Oxford News
Oxfordshire: Construction of new school is under way
The Department for Education, in partnership with The Gallery Trust, is transforming the site of the former Faringdon Infant School into a “state-of-the-art” SEND school.
When complete, Artemis Academy will offer a therapeutic day education for children and young people aged 7–18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC).
A steel-signing ceremony brought together representatives from the Department for Education, Oxfordshire County Council, The Gallery Trust and construction partners Tilbury Douglas and Turner & Townsend.
Artemis Academy will be part of The Gallery Trust, a multi-academy trust dedicated to providing outstanding education for children with SEND.
Opening in early 2027 with approximately 30 pupils, the school will grow gradually to a capacity of 100 pupils providing tailored support to meet the needs of each learner.
All pupils will have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Last month, the Trust’s Bardwell School in Bicester received a ‘highly positive’ Ofsted report in which it was judged to have met the strong standard in all eight categories.
Laura Dennis has taken up the role of principal designate and has begun shaping the school’s vision and developing the curriculum.
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Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed Artemis Academy’s principal designate.
“To be involved in the foundation of the school is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to creating a school which achieves the very best outcomes for pupils.
“Through high-quality teaching, strong relationships and integrated therapeutic support, we will ensure that every interaction and experience is a learning opportunity.
“It is great to see our new building start to come to life.
“Once complete, it will offer an inspirational learning environment for all our pupils and I can’t wait to welcome our first pupils through the doors early next year.”
Artemis Academy’s approach will “combine high-quality teaching, integrated therapeutic practice and strong, trusting relationships”.
Therapeutic practices will underpin the school’s approach which means it will have its own dedicated team of clinicians.
The clinicians, which will include Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists, will ensure pupils’ social and emotional needs are met so they can engage fully with the curriculum.
Kay Willet MBE, chief executive of The Gallery Trust, said: “Artemis Academy will build on the success of our other schools and will give children and young people with SEND in this part of Oxfordshire the education and support they need to flourish.
“In Laura Dennis we have found a dynamic and inspirational school leader and we are excited to keep developing the vision for this school which will become a pioneer in specialist education.”
Boutique hotel group Crazy Bear kicked off the summer social season in style, hosting a private party until the early hours to mark a new era.
Former The Xtra Factor presenter, comedian Matt Richardson, was one of the performers on the night.
Hundreds of guests packed the venue and were treated to acts including festival favourites The Cuban Brothers, and a dance-off led by leading Latin dancers Ksenia Zsikhotska and Krystof Grzelak.
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The party earlier this month marked the launch of a new Crazy Bear menu and cocktail range coming soon, plus refurbishment of some of the heritage venue’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Throughout the night, party goers enjoyed dishes from the refreshed menu, which couple traditional pub food with sumptuous Thai flavours.
The Cuban Brothers unleashed a mix of funk-fuelled epic dance moves, while Matt Richardson took a break from his national tour with a bespoke version of his celebrated stand-up routine.
Sol Collective, one of London’s leading Latin ensembles, joined the line-up with two fresh, inspiring live acoustic sets on the garden terrace.
The innovative menu brought together classic pub mains, sizzling meats from the grill and authentic Thai wok dishes. Open fire cage cooking, a new weekend feature, included garlic butter king prawns, thyme chicken thighs, and garden larder salads.
Drinks flowed from the new menu, as the foraged cocktail range featuring hedgerow negroni and roasted dandelion espresso martini, was in popular demand.
A feast featuring handmade afternoon tea favourites piled high kept the party going in the new residents’ lounge, which hosted a bespoke feasting table, vinyl record player and cocktail trolley.
Lauren Thompson, who has a weekly set on House FM and has played legendary club nights for Groove Odyssey and Fabric, took to the decks, followed by resident DJ Tony Nanton, who kept the tempo with a house music set in the Glasshouse.
Guests also enjoyed an outdoor cinema screening of Pulp Fiction, while a set of prizes were won through hook-a-duck on the lawn.
“The party provided the perfect moment to unveil our refreshed experience which captures the Crazy Bear’s spirit with a contemporary twist,” said Jen Needham, marketing director at the Crazy Bear.
“Every guest was treated to the exceptional hospitality set to become synonymous with the Crazy Bear.
“Party goers were led through a rabbit warren of intrigue spanning musical genres, leafy tropical hideaways and wild entertainment while being among the first to sample our exceptional new food and drink offering.
“Our menus and direction have changed, but the essence of the Crazy Bear remains unchanged. So, stand by for elevated dining, unforgettable parties and maverick entertainment as the next chapter unfolds.”
Founded in 1993, the Crazy Bear in Stadhampton is complete with 18 rooms, a cosy 16th century pub, an eclectic choice of indoor and outdoor spaces to eat and drink, plus secret garden and woodland.
It hosts weddings like no other and its public areas are dog friendly. Its sister site in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, has 35 individually designed bedrooms, restaurants, bar and an outdoor swimming pool.
On the Content Ltd was a private limited company that was officially dissolved via a strike-off on April 14, 2026.
The business was originally incorporated on November 24, 2022, and operated with directors Anna Louise Cole and Roma Cots Cole.
The Chipping Norton-based company was involved in travel agency activities, according to Companies House.
The most recent accounts it filed shows the business had just £40 in its bank, down from around £14,000 the year before.
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At the financial year ending March 2025, the accounts also show On the Content Ltd had trade debts of £12,396 and owed £215 in tax.
On the Content is not the only Oxfordshire travel company to close in recent weeks.
The Padel Travel Club Limited, which operated from a Henley address, organised padel‑themed breaks and training camps in the UK and overseas.
The business was incorporated in February 2023 and has since been removed from the Companies House register following a voluntary strike‑off, with the final notice of dissolution published in late May 2026.
And Set Sail Cruises Ltd, registered to an address in Bicester, was formally dissolved on March 17, 2026, after a strike-off process, meaning it no longer exists as a legal company.
The travel agency was incorporated on February 4, 2024 and listed its main activity as “travel agency activities”.
Zion Zion, of Bierton Road, Aylesbury, was due to appear at Oxford Crown Court over a video link from hospital on Monday, June 15.
The 65-year-old is charged with two counts of sexual assault which relate to an incident in Oxford on January 7, 2023.
Zion has refused to co-operate with the proceedings so far and did not appear over the video link.
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Due to his refusal to co-operate, Zion is unrepresented.
During a previous court hearing, not guilty pleas were entered on the defendant’s behalf.
A trial date was previously given for November 22, 2027.
On June 15, the court heard an expert’s report had concluded Zion was not fit to plead.
The case will next be heard on August 17 to decide if the case will continue.
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