Burford School

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Good

Cheltenham Road, Burford, OX18 4PLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Burford School is a secondary school in Burford for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 359 schools in Oxfordshire. It ranks 11th of 41 secondary schools in Oxfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in October 2014.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 1 October 2014, report published 23 October 2014

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Good

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 October 2023

Pupils keenly come to school each day, knowing that staff want the very best for them. Across all year groups, pupils know the high expectations for both their and their friend's conduct. Should pupils have concerns or worries, they know that helpful support is available when needed. Pupils describe extra activities as one of their favourite parts of the school day. They look forward to their clubs with anticipation. The wide variety of clubs and activities on offer mean that there is something for everyone. This results in many pupils getting involved, whether they are beginners or experts. Teachers join in too, for example learning musical instruments with groups of pupils. This not only encourages participation but also shows the school's commitment to life-long learning. Sixth-form students value the help they receive from their teachers. They say that the sixth form allows them to follow their passions and study subjects that they like. As a result, they develop ambitious plans for their future. Sixth-form students are proud of their roles within the school such as leading cross-year-group activities or the school council. Younger pupils recognise the difference the school council makes and look forward to being role models for their peers when they are older.

What the school should improve

  • Disadvantaged pupils do not always achieve as well as their peers across the curriculum and in examinations. Additionally, some of these pupils do not always gain as much from the wider personal development opportunities offered by the school. The school must monitor the impact of its initial developments in supporting disadvantaged pupils to achieve well.
  • The quality of teaching and resources do not consistently support all pupils to learn as much as they can. This means that some pupils are not consistently learning the ambitious curriculum that has been put in place. The school must continue its work in ensuring teachers have the expertise they need to ensure all pupils achieve highly.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

245 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score52.4

52.4, 6.3 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths59.6%

59.6%, 14.2 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths80.8%

80.8%, 16 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc28.2%

28.2%, 12.3 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.54

4.54, 0.45 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

97 students

Average point score per A level entry34.59

34.59, 0.41 below the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade C+, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,452 pupils on roll, with places for 1,400

Eligible for free school meals12.2%

12.2%, 14.3 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language3%

3%, 18.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support12.4%

12.4%, 2.4 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.3%

2.3%, 3.7 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Burford School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Carterton Community College3 milesReport card: Urgent improvement to needs attentionAttainment 8: 33.8
The Henry Box School7 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 42.2
The King's School7 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 54.8
Wood Green School7 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 46.2
The Cotswold Academy8 milesOfsted judgements: OutstandingAttainment 8: 53.0

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
BURFORD SCHOOL
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Boarding places
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Matthew Albrighton
Address
Cheltenham Road, Burford, OX18 4PL
Local authority
Oxfordshire
URN
138289

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.