ONE quarter of leavers at one of Oxford’s most-improved schools were not in settled education or employment a year after their studies.

The Oxford Academy in Littlemore ranked in the bottom two per cent of state schools and colleges in England when the government checked what the 2016 cohort of sixth-formers had progressed to do.

Statistics published on Thursday detail how many school leavers were in ‘sustained education, employment or apprenticeship’ one year after finishing A-Levels or equivalent at the age of 18.

Of all state mainstream schools and colleges in Oxfordshire, 89 per cent of 4,915 students made this jump, where ‘sustained’ is classed as continuous work or study for six months or more.

But at The Oxford Academy, 75 per cent of the 257-cohort fell into this category.

This is the lowest proportion of any state secondary school or college in Oxfordshire.

A further 18 per cent were in or had dropped out or chosen a different option in under six months.

ALSO READ: Oxford Academy head Andy Hardy marks 'new chapter' for school

Andy Hardy, headteacher of the 950-pupil school, said: “There have been a number of curriculum changes in supporting our students, their experience and to assure impact in all areas.

“In 2017 and 2018 our internal data shows an increase to 87 per cent and 91 per cent respectively.

“This reflects the upward trajectory of The Oxford Academy in recent years, with the excellent achievement of our students and their positive progression towards future successes.”

Oxford Mail:

The 2016 cohort is the latest year for which the government has published data.

Oxford Spires Academy in East Oxford saw 87 per cent of its 79 leavers gain sustained employment or education, while nearby St Gregory the Great Catholic School recorded 91 per cent of its 80 students progress into work or further study.

The Oxford Academy, formerly The Peers School, has made huge improvements since being rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted in 2012.

In 2016, its latest inspection, it was rated ‘good’ with ‘outstanding’ leadership.

READ AGAIN: Oxford Academy goes from worst to best in school rankings

The inspector noted at the time: “Increasing proportions of pupils move on to further education, employment or training each year.

“The proportion of students moving on to university has increased over the past three years -this reflects the high aspirations that staff and students have.”

Of 2,383 state schools and colleges listed by the Department for Education, 44 achieved percentages of 75 or less – less than two per cent.

The table uses data sources including the Individualised Learner Records and HMRC.