Pupils at Sibford School will be eating their way round the world over the next four weeks.

In celebration of the World Cup, catering staff at the school near Banbury will be selecting a match of the day and serving up traditional food from the countries playing.

Kicking off the lunchtime fixtures on Friday will be South Africa v Mexico … with tasty treats including Sopa de Pollo, Bobotie and Enchiladas, followed by Melktert for dessert.

Other footy feasts include Gazpacho, Toriniku (Chicken) Teriyaki and Capirotada (a Mexican version of Bread Pudding). Flying the flag for England will be battered haddock.

Chef Mark Higgins said: “We’ve had great fun planning the meals for the initial matches and are looking forward to a winning menu. We’ll be following the tournament through until the end, and, as we’re not at school on Sunday, will be serving up a champion’s feast on Monday 12 July.”

Photo: Getting into the World Cup spirit are: Chris Stones, Darren Hobbs, Matt Cross, Danny Holman and Kath Morris.

A pioneering programme that enables American pupils to study at a traditional British independent school whilst satisfying the demands of an American curriculum, has received resounding approval. Cotswold-based Kingham Hill School is waving both the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes as it celebrates making history as the first British school to receive coveted NEASC accreditation.
NEASC (The New England Association of Schools and Colleges) is the oldest of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. The list of institutions accredited by NEASC includes Harvard, Yale and other prestigious institutions, 2000 schools in the US and 175 American schools and colleges in 68 countries around the world. Kingham Hill is the first British day and boarding school to be accredited by NEASC.
Kingham Hill was approached by the US Department of State in the Autumn of 2006 with a request to help, following the shock announcement that an American school on the edge of London catering for the children of US families living abroad was to close. After careful thought and the appointment of several American educators, a number of American pupils joined the school in the September of the following year.
An American Studies Program was launched and has been modified and improved during the past three years. Its growing success springs from the smooth transition experienced by American pupils in and out of a British school. They can arrive from an American curriculum school, experience education at a traditional British school and then transfer to other American schools elsewhere in the world. All this happens without the pupils missing out or falling behind. In addition, they benefit from being immersed in British culture and experiencing British traditions. They also make friends with the majority British pupils and a smattering of other nationalities.
One exciting and significant spin-off is that non-Americans can access the American Studies Program. If carefully configured, courses offered through the program complement A-Level courses in such a way as to make an application by pupils of all nationalities to an American college as straightforward as an application to a British university. Kingham Hill has a dedicated ‘guidance counselor’ who can offer expert advice on American colleges and the application process.
Headmaster, Nick Seward (39), is delighted by the inspection report: “I was mightily impressed with the professionalism of the inspecting team. The process was very comprehensive, yet sensitively executed. The team quickly grasped the school’s unique qualities. It was also very pleasing that it warmly acknowledged the quality work by our faculty in making a success of our American Studies Program and embracing American pupils into our community.”
Assistant Head Academic and Director of American Studies, Kim Raccio, deserves much credit for developing the program and overseeing the preparation for the recent inspection. She has been at the sharp end of explaining the American Studies Program to American families arriving in the UK. “NEASC accreditation will really help families as they encounter what is a unique program. This project has now come of age and is a tremendously positive option for many American families posted to the UK. The access that this gives non-Americans to American universities is also really unique in British education.”

If American pupils complete their high school career at Kingham Hill they graduate with their American high school diploma. It has been pleasing to see a smattering of graduating American pupils resplendent in their academic gowns at a very traditional British independent school speech day. It is typical of the camaraderie and global outlook that characterises Kingham Hill School in 2010.

To celebrate our 150th Anniversary we’re having a Grand Reunion Picnic on Saturday 19 June between 11.00am and 4.00pm. Former and current pupils, staff and governors are warmly invited to attend. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic and join friends from their old year groups. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available in the Marquee during the day. A short service will be held in the School Chapel at the end of the day for those who wish to attend. If you would like to come please ring Maggi Shellard on 01235 524658 or email office@olab.org.uk We’d love to see you.

Mrs. Angela O’Rourke, The Manor’s Director of Sport, has facilitated a programme of over 55 sporting opportunities and activities each week, allowing every boy and girl to enjoy physical activity both within the curriculum and out of personal choice.
4 full-time members of the PE Department and over 35 part-time and volunteer experts guide the children to develop their skills. From tag rugby and jumping onto surfboards to following Youth Sports Leader courses, the emphasis is on joining in and reaching potential.
Regular fixtures with schools in the area and the school’s hosting of master classes led by national and international athletes give the children a sense of the place of sport in our broad community. Sport works in tandem with fun in the classroom to challenge the children and to enhance each child’s self-esteem. Realistic targets are set for each child to allow them to believe their aims are achievable and, as they leave The Manor, they take with them high expectations of the role that sport, fitness and health will play in their own lives.

The splendid organ in the Chapel at Kingham Hill School will soon reverberate to the efforts of the school’s first organ scholar.

A new scholarship has been established at the Cotswold school, inspired by Headmaster’s wife, Hannah Seward – a former organ scholar of Jesus College, Oxford. She and Director of Music, Gill Holliday, have constructed a programme that will offer one young musician each year a chance of a lifetime to explore their musical gift and open up exciting higher education and career opportunities. All this in a Christian community where the scholar’s faith will be nurtured and ministry opportunities encouraged.

Organ scholars will gain experience in choral accompanying and conducting, and in accompanying congregational singing. The Organ Scholar will have free music tuition – tailored to individual requirements, but it is expected that they will take singing lessons in addition to other lessons.

Candidates must be over 16-years old on 1 September of the year of entry and should demonstrate a love of and commitment to music, particularly the Anglican choral tradition. They will normally offer more than one instrument and have achieved Grade 6 level or higher. It is desirable for candidates to have some experience of accompanying.

The Scholarship offers thorough training to candidates who may wish to apply for Organ Scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Headmaster, Rev’d Nick Seward is delighted: “The Kingham Hill organ is a wonderful instrument, recently refurbished at great expense through the affection and generosity of former pupils. I would love to see it used to its full extent in the worship of our school, and in encouraging the English choral tradition here.”

Early interest should be directed at Kate Harvey, Registrar – 01608 658 999, admissions@kingham-hill.oxon.sch.uk

Sibford School head boy, Tom Roger, has been offered a place to read Mathematics at Oxford University.

The seventeen-year-old is set to take up his place at Worcester College in September after completing A Levels in English Literature, Physics and Chemistry plus an AS Level exam in Further Maths,

He already holds an A Grade at A Level Mathematics, having sat the papers a year early, and an A in AS Business Studies.

