The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 41.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2022
- The school is nearly full at 92% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
41.7
2.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
40%
2.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
19%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.08
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
90%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
78%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
8%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
10%
Based on 217 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 106 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,228
- Capacity
- 92%
- FSM
- 12.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Oxfordshire
- Trust
- ACER TRUST
- Head
- Dr Robert Whannel (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
4 official reports linked on this page, including 3 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Churchill Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4RS
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmGlory Farm Primary School
Primary · Very close
Bardwell School
Special school · 325m away
Southwold Primary School
Primary · 643m away
Bure Park Primary School
Primary · 828m away
Brookside Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Bicester
Primary · 1.2km away
Gagle Brook Primary School
Primary · 1.7km away
Launton Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Cooper School a selective school?
No. The Cooper School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Cooper School's Ofsted rating?
The Cooper School was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Cooper School?
The Cooper School currently has 1,228 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Cooper School take?
The Cooper School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Cooper School?
The Cooper School is in Bicester, OX26 4RS, in the Oxfordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Cooper School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Cooper School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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