OXFORD’S newest primary school will officially open this week when it joins a new trust.
St Frideswide Church of England Primary replaces the primary phase of St Gregory the Great Catholic School, which has had its struggles in recent years.
St Gregory’s was first rated ‘inadequate’ and placed in special measures back in 2017, with the Department for Education (DfE) making the decision to de-amalgamate the all-through school.
That move has seen different trusts now oversee the primary and secondary phases of the school.
Read again: Is special measures school to be split in two?
On Sunday, St Frideswide, named after the city’s patron saint, will officially join Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST).
The secondary phase of the school is joining Pope Francis MAC.
Hannah Forder-Ball, St Frideswide headteacher, said: “The children, families and staff are looking forward to our new beginning as St Frideswide CE Primary school and becoming part of a strong network of schools like ODST.
“We are excited to show families what we offer, and to continue to provide a meaningful and exciting learning experience for every child.”
In June, an Ofsted inspection said St Gregory’s was showing signs of improvement.
The monitoring visit, which took place in March, found that leaders and managers were ‘taking effective action towards the removal of special measures’.
Despite this, a consultation period for the breaking up of the school was launched, with the DfE making the final decision.
The separation of the school into two phases means they can now be inspected as standalone schools by Ofsted.
St Frideswide will also soon be giving families a virtual look at school life through video tours on its new website.
Anne Dellar, ODST chief executive, said: “At ODST we are very committed to ensuring our schools are places where all children can thrive.
“We are thrilled to give the new St Frideswide CE Primary a home where it can flourish and deliver the first-class education that its community deserves.”
St Gregory’s originally opened as a secondary school in 2003, before becoming an academy and extending its age range in 2013.
Upon the de-amalgamation, it was run by the Dominic Barberi MAC.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel