Ages 
CNS is an exciting, inspiring community school making social change at grass roots level. No stone is left unturned to make sure every child is happy, feels valued and learns well. Teachers are a compassionate and capable bunch who share their enthusiasm and knowledge in ways that are accessible and memorable. By decluttering a hope-based curriculum, committing to best practice and through excellent pastoral care, all pupils achieve their potential. Rising results year on year are proof of the pudding.
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Headteacher
Head teacher
Mr Bertram Richter
Since September 2025 Bertram Richter (NPQH, FCCT) previously deputy head at Southam College. A modern languages specialist and bilingual in German, Mr Richter returns to Chipping Norton School having taught languages there for five years until 2010
Entrance
Non-selective and mixed ability, reflecting Chipping Norton town and local rural community. Entrance follows Oxfordshire County Council rules although applications are on the increase with more families choosing to travel further to the school. A bus
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Post-GCSE, some leave for colleges offering a different education model, for apprenticeships, or into the workplace. Almost 40 per cent of sixth formers to Russell Group universities and some opt for more modern or ‘just better’ courses elsewhere.
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 28 per cent 9-7 at GCSE: 80 per cent 9-4 in both maths and English. At A level, 27 per cent A*/A (56 per cent A*-B)
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
CNS is doing things differently. Teachers across all subjects follow the same principles of good practice and all teachers can draw upon core departmental resources that they then adapt to suit the specific needs of children in their classes, leaving
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Adapting for students with SEND placed at the root of teacher planning, so less pressure for students to be taken out of class for one-to-one or small-group sessions. A wide range of neurodiverse pupils including those with dyslexia, dyscalculia,
Arts & extracurricular
Drama is a popular subject and there are biennial whole-school musicals and KS3 plays – this year Peter Pan and Wendy. There’s a dedicated drama studio with small lighting rig and the hall is used for bigger plays. A good take-up for LAMDA. Fewer
Sport
Facilities include the use of the community leisure centre right on the doorstep with swimming pool, fitness suite, squash courts, sports hall and dance studio. On site, there’s school gym, four netball courts, and large playing fields (space being
Ethos & heritage
Opened in 1929, CNS is a mixed-ability, non-denominational school which became an academy in 2017 when it joined the well-regarded River Learning Trust. A three-floor science block and new reception to main school added in 2011. Classrooms run along
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Parents tell us nurturing staff put the wellbeing of the children first in everything. Tutors are the first port of call and stay with classes as they travel up the school. Diverse role models are embraced in tutor time and in lessons to reflect,
Pupils & parents
Students are animated and well mannered, holding doors and saying thank you. At lunch we saw year groups chatting while queuing patiently for popular fish and chips. One parent told us, ‘I have a quiet, shy, studious child who came from a small
The last word
CNS is an exciting, inspiring community school making social change at grass roots level. No stone is left unturned to make sure every child is happy, feels valued and learns well. Teachers are a compassionate and capable bunch who share their
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection:
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
Full inspection: Good
| Leadership and management | Good |
|---|---|
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
