Once named Oxford Community School, Oxford Spires Academy stands before us. This academy has a story etched in its walls. It is a story of transformation and aspiration. Oxford Spires Academy’s journey began in 1966.
Originally, Southfield Grammar School merged with the City of Oxford High School for Boys. The new school took over Southfield Grammar’s Glanville Road site. Until 1972, it was a single-sex grammar school. It then evolved into a comprehensive school. The first intake was in September of that year. Entry changed from age 11 to 13. Middle Schools were introduced in Oxford.
The 1990s brought coeducation to the school. In 2003, it shifted from a 14-19 Upper School. It became an 11-19 Secondary School. This was due to the City of Oxford Reorganisation. 2005 marked a milestone. The school gained Business and Enterprise status. This brought extra funding for a state-of-the-art conference center. In 2006, Oxford Spires Academy achieved its best GCSE results.
2008 saw Oxford Community School become a Foundation School. The school embraced sustainability. It achieved Green Flag Eco-School Status. A significant change occurred in 2011. The school reopened as Oxford Spires Academy. A new uniform was introduced. Purple became the school’s signature color. This purple theme appears in the uniform and on the site. The house system was implemented. Bannister, Earhart, Seacole, and Tolkien became the house names. They honor noteworthy figures. Sir Roger Bannister, Amelia Earhart, Mary Seacole, and J.R.R. Tolkien are these figures.
Ofsted recognized the academy’s progress. In April 2012, they noted good progress towards raising standards. Summer 2012 confirmed this. Oxford Spires Academy achieved outstanding GCSE results. 78% of students achieved 5 or more A*-C grades. 57% achieved 5 or more A*-C grades including English and Mathematics.
The Oxford Mail reported allegations in 2014. It was claimed that Spires excluded less able students. This allegedly aimed to improve exam results. Sue Croft, the first principal, retired in 2017. Marianne Blake succeeded her in September 2017. Jon Hebblethwaite took over in September 2021. Rich Corry replaced Hebblethwaite after one year.
Ofsted’s short inspection in November 2017 confirmed that the school remained good. In March 2018, a bomb threat led to a school closure. A suspicious email demanded money. Police searched the school. Nothing was found. It was a hoax. In March 2019, the school went into lockdown. An intruder was seen with a knife. No one was harmed.
In 2020, the school made national news. The Head of Sixth Form stated that period pain was not a valid excuse for absence. Oxford Spires Academy has a diverse student body. It reflects the local community. The school is known for its international character. It supports refugee children. It also supports students for whom English is not their first language.
Today, Oxford Spires Academy continues its mission. Its motto is “Be the Best You Can Be”. It provides education for students aged 11 to 19. The academy stands as a beacon of learning. It fosters aspiration within its diverse community.