New to Oxfordshire?

Oxfordshire is an exciting place to live as a young person. It's home to a diverse, mobile, and growing population. There are lots of things to do, and different ways to learn and get employment.

People move to town for all kinds of reasons. They might be moving for work, to study, or to be with family. They might come with their family to one of Oxfordshire's military bases. Some come as refugees or asylum seekers. All are welcome.

Take Action: There is information for those moving to Oxfordshire from outside the UK on the Oxfordshire County Council website.

Apply for a school place

If you plan to attend school or a school-based Sixth Form your parents need to apply for an in-year transfer to school on the Oxfordshire County Council website.

My story: Citizenship means to become a citizen in the country you live in, which is a big deal.

On the day of my citizenship I was excited. I got mine done in the Oxfordshire County Council. The building was huge and very formal, it looked like the House of Commons. Then afterwards I felt very proud of my mum for passing the life in the UK test and becoming a citizen in Oxford. Then we celebrated with food. - Anon, Oxford

Find a post-16 learning destination

If you are 16-18 you can also study at one of our local FE colleges or go to a UTC or Studio School. 

You can also study alongside work as an apprentice. Find out more about apprenticeships.

If you are not sure about next steps, or if there are problems which might stop you learning, support is available. 

Take Action: If you're aged 16-18 and not in education, employment, or training you should register with the EET Support Service to get support.

New to the area?

When you move into the area, the local authority where you used to live lets us know. But this can take time. 

To get support right away, register and help us keep your information up to date. On the same form, you can sign up to newsletters about events, activities and opportunities for young people in Oxfordshire.

Find things to do

Activities help you settle in to your new home and make friends. There's something for everyone, and moving is a good time to try something new, or to find a new place to do a familiar activity you enjoy.

Exploring your area, checking noticeboards and asking at your new school or college are great ways to find out about clubs, events and activities you can do.

But there's also help available online:

Take Action: Activities Oxfordshire lists activities for young people. You can also follow Activities Oxfordshire on Facebook!

Why do people move to Oxfordshire?

Oxfordshire has a diverse and mobile population. This means that lots of people move to the county from all over the UK and the world. 

Here are some reasons why people move to Oxfordshire:

• To study at the universities in Oxford.
• Because they are a member of the armed forces. Oxfordshire has a large military presence with more than 8,500 military personnel and almost 5,000 family members living and working in the county. RAF Brize Norton is the largest station of the Royal Air Force in the UK.
• To work for one of Oxfordshire's huge variety of science and technology companies.
• Asylum seekers and refugees can come to Oxfordshire with their families, and sometimes young refugees come alone.

Instant Expert: Learn more about local support for young asylum seekers and refugees.