Oxford News
West Oxfordshire schools find out A-level results 2026
Data from Ofqual revealed that 28.9 per cent of the district’s exam entries were awarded A or A* grades, up from 25.8 per cent the year before.
This puts it well ahead of Cherwell district with 21.3 per cent of its exam entries receiving the highest two grades but significantly behind the Vale of White Horse on 41.1 per cent.
READ MORE: UK private school parents ‘stressed’ amid A-level results drama
Even so, most headteachers appeared happy with their school’s results, wishing their pupils all the best for the future.
Henry Box School in Witney said every English literature, drama, French and religious studies pupil passed with a C grade or above while two-thirds of its geography candidates reached a B or higher.
Headteacher Wendy Hemmingsley said: “I could not be prouder of our Year 13 students.
“These results are the product of real dedication, and there are so many individual achievements across every subject and every pathway this year.
“Whatever comes next, university, an apprenticeship, or the world of work, our students leave us ready to succeed, and we wish them every happiness in the next chapter.”
Rob Shadbolt of Wood Green School congratulated his pupils receiving their A-levels.
Just over 20 per cent of all grades were A* or A while almost three in every four were at least a C.
He said: “Of the 73 applicants to university this year, three-quarters achieved their first choice and a fifth achieved their second choice.
“A number of students have some great employment destinations and others are taking a gap year to consider the right route for them.
“There were some great individual results at all levels.
“I know you will join me in congratulating our students, and thanking staff for the huge amount of work that went into supporting our students to achieve these results and destinations.”
Carterton Community College said its proportion of students achieving three or more A-levels climbed significantly by 26 per cent from last year.
In addition, the proportion of pupils gaining A or A* grades rose by 10.5 per cent and those securing A* to C grades rose by 13 per cent compared to 2025.
Matt Maudsley, headteacher called the results “clear evidence of a sea change”.
He added: “Despite a very challenging year, it is great to acknowledge the progress that has been made in our Post-16 results.
“These latest figures solidify Carterton Community College’s position as an improving institution.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire genius, 18, with five A-levels heading to Oxford University
“They prove that targeted academic interventions and student determination are yielding success, although there is still a significant amount of work required to further improve academic outcomes.”
Meanwhile 45 per cent of all A Level, BTEC and CTEC grades at Kingham Hill School in Chipping Norton were A* or A, significantly above the national average of 28.5 per cent.
Headteacher Pete Last said: “It has been a privilege to watch these young people grow in confidence and character as they have flourished during their time at the school.
“I am delighted to see them begin the next chapter of their lives with such strong foundations.”
One of the students, Georgia, said she was “really relieved that the wait is finally over”, as she secured her place to study biomedical science at the University of Sheffield, having achieved three A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Maths.
Dr Sarah Squire, the headteacher of Cokethorpe School, said she was “immensely proud” of their Sixth Form cohort.
Students from the Witney-based school achieved 18 per cent of grades at A*, 48 per cent at A* or A and 77 per cent awarded at A* to B, the school’s strongest results in recent years.
She said: “These results reflect their hard work and commitment, and are a great cause for celebration.
“But today is also about celebrating the remarkable young adults they have become.
“Our Year 13s have enriched life at Cokethorpe, whether through nurturing younger pupils as peer mentors, championing house events, organising a charity clothes swap or debating passionately.
“Grades are an important measure of success, but we are equally proud of the wider journeys our students have taken, and we are excited to follow their next steps.”
READ MORE: England rugby youngster celebrates university place after A-level results
Her head of 6th Form, Ed Tolputt, added that he was “delighted” with this year’s results.
He said: “I am not surprised about their success by I am incredibly pleased for them.
“They took ownership of their learning, supported each other and took really good advantage of the support available for them.”
The scheme, which took effect on August 28, includes a wide range of furniture and home essentials.
In a statement, IKEA said: “From much-loved favourites to everyday essentials, customers can discover New Lower Prices both online and in-store, helping make it easier to create a home you love, whatever your budget.”
Among the discounted items is the KALLAX shelving unit, soon to be available for £49—down 18% from £60.
