From its inception, The Swan School has aimed for the extraordinary. The Swan School opened in 2019. It was Oxford’s first new secondary school in over 50 years. The school is located in Marston, Oxford. The Swan School’s mission is to help every child reach their full potential. They collaborate with the local community and exceptional establishments worldwide. Headteacher Kay Wood envisions students leaving with the skills and confidence to thrive. She hopes they depart with fond memories, friendships, and a sense of community responsibility. The Swan School’s core values are ambition, dedication, kindness, and integrity. These values guide everything they do. The school day at The Swan School is longer than most (except Wednesdays and Fridays). This allows for a broader curriculum and increased teacher interaction. Students participate in “electives,” choosing from activities like sports, music, drama, lectures, and volunteering. Independent study time at the end of the day lets students complete homework at school. This promotes a healthy balance between schoolwork and family time. Another unique aspect of The Swan School is “family dining.” Students and staff eat together daily, fostering healthy eating habits, social skills, and thoughtful conversation. The Swan School also champions a knowledge-rich curriculum, setting high expectations for behavior and learning. In 2022, it had the highest exclusion rate in Oxfordshire. 11% of pupils faced temporary suspensions that year. Despite this, in 2023, Ofsted rated The Swan School “Good” overall and “Outstanding” in several key areas. These included behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. The Swan School continues to grow and evolve, serving 667 students as of January 2024.
Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park
Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, a sprawling green expanse, holds more than meets the eye. It’s a place where history whispers