Children usually start primary school at the age of four or five. Many schools have a reception or nursery for four year olds. Children normally move on to secondary school at the age of 11. Most state schools admit both boys and girls, though some are single sex.

Age ranges

• Nursery: for three to four year olds
• Infant: for pupils aged four to seven
• Junior: for pupils aged seven to 11
• Primary: for pupils aged four to 11
• Secondary: for pupils aged 11–16 (some secondary schools have sixth forms 16–18)

School types/status

Academies

Academies (formerly known as city academies) are schools for secondary pupils - and sometimes primary pupils as well - which are independent of our control but funded out of public money. Parents of pupils attending academies are not charged fees.

Special schools 

For children with special educational needs.

Specialist schools

Though they follow the National Curriculum, specialist schools focus on a particular subject area. Examples include sports, technology or visual arts.

Foundation schools

Maintained by us but the governors are responsible for admissions. Trust schools are included in this category.  A Trust school is a local authority maintained foundation school supported by a charitable Trust.

Voluntary schools

Originally set up by voluntary bodies, such as the Church of England or Roman Catholic Church, but with most of their running costs now funded by Oxfordshire County Council. Voluntary aided schools are responsible for their own admissions. Voluntary controlled schools follow our admission policy.

School year groups