Cheney School

Cheney School is Headington's comprehensive, serving the eastern side of Oxford from a large site on Cheney Lane. It's a comprehensive school in the fullest sense — it takes all comers and tries to do well by each of them. The school has around 1,200 students including a sixth form, and the social mix reflects Headington's varied demographics. Cheney has been through periods of difficulty but has improved significantly under recent leadership.

What parents should know

Cheney's most recent Ofsted rating is 'Good', and the school is on an upward trajectory. Academic results are around the national average and improving year on year. The school has particular strengths in the arts, with a strong drama department and good music provision. Sport facilities include a sports hall and playing fields, and the school has invested in improving its buildings.

The school is proudly inclusive and has a larger-than-average proportion of students with special educational needs, which it supports well. If your child has additional needs, Cheney's SEND provision is worth investigating. The catchment area covers Headington, parts of Marston, and areas to the east. For families in Headington who don't want to go private, Cheney is the local option, and it has improved considerably in recent years.

The reputation

Cheney is valued by Headington families who appreciate a fully comprehensive education. The school serves a diverse community and does it well. Parents who actively choose Cheney are typically pleased with what they find — a school that provides a solid education alongside a representative social experience. Under recent leadership, the school's trajectory is clearly upward.