Oswestry School student Oliver Newman has been selected for the Shropshire County U17 Cricket squad.
Oliver, who is in Year 11, is a talented wicket-keeper. He was selected from 40 other hopefuls who participated in the county trials. Oliver will be receiving coaching in regular training camps to enhance his skills as he prepares for the start of the season.
Photo: Young wicket-keeper Oliver Newman

Year 8 pupils at Sibford School near Banbury enjoyed a history lesson with a difference when the Time Traveller came to visit.
Otherwise known as Dave Lord, the Time Traveller brought the Civil War to life allowing pupils to dress in period costume, handle artefacts and weapons and learn about the hardships, battles and diseases of 17th Century Britain.
Pictured left to right are: Behshad Shafaatian, Nino Winlaw, Time Traveller Dave Lord, Imogen Creed, Will Campion and Amie Roberts.

The report is full of positive remarks about the College but the following points deserve to be highlighted.

*Boarders are effectively protected from bullying. The analysis of the boarders’ survey was remarkable in that ‘no’ was always the answer to the question ‘Are you being bullied?’

*Boarders’ health is very well promoted through the personal, social and health (PSHE)programme which is comprehensive and well-organised, adapted to the needs of young adults and focused on preparation for their future lives.

*Use of discipline with boarders is fair and appropriate. The college has clear and well understood disciplinary procedures.

*There is vigorous selection and vetting of staff.

*There is a high level of security across the college and boarding houses, as a result of excellent security measures in place.

*Boarders do not experience discrimination.

*Boarders receive very good quality catering provision, both in the college’s dining hall and café.

*Students and staff of all nationalities live and study together; college life is enriched by a diversity of views.

*Boarders are enabled to contribute to the operation of boarding in the college, meeting another of the college’s aims that is to develop students’ independence of mind.

*There is an excellent process of induction and guidance for new boarders. On arrival, new students enter a very well organised and comprehensive four day induction programme, involving an orientation team of senior students, who the college seek feedback from to evaluate afterwards.

*The college’s organisation of boarding makes an excellent contribution to boarders’ welfare.

*The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. Boarders do not experience discrimination; they benefit from an international education and multicultural understanding from life in the college.

*Staff with boarding duties are supported by clear boarding policies and practice to follow, and benefit from good induction and continued training.

For 14-year-old Arnont Soontranugulwong, January 2010 heralded the start of a new school in a new country.

However, the Thai youngster was expecting slightly more than a single days teaching ahead of him!

Less than 24-hours after arriving as a student at Sibford School near Banbury, the big freeze saw Arnont being forced to take time out of the classroom as the school abandoned its normal timetable.

And with day pupils sent home, Arnont and fellow boarders had the run of the 50 acre school campus as they made the most of what is being described the coldest winter in Britain for more than 25 years.

Arnont is pictured left with Arun Calindi (from Switzerland), Milan Rai (Nepal), Ralph Houet (France), Sam Chang (Taiwan), Darius Batt (Wallingford) and Joe Bunnag (Thailand).

Kingham Hill School is celebrating pupil Sam Zhu’s offer of a place to study Mathematics at Oxford. It is a remarkable achievement following Sam’s childhood in China where his education was disrupted as he and his mother were forced to move several times to avoid persecution for their Christian faith.

Sam came to England with the help of friends at St Helen’s Church in Bishopsgate, London. They were keen for him to have the education that he deserved and the freedom to grow in his faith. He found both at Kingham Hill School.

The Mathematics Department are thrilled for Sam and look forward to the Headmaster fulfilling his promise of dinner out in Oxford! Headmaster, Nick Seward, is delighted: “Sam has been a tremendous example to other pupils and now an inspiration as his friends see what can be achieved when a fine mind and hard work combine. However, he couldn’t have succeeded without the excellence and dedication of our team of very able teachers. Our pupils across the board are very fortunate to be taught and encouraged by such a fine team.”

Neill Stannard, master responsible for Octagon, Kingham Hill’s academic society, is as delighted as the Headmaster: “Sam is wonderful proof of what Kingham Hill – that is academically non-selective – can achieve with an able pupil. We identify our most gifted pupils and offer them specialist input, extended studies and the opportunity to attend academic lectures, argue persuasively and think creatively. We expect others to emulate Sam’s success.”

Sam will take up his place at St Hugh’s College in September. St Hugh’s was founded by Elizabeth Wordsworth in the same year as Kingham Hill – 1886. She was the great niece of the famous poet and used money left to her by her father, a bishop of Lincoln. The founder of Kingham Hill was a member of the Baring Bank family and a remarkable Christian philanthropist.

Magdalen College School, Oxford, that topped this years ‘A’ Levels result table, has lost its chaplain and house master to Kingham Hill School, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Nick Seward, 38, took over as headmaster at Kingham Hill at the beginning of the new school year, following five years at Magdalen College School. He brings with him an enthusiasm to build upon Kingham Hill’s founding principles – broad intake, well-rounded education, strong pastoral care, and all in the context of a vibrant Christian ethos.

He has a very eclectic background. Born in Zambia, Nick Seward spent his formative years in Papua New Guinea, where his father managed the national football team. His education continued at Millfield School, Somerset, before he read aeronautical engineering at Imperial College, University of London and theology at Cranmer Hall, St. John’s College, University of Durham. He was ordained in 1999 at Canterbury.

As the School’s new headmaster, Revd. Seward looks to the future with keen anticipation: “Kingham Hill has a fine tradition and a great heart. Generations of students have benefitted, flourishing and going on to make their mark in the world. I feel privileged to be taking over as Headmaster at a time when schools like Kingham Hill are needed more than ever.”

Nick Seward is married to Hannah, a former organ scholar of Jesus College, Oxford, and a German linguist. They have two young children and share a love of the English choral tradition in worship.

Photo: aerial view of Kingham Hill

The splendid organ in the Chapel at Kingham Hill School will soon reverberate to the efforts of the school’s first organ scholar.

A new scholarship has been established at the Cotswold school, inspired by Headmaster’s wife, Hannah Seward – a former organ scholar of Jesus College, Oxford. She and Director of Music, Gill Holliday, have constructed a programme that will offer one young musician each year a chance of a lifetime to explore their musical gift and open up exciting higher education and career opportunities. All this in a Christian community where the scholar’s faith will be nurtured and ministry opportunities encouraged.

Organ scholars will gain experience in choral accompanying and conducting, and in accompanying congregational singing. The Organ Scholar will have free music tuition – tailored to individual requirements, but it is expected that they will take singing lessons in addition to other lessons.

