Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where-nbsp"><strong>WHAT? WHERE? </strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Sibford-Junior-School-ext-.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-154531" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Sibford-Junior-School-ext-.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Sibford-Junior-School-ext--800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Sibford-Junior-School-ext--400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Sibford-Junior-School-ext--787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You’ll find Sibford Junior School nestled in a corner of the wider 50-acre campus that Sibford School occupies in North Oxfordshire , meaning the Junior School operates as a self-contained unit while still having the benefit of being part of the whole school and accessing all the facilities. Sibford Junior School is a non-selective co-ed day school for 3 – 11-year-olds, before they make their transition to Senior School.&nbsp;Though the school welcomes all (or no) religions, &nbsp;Sibford retains its Quaker ethos of seeking ‘that of God in everyone’ (in plain speak: finding the good in all).&nbsp;</p>



<p>There are just 429 pupils across separate Nursery, Junior and Senior school faculties with the Nursery/Junior School making up just 91 of the pupils so what the school lacks in shiny posh buildings,&nbsp;it makes up for attentiveness and are. This review focuses on the Junior School, but you can also <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/sibford-school-banbury/">read my review of the Senior School</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities-nbsp"><strong>FACILITIES</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/playarea.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155318" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/playarea.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/playarea-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/playarea-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/playarea-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Taking in children 3-11, Sibford Junior School benefits from its own distinctive, self-contained, purpose-built area on the campus in a series of practical single-storey red brick buildings with lovely views onto the playing fields, and plenty of space for play.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport-nbsp"><strong>/SPORT</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="446" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Sibford-Swimming-Pool.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-154526" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Sibford-Swimming-Pool.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Sibford-Swimming-Pool-800x357.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Sibford-Swimming-Pool-400x178.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Sibford-Swimming-Pool-900x401.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a 25m indoor pool that all Junior pupils, including the littlies at Nursery, use weekly, as well as a huge climbing wall (with instructor obvs). Though the Junior School has the benefit of using the Senior School facilities, it retains its own ‘campus’ and individual identity with its own playing fields for rugby, football and athletics. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/SJP1016-Copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155319" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/SJP1016-Copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/SJP1016-Copy-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/SJP1016-Copy-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/SJP1016-Copy-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Unusually at Sibford, there is little division between female and male sports, it’s all about participation. For example, all the younger boys do netball and dance, and the girls play rugby. The children have sport timetabled four times each week and all the children are encouraged to be part of the various sports teams as well as getting involved in extra curricular activities such as triathlon and cross country, two sports where Sibford hosts multi-school events. &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creative-arts-nbsp"><strong>/CREATIVE ARTS</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Children have use of the Senior School music and art school as well as the drama Studio. There are Junior Choirs and various small musical ensemble groups.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-general-nbsp"><strong>/GENERAL</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC04637-Enhanced-NR.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155320" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC04637-Enhanced-NR.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC04637-Enhanced-NR-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC04637-Enhanced-NR-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC04637-Enhanced-NR-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The big calling card for the Junior School is the fabulous outdoor area. There’s a large wooden climbing frame, grass and tyre play area and brightly numbered soft surface playground for Nursery/Reception, a separate playground for the older children, and a large nature reserve used for Forest School, which is offered weekly until Year 5. The replica Iron Age roundhouse for outdoor learning is really fun and different, and there are horticultural raised beds for each year group that the children plant and tend.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Junior-School-Copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155326" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Junior-School-Copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Junior-School-Copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Junior-School-Copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Junior-School-Copy-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics-nbsp"><strong>ACADEMICS </strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="468" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/2-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155322" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/2-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/2-4-800x374.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/2-4-400x187.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/2-4-900x421.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Despite its superior SEN provision, the school is keen to shake off its ‘special education’ reputation with a greater emphasis on academics. Across the school there are two Gifted &amp; Talented co-ordinators, a Head of Support for Learning, better data tracking on children’s progress and an emphasis on its mainstream success. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC04629-Enhanced-NR.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155323" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC04629-Enhanced-NR.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC04629-Enhanced-NR-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC04629-Enhanced-NR-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC04629-Enhanced-NR-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>That said, at the Junior School there’s high value given to encouraging teamwork, thoughtfulness and communication in tandem with the academics – at this young stage of their development, I don’t think many parents would argue with that approach. By the end of KS2, all subjects are being taught by specialist teachers from the Senior School, oiling the wheels to an easy transition in Year 7 and with class sizes anywhere between 7 to 14,&nbsp;there’s plenty of individual attention and care.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head-nbsp"><strong>THE HEAD </strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Edward Rossiter has been Head of the Junior School since 2006, so to say he’s invested in a bit of an understatement! Approachable, friendly and gentle in manner, he&#8217;s been instrumental in developing the outdoor emphasis at the Junior School.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks-nbsp"><strong>QUIRKS</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>If you’re not familiar with Quakerism, you may find some of the traditions a bit unusual. At the Junior School pupils use forenames and surnames rather than your usual ‘Mr’ and ‘’Miss for teachers (the surnames drop out by the time the children get higher up the school). &nbsp;</p>



