THE new headteacher at a school which has been told it ‘requires improvement’ on two Ofsted inspections says he believes he is the person to make it a ‘good’ school.

Bayards Hill Primary School became an academy in 2014 but since then has twice been marked ‘requires improvement’ by the education watchdog.

New headteacher Charley Eaglestone is confident he can change the fortunes of the Headington school.

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He said: “I’m delighted to get the job permanently, I’m looking forward to building and developing the fantastic curriculum introduced here in the last couple of years.

“In the short-term, it’s a case of improving our really great curriculum and making sure the curriculum is accessible for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

“The school hasn’t been graded good but I believe I can make it a good school, that’s what motivates me.

“The challenge of working in a school is exciting and it drives me.

“I love this job, I wake up excited to go to work and see the children.

“At a school like this, you really do make a difference.”

Oxford Mail: Bayards Hill Primary School. Picture: Ric MellisBayards Hill Primary School. Picture: Ric Mellis

Bayards Hill is poised to join the River Learning Trust – Oxfordshire’s largest academy trust – in February and Mr Eaglestone feels that will have a positive influence on the school.

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He said: “The timing is good as on February 1, we will join the River Learning Trust.

“The support we’ve had from them has been instrumental in driving the school forward and for me, it feels like the cavalry has arrived – it’s a really supportive trust.”

Mr Eaglestone, who joined Bayards Hill in 2018 as deputy headteacher and had been interim head since September, said it’s important the school strengthens the links it already has with the community.

He said: “What I love about this school is the chance to make a real difference for the children.

“We have the best, committed staff and the kids are amazing.

“It’s such a great, diverse community – there’s 35 languages spoken in this school.

“We need to make sure there’s community links there, like with the Barton Community Association, because that’s so important.”

Mr Eaglestone, who was born in Oxford ‘overlooking the Manor Ground’ is a self-confessed Oxford United fan.

He is using the club as a tool to help inspire pupils at Bayards Hill.

He said: “I’ve got Matty Taylor to come in and give us a framed shirt, these are the kinds of things that raise children’s aspirations.

“Pupils can see Oxford’s number nine encouraging the ethos of working hard and staying in school on a daily basis.”