Candidates must be over 16-years old on 1 September of the year of entry and should demonstrate a love of and commitment to music, particularly the Anglican choral tradition. They will normally offer more than one instrument and have achieved Grade 6 level or higher. It is desirable for candidates to have some experience of accompanying.

The Scholarship offers thorough training to candidates who may wish to apply for Organ Scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Headmaster, Rev’d Nick Seward is delighted: “The Kingham Hill organ is a wonderful instrument, recently refurbished at great expense through the affection and generosity of former pupils. I would love to see it used to its full extent in the worship of our school, and in encouraging the English choral tradition here.”

Early interest should be directed at Kate Harvey, Registrar – 01608 658 999, admissions@kingham-hill.oxon.sch.uk

When Hector Mahony (11) learned that David Cameron was to visit Kingham Hill School, he determined to thank him personally for helping to overturn an LEA decision in 2002 that threatened to bar him from joining the same primary school as his two brothers.

Hector approached David Cameron minutes before he officially opened the two new day houses at Kingham Hill School, four miles from Chipping Norton. David Cameron was visibly impressed with Hector’s heartfelt gratitude and the eloquence with which it was expressed. It only took him moments to recall the circumstances, and he and Hector chatted about how good it was that Hector had eventually been offered a place at Kingham Primary School where his brothers and friends were so happy.

Hector’s brothers – Seb and Oskar – were very settled at their local school, the ever-popular Kingham Primary School. It hadn’t crossed anyone’s mind that Hector would not be able join his brothers. However, against the wishes of the headteacher and the school’s governors, the Local Education Authority decided to remove a temporary classroom and reduce the school roll. Hector and several other children who also had siblings at the school were told that they would have to find another school.

The campaign to overturn the LEA’s decision was determined and passionate. However, it wasn’t until David Cameron was asked to intervene, and the subsequent time and energy he gave in support, that a breakthrough was achieved and the decision reversed.

Hector’s mum, Liz Mahony, remembers: “I was delighted that David Cameron was able to overcome the bureaucracy of the LEA in favour of the needs of children like Hector. As a family we acknowledge that without his intervention, our children would have received a different primary education.”

“I have always wanted to thank Mr. Cameron myself for what he did”, Hector reflected after his exciting encounter. “I’m glad that he made it possible for me to be at school with my brothers because being at Kingham Primary meant that I had a really good start to my education. I will never forget what he did.”

Hector, Seb and Oskar are now all together at Kingham Hill School, Hector having recently joined Year 7.

The Octagon Academic Society was formally launched in September and has had a successful opening term. Alongside lessons which are designed to stimulate the mind into new and challenging ways of thinking, Octagon has also hosted debates in the Lecture Theatre including one led by a visiting speaker from Oxford University, Christopher Shields. His topic for discussion was ‘Why is there a mind / body problem?’ Years 11 to 13 asked some intelligent and thought provoking questions of Professor Shields and staff were impressed by the ideas and issues raised by the lecture. Many of the Octagon students have applied to top universities (both UK based red brick Russell Group and also American Ivy League) and one has recently been offered an interview at St Hughes College, Oxford.

The Octagon Academic Society enjoyed their inaugural formal dinner this December; in future to be an annual event. The Octagon pupils sat at tables with a mixture of students from all year groups and guest staff members in order to encourage discussion and socialisation. Pupils and staff were entertained by the competition to slip a secret sentence into the conversation during the evening without other people noticing, and by the brain teasing games which accompanied each course. Mr Stannard announced the Octagon Council as including the following members: President : Philippa Lane, Vice President: Jan Sindhar, Events manager: Katy Howell, Reporter: Bryony Parkinson, Junior Rep: Ellie Copsey, Intermediate rep: Josh Baxter and Senior rep: Guy Cable. These students will play key roles in developing Octagon throughout the school.

The Lent term sees a packed Octagon programme including the study of C.S Lewis, Tolstoy and G.K Chesterton, a visiting Oxford fellow and Chaplain to raise the debate about science and religion, a Gifted and Talented day trip for GCSE aged students, a school debate on politics and a 6th form ethics conference in Oxford.

Pupils at Sibford School near Banbury were given some tips from the top today when England, Yorkshire and Essex cricketer, Darren Gough, stopped by to conduct a special coaching session.

The international all-rounder and Strictly Come Dancing champion was at the school to officially open a new £850,000 sports changing complex.

But he took time out to offer some advice to budding young cricketers.

The new changing complex marks the completion of the first phase of a major development programme at the 167-year-old Quaker school.

Subsequent phases will the see the creation of a brand new hall and theatre space; an open-air amphitheatre; new design and technology studio; and a new staff room.

Sibford head, Michael Goodwin, said: “This is an exciting time for Sibford School. The new developments will make a significant impact not only to the school but also to the local community.

”We have known Darren for a few years and were delighted when he accepted our invitation to mark the opening of the first stage.”

Photo: Darren Gough outside the new changing complex with Sibford head Michael Goodwin (left) and architect Roger Stretton from Oxford-based Berman Guedes Stretton

The applause could be heard all over the school as the Chinese Ambassador announced that she was offering a special scholarship for one Kingham Hill pupil to study for a year in China.

Ambassador Fu Ying’s announcement came as a surprise at the end of a question and answer session with sixth formers that she shared with David Cameron. There already appears to be a great deal of excitement among pupils, many of whom would seriously consider such an opportunity.

The Chinese Ambassador was spending the day observing David Cameron carrying out his usual Friday round of constituency work. As MP for Witney, David Cameron had responded to an invitation by the school to officially open two new day houses.

David Cameron and the Ambassador were shown around the new day houses by representatives of the growing number of day pupils now attending the school. The increase in numbers follows the appointment of Headmaster, Nick Seward, who joined Kingham Hill from league table-topping Magdalen College School, Oxford, in September 2008. The day houses, along with the introduction of school transport and a move away from Saturday school, has provoked a real spike in interest. A new academic society, to challenge and nurture the very brightest pupils, has also played its part.

Headmaster, Nick Seward, was very pleased with the occasion: “It was a tremendous honour to play host to David Cameron and the Chinese Ambassador. It has further opened the eyes of our pupils to the world of domestic politics and the shift of economic and political power towards the East. Kingham Hill is changing and growing and occasions like this are very inspirational.”

Actor and adventurer, Charley Boorman, went back to school this week to revisit the place where he spent some of his teenage years.

The best selling author, who suffers from dyslexia, was a pupil at Sibford School near Banbury from 1980 until 1983.

He told current pupils how he came to Sibford after being diagnosed with dyslexia on a trip to the States.

“I returned home to Ireland and had to explain to my teachers what dyslexia was, but they didn’t believe me and thought I was mucking about,” he said.

“I came to Sibford because of its reputation for helping with dyslexia and immediately felt comfortable here.

“Dyslexia isn’t something that goes away. You will always have it. But Sibford gave me the confidence to go out and do things.”

A packed audience of pupils and parents heard Charley tell of his current adventure Sydney to Tokyo: By Any Means which is currently being screened on BBC 2.

He also recalled some of the pranks he got up to during his school years — including climbing the drainpipe to get into the girls’ boarding house — and offered advice on how to deal with dyslexia.

“When I’m travelling I try to remember the first four letters of each place I need to visit,” he said. “That way I don’t have to try to read the whole road sign.”

Sibford head Michael Goodwin said: “We were delighted to welcome Charley back to school. A favourite piece of advice we use here comes from the Quaker Advices & Queries, and says: ‘Live adventurously. When choices arrive, do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts in the service of God and the community? Let your life speak.’.

“Charley has certainly taken this advice to heart. His adventurous living is well documented and he is also letting his life speak, especially in the work he does for UNICEF and for the charity Dyslexia Action.

“He was a real inspiration to our pupils and we hope we will be able to come back and visit us again in the not too distant future.”

Charley Boorman is pictured with Sibford pupils Bernadette Wagerfield, Michael Bell, Anna English, Daniel Millett and Imogen Creed.

The event was open to parents of day students and teachers alike and was very well attended. Those present did not manage to consume all the cakes, which had been so generously donated by parents and staff alike, but we did give it a very good try! However – the pupils were delighted to part with some of their pocket money and polish off the remainder!

The final sum raised was a fantastic £180 for the Macmillan Nurses. This was, I am sure, the first of many successful fundraising events to be held in Havelock.

Well done to all the 6th form involved.

At one level nothing very much at Kingham Hill has changed at all. The setting is still as stunning, tucked as it is in a beautiful fold of the Cotswolds, not far from Stow-in-the-Wold. The founding principles remain firmly in place – vibrant Christian ethos, all-ability intake and education of the whole person. The deputy headmaster pads the corridors as he has for the past 20 years, albeit with whiter hair!

But there again, the change is marked. A new vision has been cast. Saturday school has been replaced by an ambitious programme of outings and activities. Day houses and a network of school transport introduced. An academic society established for the brightest pupils. Refurbishment and development. A smattering of top quality new teachers bursting with fresh ideas.

Stir together the previous two paragraphs and what emerges is a small school with a very big heart. A culture that encourages ambition and achievement yet nurtures happiness, as pupils realise that they are loved and valued for who they are rather than the part they must play in improving a school’s league table position. A place to call home – where you laugh and cry with friends.

Nick Seward – that new headmaster – is excited about the intriguing blend of heritage and innovation. However, he is most pleased to see a school full of happy and well-rounded pupils.

The school, situated between Chipping Norton and Stow-in-the-Wold, welcomed new headmaster, Nick Seward (39), in September 2008. He introduced a revised vision for the school, one that has already made quite an impact. 2020 Vision, as it is being called, builds upon the school’s historic founding principles yet accommodates the latest in educational thinking and the demands of today’s parents.

Saturday school has been abolished, weekend activities for boarders have been seriously upgraded, two day houses have been opened, an academic society launched, a director of development appointed to enable ambitious refurbishment and new building projects and school transport offered to day pupils.

Nick Seward, who joined Kingham Hill from Magdalen College School, Oxford, comments: “I am relieved and delighted! The past twelve months has been a busy time, involving some significant readjustment. I applaud every member of the school community for their willingness to embrace change and for their contribution and support. I am doubly encouraged. Not only has the school roll increased, we are also celebrating record GCSE results.”

Kingham Hill School enjoyed record GCSE results this summer, with 92% of pupils gaining at least five grades at A*-C. The school is non-selective academically, but prides itself on the tremendous value-added it achieves with pupils across the ability range. Nowhere was this more evident than with the Wormington brothers, Thomas and Edward. Not only are they identical twins, they achieved identical, and spectacular results. MidYIS (a national measure) predicted them an average of an E grade in every GCSE on arrival at the school. They actually achieved an A*, 2 As, 2 Bs, and 4 Cs each in their 9 subjects. Headmaster Nick Seward said, “I am tremendously proud of them. Not only do they deserve these results for their hard work, they have been outstanding adverts for Kingham Hill across the board, and reflect our emphasis on the whole person. The media focus can often be on pupils with strings of A* grades, but these results show what is possible when pupils of less stellar ability are given the right environment to succeed –well done, boys!”

At a time when many independent schools are tightening their belts and experiencing lower student numbers, Kingham Hill has enjoyed a ten percent increase in its school roll.

The school, situated between Chipping Norton and Stow-in-the-Wold, welcomed new headmaster, Nick Seward (39), in September 2008. He introduced a revised vision for the school, one that has already made quite an impact. 2020 Vision, as it is being called, builds upon the school’s historic founding principles yet accommodates the latest in educational thinking and the demands of today’s parents.

Saturday school has been abolished, weekend activities for boarders have been seriously upgraded, two day houses have been opened, an academic society launched, a director of development appointed to enable ambitious refurbishment and new building projects and school transport offered to day pupils.

Nick Seward, who joined Kingham Hill from Magdalen College School, Oxford, comments: “I am relieved and delighted! The past twelve months has been a busy time, involving some significant readjustment. I applaud every member of the school community for their willingness to embrace change and for their contribution and support. I am doubly encouraged. Not only has the school roll increased, we are also celebrating record GCSE results.”

Kingham Hill School enjoyed record GCSE results this summer, with 92% of pupils gaining at least five grades at A*-C. The school is non-selective academically, but prides itself on the tremendous value-added it achieves with pupils across the ability range. Nowhere was this more evident than with the Wormington brothers, Thomas and Edward. Not only are they identical twins, they achieved identical, and spectacular results. MidYIS (a national measure) predicted them an average of an E grade in every GCSE on arrival at the school. They actually achieved an A*, 2 As, 2 Bs, and 4 Cs each in their 9 subjects. Headmaster Nick Seward said, “I am tremendously proud of them. Not only do they deserve these results for their hard work, they have been outstanding adverts for Kingham Hill across the board, and reflect our emphasis on the whole person. The media focus can often be on pupils with strings of A* grades, but these results show what is possible when pupils of less stellar ability are given the right environment to succeed –well done, boys!”

