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School profile

North Oxfordshire Academy

North Oxfordshire Academy is a thriving, non-selective secondary academy for students 11–18, offering a supportive and aspirational environment for learners and staff. As part of United Learning, the Academy is guided by a clear ethos of high expectations, inclusivity and opportunity, with a strong belief that everyone can succeed with the right support.
The Academy places emphasis on high-quality teaching, positive relationships and student wellbeing. Trainees will experience a calm, purposeful learning environment underpinned by an ambitious curriculum and consistent behaviour expectations. Students are encouraged to develop confidence, respect, ambition and determination, supported by a strong pastoral system - ensuring they feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
North Oxfordshire Academy is a welcoming, collaborative place to train, with experienced subject specialists and dedicated mentors who are committed to developing the next generation of teachers. Trainees are supported through coaching, opportunities to observe excellent practice and a culture of reflective, research-informed teaching. As part of United Learning, trainees benefit from access to a wider professional network and high-quality training opportunities.
A school experience at North Oxfordshire Academy provides an invaluable insight into the realities of classroom teaching and is an excellent first step for those considering a career in education.

About our school experience

Details

Join us for an immersive school experience at North Oxfordshire Academy, designed to give prospective trainees a realistic and informative insight into life in the classroom and the wider school community. This experience is ideal for anyone considering a career in teaching or teacher training.
• Take a guided tour of the school and experience our calm, purposeful learning environment.
• Observe lessons across a range of subjects, gaining insight into high expectations, classroom culture and a variety of teaching approaches.
• Engage with students in lessons and see positive relationships and routines in action.
• Meet school leaders and staff to learn more about the school’s ethos, values and professional culture.

Example Schedule
8.45-9.15am Welcome to the school - School overview and context
9.15-9.45am Tour of the school building
9.45-10.15am Meet current trainees
10.20-11.20am Lesson Observation – chosen subject
11.25 – 11.35am Tour of social Time
11.35 – 12.00pm Debrief/ Q&A

Start and finish times
8:40 to 3:15 - Flexible

Please email emily.holmes@northoxfordshire-academy.org or leanne.mills@northoxfordshire-academy.org to arrange specific times.

Dress code

Business dress

Teacher training

We regularly offer SCITT placements and are partnered through Oxfordshire Teacher training and United Teaching. We also welcome candidates from other SCITT providers. We can also offer placements for University based PGCE courses.

Find out more about our teacher training

Links to more information about our school

Entry requirements

You must:

    • None
DBS check required

No, candidates will be accompanied at all times.

Placement dates

Date School phase Experience type
2 March 2026

Secondary

All subjects

In school Start request

Location

Address
Drayton Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 0UD
Map showing North Oxfordshire Academy
Parking

Yes - on site parking provided

On site parking, accessed through buzzer system to Reception.

Disability and access details

We offer facilities and provide an inclusive environment for students, staff and school experience candidates with disability and access needs. We're happy to discuss your disability or access needs before or as part of your school experience request.

Access needs policy

Address
Drayton Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 0UD
School phases
Secondary (11 to 16), 16 to 18
DBS check required

No, candidates will be accompanied at all times.

Subjects
  • Art and design
  • Biology
  • Business studies
  • Chemistry
  • Design and technology
  • Drama
  • English
  • French
  • Geography
  • Health and social care
  • History
  • Maths
  • Music
  • Physical education
  • Physics
  • Religious education
  • Spanish