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Matthew Arnold School - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
Matthew Arnold School
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Matthew Arnold School
- 1.5 (2 reviews)
- Secondary
- Cumnor OX2 9JE
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Ofsted report
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| Effectiveness of leadership and management | Good |
| Overall effectiveness at previous inspection | Good |
| Quality of teaching, learning and assessment | Good |
| Personal development, behaviour and welfare | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| 16 to 19 study programmes | Good |
Quick insights from ofsted Powered by AI
This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Strong progress in almost all subjects, some most-able pupils need more challenge.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Most pupils behave well and are well-mannered, although small issues of boisterousness exist.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Calm environment, high expectations, rare disruptions
Academic Progress: Pupils could achieve more; progress is uneven
Qualifications and Training: Most teachers have high expectations; support from experienced senior leaders is evident.
Current Educational Practices: Regular updates and distributed leadership keep practices current and collaborative.
Strengths and Challenges: Bespoke support for teachers
Strengths and Challenges: Strong teaching but some lessons lack focus leading to concentration lapses by pupils.
Qualifications and Training: Strong subject knowledge but need better assessment training
Current Educational Practices: Strategies not fully implemented
Opportunities for Involvement: Parents can get involved through various school-led initiatives and events.
Communication: School communicates effectively with parents; many appreciate the pastoral care.
Parent Satisfaction: Most parents would recommend the school, praising both academic rigour and personal attention.
Opportunities for Involvement: Frequent opportunities for involvement
Communication: Regular updates, effective communication
Parent Satisfaction: Parents satisfied with safety and behavior
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Leaders address conflicts effectively and prioritize student and staff views.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Specific actions include prioritizing support for ‘priority pupils’ needing extra help.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Conflicts addressed quickly, but some improvements needed in diversity
Actions for Quality Improvement: Focus on reading and attendance issues
Managing Bullying and Safety: Safeguarding is effective, bullying is rare and dealt with promptly.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: High-quality pastoral care ensures pupils feel safe and cared for.
Managing Bullying and Safety: Bullying is dealt quickly and thoroughly
Promoting Welfare and Safety: High safety standards, supportive environment
Extracurricular Offerings: Wide range of lunchtime clubs and music activities available, some led by sixth-formers.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Students enjoy opportunities to balance academics with leadership through clubs.
Extracurricular Offerings: Wide range of clubs and trips available
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Well-balanced, enriching opportunities
Career Counselling Services: Impartial careers advice helps students make informed choices for future steps.
Preparation for Sixth Form: Well-planned pastoral provision prepares students well for their next steps.
Career Counselling Services: Extensive info on careers, well-supported decisions
Preparation for Sixth Form: Sixth-form students are positive role models
Managing and Supporting SEND: Effective support helps SEND pupils improve attendance and make good progress.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Pupils with SEND need more targeted support
Subjects Offered: Broad curriculum with a variety of GCSE and some vocational options in Year 9.
Historical Ofsted reports
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About Us
Matthew Arnold School is a top rated, Secondary, Co-Ed school located in Oxfordshire, South East.
It has 1285 students from age 11-18 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 17 : 1.
At this school, 52% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
95.10% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Good by recent Ofsted inspection.
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| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Academies | Academies | Academies |
| Snobe grade |
B-
|
B-
|
B-
|
| Ofset report | Good | Good | Good |
| Age range | 11-18 | 11-16 | 11-18 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 17.8 | 15.1 | 18.1 |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 52% | 48% | 45% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 23.30% | - | 6.00% |
| Day Fees | - | - | - |
Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.07 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 50.9 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 52% | 26.14% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 73% | 36% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 44% | 16.39% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 20% | 8.29% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 32% | 11.17% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.55 | 2.7 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 93% | 90.53% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 182 | 131 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 89% | 83.43% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 21% | 27.47% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 66% | 36.26% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 1% | 4.11% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 15.77% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 1% | 2.91% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 3% | 4.11% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.33 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 55.4 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 60% | 29.39% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 83% | 39.72% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 33% | 18.13% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 28% | 11.6% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 31% | 13.95% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.84 | 2.9 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 96% | 86.02% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 184 | 128 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 92% | 81.24% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 23% | 28.5% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 67% | 37.37% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 3.89% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 2% | 11.5% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 4% | 2.39% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 1% | 2.35% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.69 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 58.6 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 69% 3 | 25.22% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 88% 8 | 36.04% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 38% | 18.45% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 31% 3 | 8.34% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 35% 2 | 12.03% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 5.07 | 2.72 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 90.15% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 167 | 140 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 88% | 83.31% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 28% | 29.05% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 58% | 39.36% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 3.87% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | 2% | 11.23% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 4% | 3.87% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 2.97% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.5 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 55.4 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 66% | 24.63% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 80% 3 | 35% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 41% | 16.78% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 28% 2 | 8.07% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 37% 9 | 11.26% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.84 | 2.7 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 97% | 77.69% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 172 | 140 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 87% | 67.62% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 27% | 25% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 59% | 36.74% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 3.79% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 2.38% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 5% | 4.41% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 5% | 2.87% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.3 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 54.3 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 66% | 25.51% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 83% | 35.98% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 32% | 17.37% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 26% | 11.17% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 28% | 12.06% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 80.97% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 173 | 150 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | 91% | 71.61% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 43% | 29.91% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 47% | 37.09% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 4.06% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | - | 3.64% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 10% | 5.82% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 5% | 3.55% | 2.45% |
A level exam result
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 31.82 | 32.96 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | C+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 31.15 | 33.27 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 23.30% | 18.51% | 13.67% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 128 | 197 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 59% | 54.2% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 3% | 4.89% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 30% | 26.83% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 5% | 6.77% | 9.05% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 38.09 | 35.05 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 36.95 | 34.57 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 22.3% | 22.47% | 17.7% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 113 | 248 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 63% | 55.46% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 2% | 4.34% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 21% | 24.83% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 9% | 8.2% | 10.69% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 36.58 5 | 33.15 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 36.03 5 | 33.27 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 25.5% | 20.31% | 13.07% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 73 | 207 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | 58% | 54.21% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 3% | 7.58% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | 36% | 27.61% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 4% | 6.91% | 8.8% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 31.26 6 | 32.06 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | C | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 31.24 8 | 32.03 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 14.0% | 18.43% | 13.37% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | - | 35% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | - | 4.34% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | - | 15.66% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 3.97% | 4.22% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 37.43 | 31.92 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 39.52 | 32.93 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 25.7% | 20.07% | 12.64% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 8 | 52.93% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 8% | 6.46% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | 10% | 25.39% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 3% | 4.23% |
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Admission
Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 28th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 3rd Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 21st Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 23rd Jul 2025 - 29th Aug 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 2nd Sep 2024 - 27th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 4th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 22nd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 22nd Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
17 : 1
Student teacher ratio at Matthew Arnold School
Local authority ratio 19 : 1