St. Clare’s is delighted to announce another set of really good results this year. Our average score was 34.40 which is the equivalent of 4 grades A’s at A Level; we felt that it was an excellent reflection of the year group.

This year only 68 of the 45,132 students worldwide (0.15% of candidates) gained the magical 45 points meaning that they had gained full marks in every component. Two of those delighted students were from St Clare’s, Oxford.

We achieved:
·An outstanding overall pass rate of over 97% and an average points score of 34.4 – this kept us well ahead of the world average points score of 29.53
·46 students with 35 points or more (considered equivalent to 4.5 grade As at A level) = 45%
·16 student gaining the elite category of 40+points (top 5% around the world) = 16%
·2 students with 45 points, the maximum possible score achieved by only 68 students worldwide i.e. 0.15% of candidates around the world.

This is the sixth consecutive year in which we have had 44 and 45 point students, an outstanding achievement in the fiercely competitive IB environment.

Fourteen different nationalities represented St. Clare’s on the River Thames on Sunday and secured third place in the 11th annual Dragon Boat race run by the Rotary Club of Abingdon.

The St. Clare’s Team competed against 17 others including teams from RAF Brize Norton and the Thames Valley Police.

The team competed in three qualifying races in which the fastest time over the 800m stretch determined qualification for the semi finals and finals. St. Clare’s won the semi final race but failed to reproduce the same form in the final.

All team members will receive medals with the group trophy being proudly displayed at college. The team included: Endri Lito (Team Captain), Rauf Fratari, Holly Norrington, Julie Laeremans, Felipe Verillo, Valeriya Nefyodova, Tijana Ostojic, Philipp Gerhard, Patrick Reece, Christopher Caioni, Maximilian Wilson, Ilya Zemskov, Youssef El Azouzi, Alexander Parsczenski, Francesco Garosci, Kirsten Lillie, Kevin Hennessy (Team Manager).

Teachers, parents and pupils at Sibford School near Banbury are celebrating a highly successful inspection report from the ISI – the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The report states that the Quaker-run school ‘meets well its aims to encourage and enable all pupils to recognise their gifts and talents, and to realise their full potential’.

It describes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils as ‘outstanding’ and the quality of teaching and pupils’ learning and achievement as ‘good, with many examples of outstanding practice’.

The ISI, which is the body approved by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills for the purpose of inspecting independent schools, looked at nine different aspects of the school and awarded ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ status in all.

Sibford head, Michael Goodwin said: “Everyone is delighted with the outcome of this inspection. The published report affirms the high standards that we strive to achieve and I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff, children and their families for all their hard work, dedication and support.”

A total of nine inspectors spent a week at the school at the end of February, examining pupils’ work, observing lessons and conducting interviews with pupils and staff.

The report praises Sibford School for developing a ‘high moral sense’ amongst its pupils and says: ‘the school secures an atmosphere of tolerance, openness and trust in which teasing, harassment and unacceptable behaviour would find great difficulty in developing’.

Links with parents and the community are described as ‘outstanding’ as are the breadth of the curriculum and the provision for pupils of a wide variety of abilities.

The report also recognises the important dimension that overseas pupils provide to the experience of all and concludes that the quality of governance is ‘strong, purposeful and clear’ and that the leadership and management of the school are ‘confident and direct’.

Selecting a spot amongst the nettles and flourishing vegetation to settle down for the night on Shiplake College’s very own mid-Thames Island has presented a challenge for Year 9 pupils this term.

Every House has taken the opportunity to bed down for the night after Mr Foakes has transported them across the river in his narrow-boat. With just tarpaulins and string boys have had to use their engineering skills and imagination to create a shelter that will keep them dry and warm for their overnight stay.

Cooking supper, sausages, loins of pork and jacket potatoes, on a BBQ is also part of the survival exercise. As the light fades the boys sit around the camp fires. Sometimes they chat, occasionally they sing but often they like to revive the age-old art of story-telling. Then next morning it is back to school for a shower and breakfast.

Shiplake College’s J14 octos had an excellent day, amongst the squally showers, at the Thames Ditton Regatta. The J14B octo put in a very strong performance and received a lot of acclaim on the day from onlookers. They convincingly beat Whitgift School in the first round and then drew Kingston Grammar School A crew in the Semi Final. Unfortunately they lost but not without a fight and they maintained good style and determination throughout the race.

The J14A octo were a true credit to the College. The timetable was very drawn out with 3 races set over 8 hours but the young rowers maintained their concentration and focus throughout a long day, looking well-turned out too.

In the first round they dominated Tiffin A and took an easy victory. In the Semi-Final they drew a very strong crew from Dulwich College. They soon realised that Dulwich were not going to be an easy adversary to beat and yet the boys rose to the challenge with both crews level down the whole course. A final burst from Shiplake guided them to victory by a canvas.

In the final Shiplake drew St George’s College, second-placed crew at the Schools’ Head. Again the boys realised this would be tough and again they raised their game. They produced a spectacular race to beat St George’s by half a length, resisting an impressive push from St George’s in the final 100m. To quote the commentator, ‘the St George’s crew looked incredibly good; but the Shiplake crew looked exceptional’. The boys have won their first ever rowing pot and have had a confidence boost for National Schools Regatta at Nottingham.

Esther Monaghan, a pupil at Sibford School, near Banbury, has been awarded the Bristol University Warren Scholarship for students with exceptional artistic talent.

The 19-year-old violinist, who lives in Kidlington, will be moving to Bristol in September to study English and Classics and to audition for a place in the University Symphony Orchestra.

Pupils at Sibford School near Banbury gave up the comfort of their own beds to sleep rough in a bid to raise money for the Banbury Young Homelessness Project.

Using only cardboard boxes for shelters, the year 9 pupils were sponsored to spend the night out in the cold.

Said tutor Mike Spring, who joined them for the duration: “I was really proud of their efforts, both in the planning stages and on the night itself. It brought home to them the reality of being homeless and also raised over £650 for BYHP.”

BYHP volunteer Laura Yates and 18-year-old Steph Adambury, a previous service user of BYHP who is now working with the charity as a peer supporter, attended a special Meeting for Worship at the school to receive the cheque.

Said Steph: “BYHP helped me through homelessness and drink and drug addiction. They supported me through domestic violence and helped me into training.

“When I was homeless I felt lonely and useless and couldn’t see a way forward. BYHP helped me find a way out and my aim now is to help others who find themselves in a similar situation.”

