Education & Training
Discover news and stories from across Oxford and Oxfordshire’s diverse education and skills landscape — from world-renowned institutions and leading state and independent schools to forward-thinking professional training providers and specialist skills academies
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Head of Cokethorpe School highlights importance of leadership this International Women’s Day
Dr Sarah Squire, Head of Cokethorpe School, is championing female leadership this International Women’s Day, encouraging young women to pursue leadership roles and highlighting the importance of visible role models in education.
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Guinness World Record adventurer inspires pupils at Cokethorpe School
World record adventurer Neil Laughton delivered an inspirational lecture at Cokethorpe School, sharing stories of Everest, extreme expeditions and resilience to encourage pupils to become “architects of their own lives.”
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85 per cent of Oxfordshire pupils secure first choice secondary school places
Nearly 90 per cent of Oxfordshire pupils have secured first-choice secondary school places for September 2026, with more than 96 per cent offered a preferred school. The council has opened appeals and waiting lists for families seeking alternative placements.
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Three Oxfordshire primary schools invest in energy-efficient classrooms
Three Oxfordshire primary schools have secured council-backed energy efficiency loans to install solar panels and LED lighting, helping reduce carbon emissions, cut costs and give pupils first-hand experience of sustainable technology in the classroom.
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Oxford High School champions global leadership on UN International Day of Education
Oxford High School GDST is celebrating International Day of Education by highlighting its student-led Sixth Form Conferences, empowering pupils to explore global issues, develop leadership skills and engage in diplomacy through real-world debate.
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Peace named Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2025
Peace has been chosen as Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting young people’s awareness of global events. Research by Oxford University Press also highlights the growing influence of AI and the importance of slang in children’s social lives.
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Aureus School shines with magical production of Aladdin the Musical Jr.
Aureus School students delivered a dazzling performance of Aladdin the Musical Jr., combining energetic choreography, strong vocals and months of preparation. With more than 700 people attending across four shows, the production showcased growing talent both on stage and behind the scenes.
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Oxford University part of NatWest’s new partnership drive to boost UK innovation
NatWest has partnered with four UK universities, expanding its Accelerator network with new hubs and strengthened support for innovation-led businesses. The bank has exceeded its 2025 growth target as new data shows exceptional turnover and survival rates among participating companies.
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University of Oxford OpenSAFELY team awarded Queen Elizabeth prize
Oxford’s OpenSAFELY platform has been awarded a Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education, celebrating its pioneering approach to NHS data access and privacy-preserving research with global impact.
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Monkey Music to launch new early childhood classes for Banbury families
Monkey Music is bringing its award-winning early childhood classes to Banbury, offering free trials from January 2026. Designed for babies and toddlers, the sessions support development, connection and community.
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Canada’s former deputy PM Chrystia Freeland named next Warden & CEO of Rhodes Trust
Chrystia Freeland, former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Rhodes Scholar, has been appointed the next Warden and CEO of the Rhodes Trust. She will begin the role on 01 July 2026.
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Inspectors confirm effective progress in Oxfordshire’s SEND services
Ofsted and the CQC have praised Oxfordshire’s progress in improving SEND services, highlighting stronger leadership, better communication and improved support for children and families. Inspectors said effective action has been taken but noted continued work is needed to maintain improvements.
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Primary school application process opens in Oxfordshire
Parents of children born between September 2021 and August 2022 can now apply for primary school places in Oxfordshire for September 2026. Officials urge families to list four schools and apply before the 15 January deadline.
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Oxfordshire rugby coach nominated for national award
Oxford’s Darren Rea has been shortlisted for the 2025 UK Coaching Inclusive Coach of the Year Award for creating transformative SEND rugby opportunities across Oxfordshire, now supporting more than 100 children each week.
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Taylor Wimpey sponsors Didcot Primary Academy’s Railway Centre trip
Taylor Wimpey has funded Didcot Primary Academy’s Year 2 trip to Didcot Railway Centre, giving pupils the chance to explore GWR history, ride a steam train and take part in hands-on workshops celebrating the town’s rich railway heritage.
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Aureus School marks culture week with colourful celebration of diversity
Aureus School in Didcot celebrated its second Culture Week with food, music, and traditions from around the world. Students wore traditional dress and football shirts, took part in creative projects, and celebrated the diversity that makes their school community so special.