Oasis Academy John Williams Review 2026: A Community Pillar in Hengrove

Oasis Academy John Williams serves the Hengrove community as a mixed, non-selective secondary academy for students aged 11 to 16. Named after a prominent local figure, the school has established itself as a central pillar of its South Bristol neighborhood. With a capacity for 900 students, it offers a medium-sized environment where the academy’s ethos of inclusion and community transformation is a visible part of daily life. The school currently holds a Good rating from Ofsted, following a September 2023 inspection that confirmed its solid standing in the local educational landscape.

The atmosphere at Oasis Academy John Williams is defined by its commitment to the Oasis 9 Habits, which include qualities such as being hopeful, persevering, and patient. These values are not merely decorative; they are woven into the school’s behavior and reward systems. The academy is part of Oasis Community Learning, one of the largest multi-academy trusts in the UK, which brings a specific focus on community development and the Oasis Hub model. This means the school often functions as more than just an educational institution; it is a point of connection for families in Hengrove.

The Principal, Victoria Boomer-Clark, was appointed in September 2013 and has provided long-term stability for over a decade. This continuity has allowed for a consistent approach to discipline and culture. Students wear a distinctive purple blazer, and there is a clear sense of identity within the corridors. The school site on Petherton Road provides modern facilities that support a broad curriculum, including specialist spaces for performing arts and technology.

In the most recent measurement period, the academy achieved an Attainment 8 score of 42.3. This metric, which measures student performance across eight subjects including English and mathematics, is in line with expectations for a school with its specific demographic profile.

The school ranks 2,818th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 38th among 44 secondary schools in Bristol. This performance reflects a solid standing within the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), indicating that it provides a consistent educational experience that serves its local cohort effectively.

The Progress 8 score of -0.37 suggests that, on average, students achieve slightly below their predicted outcomes based on their starting points at the end of primary school. However, within the context of Bristol's varied educational landscape, the academy remains a popular choice for families seeking a grounded, community-focused secondary experience. Approximately 6.5% of students achieved grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which includes English, mathematics, the sciences, a language, and history or geography.

The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, offering a balance between traditional academic subjects and vocational pathways. Teachers focus on the Oasis Entitlement, a commitment to ensuring all students have access to a rich and varied learning experience regardless of their background. The school has worked to strengthen its core offering in English and mathematics, with regular assessments used to identify students who may need additional support.

In the classroom, there is an emphasis on clear lesson structures and explicit instruction. This approach is intended to reduce cognitive load and help students master complex concepts. The academy also uses a Knowledge Organiser system across all subjects, helping students to focus on the essential facts and vocabulary needed for success in their GCSEs.

As a school for 11 to 16 year olds, the focus at Year 11 is on successful transition to local post-16 providers. While Oasis Academy John Williams does not have its own sixth form, it maintains strong links with local colleges and sixth form centers across Bristol.

The majority of students progress to Further Education (FE) colleges such as City of Bristol College or Bristol City Robins Foundation, pursuing a mix of A-levels, T-levels, and vocational diplomas. A significant number of students also secure apprenticeships in the local area, particularly in trade and service sectors. The school provides a dedicated careers advisor who meets with students from Year 9 onwards to help them map out their post-16 pathways.

Oasis Academy John Williams is a popular choice within the Hengrove and South Bristol area. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 404 applications for 175 available places. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.31, indicating that there are more than two applicants for every one seat in Year 7.

Admissions are coordinated by Bristol City Council. After the admission of students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school, priority is given to looked-after children and then to siblings of current students. For the remaining places, distance from the school is the primary factor. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates to understand their likelihood of securing a place.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Oasis Academy John Williams does not charge tuition fees. All places are free and available to the local community. Parents may occasionally be asked to contribute toward the cost of elective trips, specialized materials for certain projects, or school uniforms. However, the academy provides support for families eligible for Free School Meals or those experiencing financial hardship, ensuring that no student is excluded from curriculum-based activities due to cost.

Pastoral care is organized through a year-group system, with each student assigned to a tutor group that meets daily. This provides a first point of contact for both students and parents. The academy’s inclusion team is a significant presence in the school, offering support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as those facing emotional or social challenges.

The school operates a clear Anti-Bullying policy and uses the Oasis 9 Habits to encourage students to take responsibility for their actions. There is a strong emphasis on mental health, with staff trained to recognize early signs of distress. The academy also benefits from the Oasis Hub Hengrove and Whitchurch, which provides additional services for families, including food pantries and community support projects.

The academy offers a range of extracurricular activities designed to broaden students' horizons. In line with the Oasis philosophy, these activities often focus on leadership and service. Specific clubs include the Student Leadership Team, where students can have a genuine say in school improvements, and various sports teams including football, rugby, and athletics.

Music and the arts are valued, with opportunities for students to participate in school productions and choir. The academy also engages with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which is popular among students in Year 9 and 10. For those interested in technology, the school often hosts coding clubs and STEM-focused workshops through its partnerships with local Bristol industries.

The school day typically begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:10pm, with a variety of after-school clubs extending the day for many students. For families using public transport, the school is served by several local bus routes connecting Hengrove to the wider Bristol area. There is limited on-site parking for visitors, but the school is easily accessible via walking routes for those living in the immediate Petherton Road vicinity.

• Oversubscription: With over two applications for every place, securing a spot in Year 7 is becoming increasingly competitive. Families living further away from the Hengrove area may find it more difficult to gain entry.
• Progress 8 Context: While Attainment 8 scores are stable, the Progress 8 score of -0.37 indicates that students make slightly less progress than the England average. Parents should weigh this against the school's strong pastoral and community focus.
• No Sixth Form: Students must transition to a new environment at age 16. While the school supports this process well, it is a significant change for students who have spent five years in the Oasis system.

Oasis Academy John Williams is a robust community school that offers a supportive and inclusive environment for students in South Bristol. It is best suited to local families who value a school that is deeply integrated into its neighborhood and provides a clear, values-based approach to education. While academic progress is an area of ongoing focus for the leadership, the school’s Good status and strong parental demand reflect a high level of confidence in its ability to care for and educate its students. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist as they navigate the Bristol secondary transfer process.