The HEMNES daybed, which functions as a sofa, single bed, double bed, and storage unit, will be reduced by 15% from £329 to £279.
In addition to these savings, IKEA is offering more than 1,000 exclusive in-store-only prices with discounts up to 25%.
The company said: “In time for cosy season, in stores nationwide, IKEA is also offering 20% off throws, bedspreads, candles, floor and table lamps, plus selected rugs, thermal curtains, seasonal duvets and cookware, from 7th September to 1st November nationwide.”
The history of IKEA
IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad when he was just 17 years old.
Originally, the company sold small goods such as pens and wallets, but in 1948, Kamprad expanded into furniture.
This was facilitated by Ingvar’s father, who gave him a small sum of money for doing well in school, which he used to set up a company.
In 1953, the company adopted flatpack furniture, solving costly transportation problems.
IKEA grew steadily throughout the 1950s in Sweden, before expanding into Denmark and Norway in the 1960s.
By the 1970s, the brand had entered markets in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The first UK store opened in Warrington in 1987, marking the start of IKEA’s growth in the British market.
Today, IKEA employs nearly 12,000 people across its 22 UK locations.
Have you bought items from IKEA before? Let us know in the comments.
Thames Valley Police has released CCTV footage of Juan Carlos Clarke, who the force launched a manhunt for just under a week ago,
The 34-year-old is wanted on recall to prison with the photo showing Mr Clarke in Cornmarket, Oxford, at around 1.10pm on Thursday, August 27.
READ MORE: Manhunt launched after ‘sexual assault’ at Oxford shopping centre
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are continuing to appeal for the public’s help to trace Juan Carlos Clarke, who is wanted on recall to prison.
“We are now releasing a recent CCTV image of Juan, taken in Cornmarket, Oxford, at around 1.10pm on Thursday 27 August.
“Please note that he has recently shaved his hair and may look different from previous images circulated.”
Police reiterated other defining characteristics about him, describing him as being of medium build and having a full beard, as well as a broken or missing lower tooth and a tattoo of two eyes in the centre of his back.
They warned that anyone who sees him, should not approach him.
The spokesperson added: “Juan is described as being 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build and with a full beard.
“He has a broken or missing lower tooth, a scar on his left forearm and a tattoo of two eyes in the centre of his back.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers
“He is known to frequent Oxford city centre, Cowley, Jericho, the Oxford canal towpaths, and has connections to Banbury.
“Do not approach him. If you see Juan, call 999 immediately, quoting reference 43260436595.
“Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call 101 or report online, quoting the same reference.”
Oxford Mushroom Farm is hosting a free-to-enter open day tomorrow between midday and 5pm.
Based at a previously unused patch of land beside Hinksey Heights Golf Club, the business opened earlier this summer with the aim of providing fresh gourmet fungi to homes and businesses across Oxfordshire.
READ MORE: New ‘high-quality’ mushroom business launched in Oxford
Steve Hart, the owner, has said – like the mushrooms – the company is “growing” and now he is having an open day in the hopes of enticing more fungi enthusiasts.
A lifelong Oxford local, who attended Cherwell School, he launched the farm in January 2024 with an ambition to transform unused ground into something productive.
After two years of balancing the project alongside a full-time job as a builder, landscaper and heating engineer, he officially opened the farm to the public in May.
Among the farm’s offering is Lion’s Mane, oyster, shiitake, speckled chestnut and other varieties of mushroom, with the businesses based around sustainability.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers
Premium mushroom substrates are produced using sawdust sourced as a natural by-product from sawmills in the mountains of Snowdonia, combined with pure Snowdon Mountain spring water in collaboration with North Wales-based growers Fungi Foods.
Alongside supplying fresh produce locally, Mr Hart is also interested in the emerging science of mycoremediation, an eco-friendly technique that uses fungi to help break down ground pollutants and restore damaged land.
He said: “My main goal is feeding Oxford, but also using science and mycoremediation to help heal polluted land and fly-tipping ground in Oxfordshire.”
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