Added Laura Yates: “BYHP supports over 425 vulnerable young people across Oxfordshire and this week alone we have registered 15 new people who need our support.

“Unfortunately the funding we receive doesn’t cover all the costs of running our essential front line services and it is support, such as this from Sibford School, that helps to ensure that the Project can continue to thrive and flourish.”

PHOTO: Laura Yates and Steph Adambury are pictured with tutor Mike Spring and Sibford pupils Iain Riley, George Cowper, Siobhan Jennings and Oliver Wissenbach.

Sixteen-year-old Guiming Zhang is well on his way to becoming a mathematical genius.
The Year 10 pupil at Sibford School has already received an A* for his GCSE Maths which he took while still in Year 9.
And he has now received an incredible 100% in his first Maths AS module … which under normal circumstances he wouldn’t even sit until he was in Year 12!
His success is all the more impressive because until he arrived at Sibford in 2007 he spoke virtually no English.
Tutor Sally Pickering, said: “Guiming is a very ambitious young man. He originally enrolled on our intensive English course but within a very short space of time had picked up enough of the language to be able to join our mainstream classes.
“In addition to his Maths AS he is also studying for eight GCSEs and I am sure that he will gain some very impressive grades.”
In a further recognition of his success, Guiming has been asked to participate in the Pink European Kangaroo. This one-hour paper, set by The European Kangaroo Foundation (so named because it was inspired by the Australian Mathematics Trust), is open to only the top 5% of maths students worldwide.
Said maths tutor Debra Collins: “Guiming has already sat the UK Mathematics Trust Intermediate Challenge where he gained a Gold Award and as a result has now been asked to enter the European Kangaroo.
“Candidates sit this paper by invitation only so it is a great honour to be asked to take part and we wish him well.”

Pictured: Guiming Zhang.

For nearly one hundred and fifty years pupils have enjoyed the benefits of a first class education at Our Lady’s Abingdon. I am delighted to announce that as from September 2009 boys will be admitted to the Senior School.

We will be offering the same opportunities in the Senior School that boys presently enjoy up to the age of 11 in the Junior School. OLA will be the first independent senior school in the town to offer co-education. This is an exciting step forward not only for Abingdon, but also for the surrounding area.

In today’s world, we strongly believe there are educational advantages to be gained from teaching boys and girls together in a co-educational senior school. Co-education offers many benefits to both boys and girls. In modern society and in the work place it is important for girls and boys to understand each other’s attitudes and to appreciate each other’s points of view. Co-education will help them to achieve these aims.

You are warmly invited to come and visit the school, to meet our pupils and staff and to see at first hand our vibrant and exciting community.

Lynne Renwick

Headteacher

The Junior School Girls’ Football team are the proud holders of the Jack Seymour Trophy having recently won the Vale of White Horse Primary Schools Girls 6s. This is the second time we have won this competition, having been previously successful in 2006. We were also runners-up in 2008.
The tournament was a fantastic occasion with a win over Blewbury and draws against Cumnor and All Saints in the group games. In the knockout stages we beat Millbrook 3-2 on penalties at the end of a gruelling match which had ended in a 0-0 draw at the end of extra time. In the final we beat Willowcroft 2-1 to become Vale 6s Champions for 2009.

We are delighted to announce that eleven of our students have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities this year. Many congratulations to them all on this fantastic achievement.

Alastair Mitchell: Balliol College, Oxford; Classics and Modern Languages
Bella Radenovich: Homerton College, Cambridge; History of Art
David Alliu: St Catherine’s College, Oxford; Civil Engineering
Mansour Ahmed: King’s College, Cambridge; Computer Science
Jim Tang: Churchill College, Cambridge; Computer Science
Timur Tankayev: Lincoln College, Oxford; Maths
Hao Wu: Mansfield College, Oxford; Physics
Stasya Ng: St Edmund Hall, Oxford; Psychology
Val Saksornchai: St Hilda’s College; PPE
Hannah Beavan: Harris Manchester; PPE
Marthe Klöcking: Christ’s College; Natural Sciences

As we recently announced, our International Studies Centre students received excellent results in their IELTS exams.

Saksornchai Pankaew (also known as Val) received the extraordinary result of 9.0 – the highest possible score, reflecting a faultless performance in the exam.

Val is a Thai government scholar, currently in her first year at d’Overbroeck’s Sixth Form and in the midst of a busy exam schedule – but was kind enough to spare five minutes to be photographed in the College garden. She plans to apply to Oxford University, to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) – and is wrestling with the question of which college to choose.

Jo Kalies – Sport & Extra-curricular Activities Co-ordinator at d’Overbroeck’s Sixth Form and Leckford Place School – has been nominated for the Sunday Times Volunteer of the Year award.

Alongside the excellent teaching, support and coaching she provides to d’Overbroeck’s students, Jo also works as a volunteer at Summertown Stars AFC, the largest youth football club in Oxfordshire. There, she not only manages and coaches the girls’ under 12 team, but has also set up a visually impaired football team.

‘This season, Jo’s Summertown team are in the under 14 league. The players play for fun and the team spirit and friendship they have is amazing. They lose more matches than they win, but the players turn up every week as keen as mustard to play. At Christmas they all donned Santa outfits and ran around Oxford as a team, raising nearly £300 for Helen and Douglas House.’

‘Jo has helped girls’ football grow at the club, and Summertown now has over 50 girls playing regular football. Jo is a likable individual, an excellent coach, and she would be a worth winner.’

– Paul Chamberlain, Summertown Stars AFC

Congratulations to Jo on her richly deserved nomination.

Photo: Jo (right) with the Sixth Form netball team

So out with ‘Learning Resource Centre’ and multi-purpose use and in with more books and silent study.

The change is evidence of the Headmaster’s commitment to help students love learning, enjoy reading and aspire to academic success.

The Library is also home-base for the school’s academic society – Octagon. The society draws together the brightest students, offering extended studies, visits to public lectures and various other means of ensuring that the students are thoroughly stretched.

A five-day teaching week, school transport and competitive fees are all part of a carefully thought-out plan to respond to the demand for places from day students.

Although Kingham Hill will always have a very strong programme and wonderful provision for boarders, it is determined to combine these qualities with offering a great package to its growing number of day students.

All students will benefit from a re-worked academic timetable that focuses effort in the classroom between Monday and Friday. The rhythm of school life will improve. At the same time, demands on parents of day students will ease. Day students will be fully integrated and able to access optional weekend activities and occasional overnight accommodation for a modest fee. The school week will change from September.