<p>There are also some specific Quaker practises like the morning &#8216;Collect&#8217; meeting which you may never have come across &#8211; it&#8217;s the Quaker equivalent of the morning assembly which happens in total silence twice a week. This is also where any child or staff member can have ‘Ministry’, when they’re able to stand up and speak without being interrupted about anything that&#8217;s important to them. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report-nbsp"><strong>ISI REPORT</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Sibford&#8217;s Dec 21 <a href="https://www.isi.net/school/sibford-school-6899?results=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISI report</a> was happy reading for the school, leaning in to its reputation for pastoral excellence and also highlighting its academic success.&nbsp;There were four clauses that were highlighted for improvement, all of which were met in an unannounced inspection in 2022. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care-nbsp"><strong>WRAP AROUND CARE</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC03759-Enhanced-NR.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC03759-Enhanced-NR.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC03759-Enhanced-NR-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC03759-Enhanced-NR-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC03759-Enhanced-NR-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For both Junior and Senior schools, you can book your kids in from 8am and pick up after tea at 6pm if you need the flex.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy-nbsp"><strong>MOBILE PHONE POLICY</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>There are no mobile phones allowed in the Junior School.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees-nbsp"><strong>FEES</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Fees per term are less expensive than local competitors, with 15 hours free childcare for EYFS, then Nursery &#8211; Reception £4,105 per term and Years 3-6 £4,970 per term.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground-nbsp"><strong>WORD ON THE GROUND</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Nursery-and-Reception-Copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155321" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Nursery-and-Reception-Copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Nursery-and-Reception-Copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Nursery-and-Reception-Copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/Nursery-and-Reception-Copy-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With less than 100 pupils it’s no surprise that parents describe the Junior School as nurturing and familial. There’s good communication and involvement from the largely local parents. The single-storey red brick buildings are function over form but no-one seem to care – the Junior School’s reputation for pastoral care is the clincher here, along with the 15 free hours of EYFS childcare – quite the draw. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict-nbsp"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC03606-Enhanced-NR-Copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-155325" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC03606-Enhanced-NR-Copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC03606-Enhanced-NR-Copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC03606-Enhanced-NR-Copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/DSC03606-Enhanced-NR-Copy-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Parents looking for a rural, spacious, gentle school with a high level of pastoral care and personal attention. The convenience of a through-school environment (from 3-18 years) is ideal for those who don’t want to go through the hassle of ‘next schools’ at Prep or Senior level.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>Those who like their private schools to look like Hogwarts &#8211; Sibford is largely function over form. Sibford is a mainstream school with good teaching but with 30% SEN children in class it won’t appeal to all parents. &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Want to see for yourself? </strong>Be my guest! <strong>Book onto the <a href="https://www.sibfordschool.co.uk/admissions/open-events-school-visits">next Open events here.</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p><a href="http://www.sibfordschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Sibford School</em></a>, <em>The Hill, Banbury, Sibford Ferris OX15 5QL. Tel:&nbsp;01295781200.&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;</p>


Sibford Junior School, Sibford, Oxfordshire

You may also like