The Bicester School, located in Bicester, Oxfordshire, has been evaluated as a good institution across various aspects, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The headteacher, Tony Rushworth, leads the school, which is part of the Activate Learning Education Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Joanne Harper and a board of trustees chaired by Nicholas Evans. The school emphasizes core values of respect, resilience, and responsibility, fostering a positive and inclusive community where pupils form strong relationships with peers and staff.
Pupils express enjoyment in their learning experiences and feel well-prepared for life in modern Britain. They are encouraged to respect diversity, and the school maintains high expectations for behavior, which are generally met. The school has established a supportive environment where pupils can share concerns with trusted adults, and instances of bullying are addressed effectively. Parents have a positive perception of the school, appreciating its caring ethos and commitment to student welfare.
The curriculum at The Bicester School is ambitious and thoughtfully designed to equip pupils with essential knowledge for success. The school has identified key knowledge areas and employs a consistent teaching approach that helps pupils understand what to expect in their learning. Regular revisiting of knowledge ensures that pupils can confidently recall what they have learned. Teachers provide constructive feedback, enabling pupils to reflect on their progress and areas for improvement. While overall achievement has been strong, there was a decline in GCSE results in 2023, prompting the school to implement robust measures to prevent recurrence and enhance current pupils' performance.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-supported, learning alongside their peers with appropriate adaptations made by teachers. The school has effective systems in place to assist early reading development, helping pupils access the broader curriculum. Pupils exhibit calm and respectful behavior, with consistent behavior management systems in place that minimize disruptions to learning. However, attendance has been a challenge, particularly post-COVID, with some disadvantaged pupils missing significant portions of the curriculum. The school is actively working to improve attendance through various strategies, including rewards and parental engagement.
The personal development program is comprehensive and well-structured, offering pupils opportunities for growth through initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Pupils feel safe and know how to seek help when needed, contributing to their preparedness for adult life. The sixth-form curriculum is equally ambitious, building on prior learning and offering a wide range of subjects that align with students' interests. The school’s careers program effectively informs students about post-school options.
Trustees maintain a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, supported by audits and stakeholder feedback. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school must focus on improving attendance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, to ensure they fully benefit from the educational opportunities provided. Overall, The Bicester School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