Families of day students are right to expect the school to lay on transport both morning and evening. Kingham Hill will offer at least four routes from September and add more as demand dictates. Precise details of routes, times and cost will be published soon after Easter on the school web site: www.kingham-hill.oxon.sch.uk

Very few families are immune to the effects of recession. With this in mind, fees for day students will be very competitive and offer excellent value for money.

Headmaster, Nick Seward, is excited about the school’s ever-improving provision for day students: “We are determined to respond to the times in which we live, offering superb facilities, great education and improved levels of service to families, and all at a competitive price. I am so grateful to the prudent yet generous Christian trust behind the school that ensures our viability and encourages innovation.”

You are welcome to visit to discuss application and to look around at any time. Our next Open Morning will be on May 2nd to which you and all your family would be extremely welcome. Further information can be found on our website.www.kingham-hill.oxon.sch.uk

On Friday 6 March, pupils at Sibford School near Banbury will be munching their way through more than 400 bananas when they join the Fairtrade banana eating world record attempt.

Organised by the Fairtrade Foundation, the event, which takes place at the end of Fairtrade Fortnight, hopes to set a new world record for simultaneous banana eating over a 24-hour period.

Said Sibford pupil Heather Kensett, a member of the school’s Fairtrade Group: “The whole school will be taking part and eating bananas … from the youngest junior pupil right through to the teachers.

“We are currently working towards Fairtrade School Status and the banana eating marathon is just one of a number of things we’re doing to raise awareness of the importance of trading justice.”

Other events taking place throughout the fortnight include a special screening of the award-winning documentary Bonia: Ugly Bananas; break-time sales of Fairtrade goodies and a casuals day where pupils will wear the Fairtrade colours of blue and green. In addition school caterers, Thomas Franks, will be creating special Fairtrade-themed lunches.

Pictured: Going bananas are: Heather Kensett (17), Isha Burton (12), Oliver Hancock (9), James Cameron (14) and Jessica Edwards (9).

In a week when local authorities and thousands of schools have been criticised for closing in the face of slippery playgrounds, students at Kingham hill School in the Cotswolds built igloos and slept in them overnight.

Although some day students were unable to reach the rural boarding school near Stow-in-the-Wold, those that did and all the boarders went about school life as usual. However, when lessons were over, and with the help of one of the house masters, Paul Parmenter, they built an igloo village.

Sixteen 11, 12 and 13-year olds wrapped up warm, slid into their sleeping bags and made the most of an opportunity only possible at an independent school.

Not all stuck with the plan until the morning. However, most got a good few hours sleep and there was much banter and bragging at breakfast. Toby, who had to be coaxed out as morning arrived, claimed: “It was definitely a bit cold but it was brilliant fun!”

Headmaster, Nick Seward, commented: “This is precisely the sort of thing that a school like Kingham Hill can offer – genuine adventure, albeit it carefully supervised. This is the sort of experience that these lads will learn from and talk about for years to come.”

And spare a thought for the plucky housemaster who spent the night sleeping in the open to keep an eye on his charges!

When snow put halt to outdoor games, Year 3 and 4 pupils at Sibford Junior School came up with an ingenious alternative.

Using sports marker cones as moulds, they created ice bricks and, with the help of teacher Vanessa Cranke, built an igloo on the netball court.

Pictured are 9-year-old Oliver Isles and Julia Beaumont, age 8.

Sibford School near Banbury has received an excellent report following an inspection by CReSTeD, the Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils.

One third of the pupils attending the Quaker school are dyslexic but follow the main school timetable thanks to specialist support. This can include additional tuition in small groups; use of a speech recognition program; and help with study skills and examination techniques.

CReSTed praised the school for ‘developing the whole child’ and offering ‘the best opportunity’. It also congratulated Sibford for providing ‘high quality education’ and for enabling dyslexic pupils to ‘reach their full potential and to integrate seamlessly into the mainstream.’

Sibford head Michael Goodwin said: “We are proud of our reputation as a dyslexia friendly school and are delighted that CReSTed has recognised the effort put in by our staff to ensure that all our pupils have the opportunity to grow in confidence and competence and to make the most of their talents. Being dyslexic does not prevent access to top sets, even in English, as our results testify.”

· It is estimated that at least 1 in 10 people in the UK are dyslexic. Established in 1989, CReSTeD is a registered charity that provides guidance and assurance to parents looking for schools offering provision for dyslexic pupils. Schools on the CReSTeD register are inspected every three years.

Pictured: Formula One legend and dyslexia sufferer, Sir Jackie Stewart, is pictured during an earlier visit to Sibford School’s Dyslexia Department. Sir Jackie left school at the age of 15 slated by teachers for being ‘stupid, dumb and thick’. It was only when he reached the age of 41 that his condition was finally diagnosed. Other high-profile dyslexics include Olympic gold medallist, Sir Steve Redgrave, entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and chef Jamie Oliver.

Pupils at Sibford School are setting their sights on a top eco award by pledging their support for going green.

The school has already achieved Bronze and Silver Eco-School status and is now working towards the prestigious Green Flag Award.

Sixth form students made paper windmills which they signed and used to create a wind farm in the school grounds to pledge their commitment to reducing carbon footprint.

The school also took part in an Energy Detectives workshop organised by SEEP – the Schools’ Energy Efficiency Project.

The workshop enabled pupils to identify areas where energy is being wasted in the school buildings and to set up an action plan to reduce energy wastage.

Angy Bovill, head of environmental science at Sibford, said: “The pupils are all very committed to ensuring that Sibford becomes a sustainable school.

“An energy awareness campaign has been drawn up with the aim of addressing global problems, especially climate change, and environmental representatives are being appointed for each tutor group to oversee this initiative.”

Pictured: Pledging their support to Going Green are sixth form pupils: Heather Kensett, Alex Jardine, Paddy Campbell, Becky Cockcroft, Eve Hazlett, Ellinor Hirst and Imogen Gartside.

Student leaders of the event were Felix Richter (German), Skye Thomas (Indian), Margherita Puri-Negri (Italian), Ian De Vries (Dutch) and Peter Wietlicki (Polish), though many more students held positions of responsibility as chairs and secretaries of the five committees which met throughout the day.

The conference was a very valuable educational experience. It was also a good demonstration for students that those who put in the most effort benefited the most.

Tom Walsh, Vice Principal at St. Clare’s, summed up the event. “While I believe we all work to advance international education and understanding on a day to day basis at St. Clare’s, such major events as the MUN conference make a special and considerable contribution to the College mission.”

Bobby Tann, a pupil at Sibford School near Banbury, has been presented with a prestigious Gold BA Crest Award, a nationally recognised honor which encourages students aged between 11 and 19 to develop their scientific curiosity.

Bobby, 17, received the award after spending six weeks working with the Rothampstead Research Institute in Harpenden where he studied the effects of isolation on the pollination of a wild plant in cereal fields.

The BA Crest allows students to develop their scientific curiosity and to find solutions to problems or tasks in the same way as professional scientists and engineers do. Bobby was able to carry out his project thanks to a Nuffield Foundation Science Bursary.

Bobby was mentored during his research by PhD student Penny Fletcher, who said: “Bobby conducted a mini research project, which complimented my PhD work. Once briefed, he made the project his own, working mostly unsupervised on collecting data, lab processing and analysis. He mastered specialist techniques and studied in his spare time, showing real initiative, innovation and drive and demonstrating a talent for analytical and scientific thinking.

“Bobby wrote an excellent report, presenting impressively detailed results. The understanding he showed was the level of an undergraduate rather than an A-level student.”

Bobby, who is currently studying biology, chemistry, history and art at AS level, added “Being given the opportunity to spend six weeks at Rothampstead was a fantastic experience. I loved every minute of it and hope to continue in scientific research after I leave Sibford.”

Bobby is pictured with Penny Fletcher at the awards presentation. He has nominated his project for inclusion in the National Crest Final, a Science Fair for young scientists and engineers. Prizes for the best projects include attendance at International Science Fairs.

Peace representatives visited Sibford School near Banbury on Thursday as part of Quaker Outreach Week.

Alice Meager from the West Midlands Quaker Peace Education Project, Anna Liddle from CND and Martha Beale from the Fellowship of Reconciliation conducted a number of workshops with Year 10 pupils examining issues such as conflict, blame and reconciliation.

Sibford head Michael Goodwin said: “Quakers translate their faith into action by supporting peacemakers, working for social justice and caring for the environment. The workshops gave pupils the opportunity to discuss significant peace issues and to look at different ways of resolving conflict situations.”

Pictured: Alice Meager from the Quaker Peace Education Project is pictured with Sibford pupil Malek Rahimi.

Youngsters at Sibford School near Banbury were given an insight into the healthy eating properties of fish when school caterers, Thomas Franks, hosted a Fish Themed Day.

In addition to enjoying a number fishy treats — including paella, salmon and battered basa — pupils were taught about the nutritional value of fish, given the chance to hold a live crab and lobster and also had the opportunity to come face to face with a number of different fish including plaice, halibut, sword fish and even a shark!

Pictured: Fishy encounter … Year Seven pupils Gabriella Clack (12) and Harry Rickard (11) are pictured with chef Ian Foster of Hook Norton catering company Thomas Franks.

Said Sibford Head Michael Goodwin: “Our SATs results for this year have been some of the best we have ever seen, however we have become increasingly concerned that national tests at ages seven and 11 can, and do, cause unnecessary anxiety for children. This is against our whole ethos as a Quaker school and we have therefore decided that in future we will not be putting our junior pupils through this trial.”

Results for 2008 show that at Key Stage Two, 64% of Sibford pupils achieved a level 4 in English (compared to the national average of 47%), 91% achieved level 4 in Maths (compared to 45% nationally) and 55% achieved level 4 in Science (compared to 47% nationally).

“We are exceptionally proud of our pupils for achieving such high results,” said Michael Goodwin. “However, we believe that young children should be free to develop a passion for learning, rather than being given an educational diet focused on getting through tests.

“We recognise the value of taking time to enjoy discovering new skills and talents and for introducing freedom into the curriculum, which is why we plan to spend more time out doors, making the most of the excellent location we have here.

“This is a very exciting time for Sibford School and I believe that our new junior curriculum will result in pupils who have a real passion for learning, a healthy self esteem and a greater respect for the world around them.”

St. Clare’s is delighted to announce another set of good International Baccalaureate results in May 2008. Our average score was 32.82; we felt that it was a good reflection of the year group.

We achieved:

A 96% overall pass rate and an average points score of 32.82
40 students with 35 points or more (considered equivalent to 4.5 grade As at A level) = 36.36%.
11 students with 40 points or more = 10.0%.
1 student with 45 points, the maximum possible score achieved by only 72 students worldwide last year.
1 student with 44 points.
This is the fifth consecutive year in which we have had 44 and 45 point students, an outstanding achievement in the fiercely competitive IB environment.

Comparison of St. Clare’s 2008 results with previous years

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
40 points or more
10.0% 10.8% 13.1% 18.8% 14.1% 14.0%
30 points or more
72.7% 68.7% 73.7% 83.2% 71.8% 79.1%
24 points or more
97.27% 94.0% 96.1% 98.0% 94.1% 100%
Mean score
(excluding retakes)
32.82 32.49 33.49 34.54 32.81 33.79

The maximum score is 45 points and the pass mark is 24 points.

Students at Sibford School near Banbury have recorded their best ever GCSE results.

Figures out today show that 87% of pupils achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at A* – C grade with 30.6% of all grades being A* or A.

The school achieved a 100% pass rate with all pupils achieving grades F or above. And more than 50% gained 10 or more grades at A* – C.

Said head Michael Goodwin: “Our students have worked exceptionally hard to achieve such fantastic grades which surpass the already high standards of previous years.

“There have been some outstanding individual successes and I am thrilled to be able to offer my heartiest congratulations and also to pay tribute to the excellent teaching staff we have here at Sibford.”

Special mention goes to:

Imogen Gartside of Deddington who achieved five A*s and six A grades;
Alex Jardine of Clifton who achieved eight A*s and three As;
Harriet Fletcher of Milcombe and Jack Keogan of Kineton who each achieved seven A*s and three As;
Tom Roger* of Great Rollright who achieved seven A*s and two As;
Katie Boyd of Chipping Norton who achieved five A*s and four As;
Harriet Smith of Adderbury who achieved three A*s and six As;
Elinor Hirst* of Bodicote who achieved one A* and eight As; and
Matthew Taylor of Bloxham who achieved one A* and seven As.

Note to editors: It was a second week of celebration for Tom Roger, Alex Jardine and Elinor Hirst … last week all three passed their AS Level in Applied Business Studies and Tom also achieved his AS Maths.

Pictured: A stars … Tom Roger, Imogen Gartside, Elinor Hirst, Harriet Fletcher and Alex Jardine.