The primary phase site of a new ‘all through’ Church of England school built on the Wellington Gate development in Grove was officially opened by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Neasham Glasgow.
Mrs Glasgow unveiled a specially commissioned sculpture before Bishop Gavin gave a dedication and blessing. Oxford Diocese Board of Education (ODBE) Schools advisor Christine Price-Smith has been supporting the school and Vale Academy Trust on developing their Christian vision for the school.
The Vale Academy Trust partnered with Oxfordshire County Council in delivering the new school.
Beth Taylor, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “This school, at the heart of the new Wellington Gate community, offers a different and exciting model for education, combining the prospect of continuity from nursery through to GCSE with the extraordinary commitment to a nurturing, inclusive vision that we see in all our Church of England schools.”
Reception children who joined the school in September performed a special song for the occasion, after invite
d guests had enjoyed a tour of the new facilities.
ODBE director Tony Wilson, said: “The Oxford Diocesan Board of Education is delighted that St John’s Church of England School has opened its doors to pupils. It has been an honour and a privilege for ODBE to work alongside the Vale Academy Trust, St John’s Church and the local community to realise our shared vision of this brand-new school serving the children and young people of Grove and beyond.”
Rick Holroyd, Executive Headteacher of St John’s CE Academy, added: “When St John’s CE secondary site is complete, we will be a single school with a common vision and values, and this is already central to our planning.
“We intend to develop a school with the aspiration for every individual to grow in wisdom and character, to flourish in our vibrant community, to fly beyond expectations, whilst living ‘life in all its fullness."
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