School History
The Church of England day School opened its doors in January 1860 with 100 children on the roll, one Master and two Pupil Teachers. It moved from Snells Hall to the new purpose-built accomodation on its present site in 1967.
Following the closure of the other three schools in the Wantage Downs benefice, the Hendreds (as we know our school today) serves the villages of Lockinge, Ardington, Ginge, West and East Hendred, as well as Rowstock.
The History of The Hendreds School, 1860-2015 by Tessa Case
Status
The Hendreds was voluntary aided by the Church of England until December 2013, when it became an academy, joining the family of schools in the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (the ODST).
An academy is an independent, state funded school, as well as being a registered company and an exempt charity. As such, the school receives the same per-pupil funding as before, plus additional funds for services that the local authority no longer provides. Academies have greater freedom in terms of curriculum, school times, term dates, and most importantly, the allocation of funds. An academy will know best what is needed by its local community and the children it serves, and has the autonomy to enact changes and procure services in the most efficient way.
The ODST is directly accountable to the Secretary of State for Education for the performance of the school. It ensures that all necessary services are provided, and it becomes the employer and the admission authority. It supports the school in areas such as school improvement, curriculum development, human resources, finance, governors support, buildings and appeals.
As a limited company operating within the Diocese of Oxford, the ODST is firmly committed to its Christian principles and ethos. However, it does not impose its faith; admissions policies are open and the Trust welcomes those of all faiths and none being very proud of the ethnic diversity within its academies.
With this new stage in our school’s long history, we aim to continue to serve the community and to provide each child entrusted into our care with the best all encompassing education possible.
Our Learning Environment and Activities
“What the Hendreds gives to its children is an openness to the world, a creative approach to learning, and a delight in the arts that unlocks the learning across the curriculum. It prepared me for a life following my love for the arts, becoming a father myself, and having an undeniable empathy for those I meet, both professionally and personally, which has led me to my Senior Manager role in a FTSE 250 company.” Ex-pupil
A huge amount of care and attention is taken by The Hendreds school staff in developing a safe and dynamic learning environment for all children from 4 through to 11.
“All of the teachers help you do the best, whether it’s reading, spelling or maths you need to work on, they’ll be there like a friend.” Pupil
The range of activities enjoyed by the children is unusually diverse. Each child is given the opportunity to shine where they excel and to gain confidence where they lack it under the careful guidance and gentle care of the staff.
“What the school will do for your child is boost their confidence and help them be involved. Everyone is kind and caring (pupils and teachers) at The Hendreds, and it is a very welcoming environment.” Pupil
Every child takes part in some form of sport, almost every day, from judo to gymnastics through to outdoor team sports and swimming. These activities are all taught by professional PE teachers.
The children are immersed in music from the very start of Reception right the way through the school. The range of exposure is diverse and engaging, with music workshops, weekly class music sessions and church concerts. Every child will, at some stage in the school, have violin or cello lessons.
All children are also involved in drama productions throughout their time in the school. These range from the traditional Nativity play for the younger children to more mature and demanding drama productions and workshops for the older children.
“What’s really good is the way that everyone gets involved instead of the best actors doing the acting or the best singers singing. Everyone gets a try.” Pupil
The children enjoy their learning environment and come to respect it and the things within it. They spend as much time outside as possible throughout the year both during play times and teaching time. There are many class and school outings both locally, for example to see the lambing at the local farm, and further afield, such as to Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford and The O2 Arena in London.
“The Hendreds is fabulous in every way, from its lessons to its trips, from its productions to its breaks.” Pupil