Why Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire remains one of the UK’s most attractive locations to live and work, whether you're drawn to the vibrant city life of Oxford, with its rich history and cultural scene, or the peaceful charm of the county’s many market towns and villages, there's something for everyone. The area's architectural beauty and natural landscapes make it a particularly attractive place for over 800,000 people who currently call it home.
However it is much more than that. It is home to the latest innovations in fusion, space, quantum, AI, Formula One and energy. Its diversity may surprise you as history and high tech combine seamlessly to create a thriving and modern sense of place where communities retain their own sense of identity but are led in a way that nurtures collaboration and a strong sense of thriving together. Oxfordshire is also a hub for cutting-edge research and development in green technologies, with significant advancements in renewable energy, green finance, and sustainable manufacturing. The county's focus on sustainability not only helps protect its natural beauty but also creates new opportunities for businesses and communities dedicated to environmental responsibility.
Rich History and Culture
Oxfordshire is steeped in history and stunning architecture. It is no wonder that Oxford is in the top 10 most visited cities in the UK with both national and international visitors spoilt for choice given its major attractions. Whether spending time at Blenheim Place, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, taking in the "dreaming spires" of the University of Oxford, joining guided tours of the Bodleian Library, discovering half a million years of art and archaeology at the Ashmolean Museum or visiting historic towns such as Abingdon and Henley-on-Thames, there is something for everyone.
Beautiful Countryside
Oxfordshire is full of areas of outstanding natural beauty. It is home to parts of the Cotswolds, Chiltern Hills, and North Wessex Downs, providing stunning landscapes for outdoor activities. There are parks and green spaces aplenty, such as University Parks and Christ Church Meadow in Oxford which offer serene spots for relaxation and recreation. Rivers and canals indeed enhance Oxfordshire's landscape, providing opportunities for various water-based activities. Whether it's punting on the River Cherwell, boating on the Thames, or enjoying a peaceful walk along the Oxford Canal, there's plenty to explore and enjoy. Henley-On-Thames also hosts the annual Royal Regatta – watched by over 300,000 people every year.
Transport links
Located to the north west of London, between the Chiltern Hills and Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Oxford and the county are well connected by road and rail. London is an hour’s drive from Oxford and Birmingham just 80 miles north along the M40. With two mainline stations, London is less than an hour away as well as the stations providing regular access to the north and the south coast. There are five park and ride sites in Oxford and on top of the extensive network of cycle routes across the county, a network of safe cycle and walking routes in Oxford has been given the go ahead to link surrounding towns and villages with the city centre and other key sites.
Quality of life
The county offers a mix of period homes and modern properties, along with local amenities and a strong sense of community. Oxford was named one of the 2023 best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times and in a county as diverse as Oxfordshire, there is plenty to choose from when it comes to food and drink, catering for every budget and every taste. This includes Raymond Blanc’s 2 Michelin Star restaurant, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons which is regarded as one of Britain’s Finest restaurants.
Retail therapy is provided in the form of the Westgate shopping centre and Bicester Village which are home to high street and designer shops, restaurants, cafes, and leisure facilities to suit all tastes. Theatres, galleries, and music venues in Oxfordshire host a variety of performances, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year.
Oxfordshire also boasts some of the best public and private schools in the UK. It is also home to the University of Oxford which is repeatedly ranked as the world’s top university (Times Higher Education World University Rankings) and the highly regarded Oxford Brookes University which in 2024 was among the world's top universities in 21 subject areas (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
Latest jobs
| Title | Location | Salary | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Director Schools & Settings – Standards, Effectiveness and Performance | Oxfordshire | £83,025 - £93,275 (& generous benefits) | Permanent |
| Head of Commercial and Procurement Service | Oxfordshire | Salary up to £106,600 (& generous benefits) | Permanent |
| Head of Legal and Governance Services | Oxfordshire | Salary up to £106,600 (& generous benefits | Permanent |
| Assistant Director Schools & Settings – Sufficiency | Oxfordshire | £83,025 - £93,275 (& generous benefits) | Permanent |
