talking about their DC's school - and why they were happy to have Day pupils but would worry about boarding.

Great, thanks MollyButton

OP - you have not said much about your son other than he is maybe middling academically. Is he into sports, if so, which? Is he a musician? What are his interests? Schools vary a lot in what they provide for, especially in the private sector, and getting the right fit is really important. I think you also need to be aware that Oxford traffic is hell so if you are going to use a school in Oxford city then you might want to rehearse the school run from a prospective home location to a prospective school at 8-8.30! Some of the independents have networks of buses that make it a little easier. Fit and logistics matter a lot here.

I'll second that @WhyAmIPayingFees! I live 10 minutes away from my cousin ( maybe 15-20 in rush hour!) and it took me nearly an hour to get home yesterday because of the damn A34! It was so bad that it affected pretty much every route in Oxford.

That road is a bloody nightmare, something needs to be done about it before even more people die 😡

I know boys at a state comprehensive in Oxfordshire. This group anyway seem well motivated and behaved. Mobile phones are not allowed in school. Do go and look around, perhaps you have been scared off with all the negative stuff you've been reading.

Blessed George Napier (BGN) in Banbury?A state school that I’ve only heard good things about, albeit a couple of years ago.

Thanks ladies. My son loves football and art. So his interests are not specific enough to really influence what kind of school we choose (I don't think) can always go to a private football club. I will go and look around. xx

The Kings School in Witney is a Christian school with reasonable fees.