21st June 2010

Academy update

Since my last update the Department for Education (DfE) asked us to submit our formal application to convert to become an academy. We have heard from our contact at DfE that our application will be part of the first batch to go to the Secretary of State for approval 'very shortly'. Running in parallel to this procedure the legislation is progressing through Parliament. As, and when, further information becomes available I will keep parents up to speed with the news. In the meantime if you have an individual query do not hesitate to contact me.

Mrs Sparling
Headteacher

7th June 2010

Academy update

Many parents may have seen the publicity given to Oldfield's decision to become an academy - apparently we will probably be one of the first in the country! The BBC followed up their screened interview at school with a more detailed outline version.

The new Department for Education (DfE) has asked us formally to indicate that we wish to become an academy from September 1st. We are making the necessary preparations for this to happen.

I have held assemblies with most year groups to explain about the move to become an academy. I have also asked students to suggest ways in which we might celebrate becoming an academy in the autumn.

The Governing Body has no plans to change the admissions criteria and therefore students who traditionally have come to this school will continue to be able to do so; this means that students from B&NES, South Gloucestershire and Bristol will be most welcome to attend this school. We will be refreshing our publicity in the autumn for the new intake for September 2011. We still have a few vacancies for September 2010 so if you have friends who would like their daughters to attend this school please pass on the good news.

I will keep parents updated with information as it comes to us, however if you have an individual question, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mrs Sparling
Headteacher

21st May 2010

Oldfield to become one of the first new academies

We are delighted that the new Coalition Department for Education gave us the green light to publicise our plans to become an academy. They are very excited that such a well regarded school is wanting to be a flagship for one of the new developments of this Coalition Government. We are very much looking forward to the new freedoms which new academy status will bring. You can be assured that the staff and governors will continue to support all students to achieve their potential. You are unlikely to notice huge changes in the running of the school. We plan to continue our community outreach work with other local schools which is an integral part of our specialisms. As mentioned in an earlier newsletter one of our whole school targets for next year will be community cohesion, we intend to strengthen and enhance our work in the local communities where our students live (whether that is Bath, Bristol or South Gloucestershire). We are getting involved with v schools, this is a government funded initiative which aims to help 14-16 year olds get involved with volunteering or community action in their communities.

Once again we will be in charge of our own Admissions, this means that parents will apply directly to the school for a place at Oldfield. We are hoping that we will be able to confirm offers of places sooner than the current date of March 1st. The Governing Body have no plans to change the admissions criteria, therefore all of the students who traditionally come to the school will be able to continue to do so.

I have received many phone calls and emails from headteachers both locally and nationally asking for more information about how they too can become an academy. It is good to be able to assist other schools who wish to become more autonomous.

I would like to thank all the parents (and grandparents) who have taken the trouble to contact me with positive comments about our move to become an academy. You will be aware that a great deal of planning has gone on behind the scenes so that the Governing Body could take such a decisive step so early in the days of the new Coalition Government. Your support has been, or will continue to be, much appreciated. If you do have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Parents may wish to look at the article in the TES 21/5/10 p6 – “Cry freedom; schools eye up Tory offer of greater independence” and watch the BBC National News on Tuesday 25th May when we are anticipating being used with reference to the Queen’s Speech.

Mrs Sparling
Headteacher

Welcome to Oldfield School

Oldfield School is a caring and vibrant school community. We are a comprehensive foundation school with a trust. We are justly proud of the high quality education which we provide. We insist on high standards: we expect students to work to the best of their ability, to behave in a way which shows courtesy to those around them and to wear their uniform smartly. We know that if we have high expectations of our students there is no limit to what they can achieve, the sky’s the limit!

We are extremely proud that Ofsted graded us “Outstanding” in their most recent inspection. In 2004 the DCSF designated us a High Performing Specialist School, one of the first seventy schools nationally to be given this accolade. We have Arts – with English as the lead subject as our main specialism, and Science and Sport as our additional specialisms. The specialisms are important because they bring in additional funding which we use to raise standards across the whole school. Since 2008 I have become a National Leader of Education, and Oldfield School a National Support School, helping other schools to improve.

I hope that this website gives you a flavour of our school. Oldfield School is a high achieving and successful school, but we are not complacent, there are always things we can improve on. We hope that you would like to visit the school, we would be delighted to welcome you.

Mrs Kim Sparling
Headteacher