We, the members of the Governing Body, are extremely proud of our successful small school and encourage any enquiries.
The school was originally founded in 1811 and there are strong links with the Oxford Diocese. It opened officially in 1841 and now consists of the original school building which is currently used as a hall, and a more modern block which houses the classrooms, library and offices. Our light airy classrooms are very well resourced with the latest technology for learning including interactive whiteboards in each classroom area. We are very fortunate to have wonderful outdoor facilities with an extensive activity area, a Sensory Garden and a large secure playing field.
The school has a reputation for high levels of achievement and attainment, with standards consistently above national and local averages.
The school had a very successful Ofsted Inspection in May 2019.
Summary of key findings -Outstanding in all areas
"This is an outstanding school: The headteacher provides very strong leadership. Leaders and governors have created an outstanding school where all pupils thrive. The very experienced governors have an excellent understanding of the school. They are frequent visitors and gather pertinent information to inform their view of the school. As a result, they know the school extremely well and support and challenge leaders very effectively. Visionary leadership in Reception ensures that children make strong progress in their reading, writing and mathematical skills. Children are extremely well prepared for their learning in Year 1. Subject leaders play an important role ensuring that pupils gain appropriate skills, knowledge and understanding in their respective subjects. The school’s curriculum, including homework, provides rich experiences that stimulate pupils’ interests and desire to learn. Exciting themes develop pupils’ skills in English and mathematics across a variety of subjects. Teaching is of a consistently high quality. Lessons are very well planned and often highly imaginative and stimulating. Leaders and governors are diligent in carrying out their duties for safeguarding. As a result, pupils say that they feel safe. Pupils’ welfare needs are very well met. The precise tracking of pupils’ progress across the curriculum enables leaders and teachers to have a detailed understanding of how well pupils are doing and where support may be needed. Leaders are rightly focused on ensuring that the most able pupils have further opportunities to write at the higher standard across the curriculum. There are many opportunities for pupils to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding. This helps to sustain a nurturing environment in which pupils can thrive and prepares them well for life in modern Britain. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They take great pride in their school and their work. Pupils say that bullying is rare. Parents are extremely supportive and strongly appreciative of the school.
A copy of the full 2019 Ofsted report can be found on our website: www.whaddon.bucks.sch.uk
Our friendly, caring and dedicated staff work hard to sustain these high standards and to help pupils develop and progress as responsible individuals, happy to be part of our extended family. We have a close relationship with parents and the local community which is central to the ethos of the school.
Half-termly newsletters keep parents fully informed and parents are always welcomed as a partner in their child’s education.
Should your child attend Whaddon School we look forward to working with you and intend that you will find your relationship with the school happy and rewarding.
Our Governors
WHADDON SCHOOL GOVERNORS
Parent Governors
Pending appointment
Foundation Governors
Mrs Rachael MacIntyre (Vice Chair)
Mrs Amanda Hardman (Chair)
Mr Graeme Macpherson-Smith
Local Authority Governors
pending appointment
Staff Governor
pending appointment
Headteacher Governor
Mrs Sarah Prior
Foundation Ex Officio
Rev Jacqueline Dove
Governor Meeting Attendance & Interests
Governor Profiles
I moved to the village in April 2019 with my husband and our three sons. We are currently doing a big extension and renovation of our home. I am a stay-at-home Mum but have been involved in childcare in both nurseries and schools since I was 16. I am on the Finance and Curriculum and welfare committees, I am also SEN and pupil premium governor. Since September 2021, I have also taken on the role of the Chair of Governors.
Rachael MacIntyre (Vice Chair)
Rachael is a Co-opted Governor and lives in the Village. Rachael was originally a parent governor when her daughter attended the School and decided to maintain her role as Governor when her daughter moved to her next school. Rachael has a second child who currently attends Whaddon School. Rachael is a Solicitor by profession and has advised and represented Schools in various matters during her work. Rachael’s skills sit well with the General Purposes and Finance Committee, which deals with the finance and management of the school. She is also a Governor for Performance Management.
Verity Threlfell
Verity is a civil servant and an experienced governor, having previously served on the governing board of a central London primary which went from an Ofsted rating of “Requires Improvement” to “Outstanding”. She moved to Whaddon in 2019 and joined the Board in 2020, keen to play a role in this very different outstanding school as it moves from a first school to a primary. She has two pre-school children who she hopes will attend Whaddon School