Oxford News
Oxford private school announced as one of world’s top 100
Described as ‘the definitive guide to the 100 leading private schools in the world’ , the Spear’s annual list of the best paid-for educations is a coveted one to be on.
This year, Summer Fields Oxford, an independent boarding and day school for boys in Summertown, was named in the top 100 private schools in the world.
The Summertown prep school has been named among the 100 best private schools in the world (Image: Summer Fields)
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The school was also one of just 23 prep schools to be included in the list.
Summer Fields Oxford is one of just 23 prep schools to be included in the prestigious list (Image: Summer Fields)
A spokesperson for Summer Fields Oxford said: “We are delighted to be included in the Spear’s School index for 2026.
“It is a huge honour, particularly as there are only 23 prep schools included this year.
“We are extremely proud of the enriching, thorough and varied curriculum that we offer at Summer Fields and are grateful that Spear’s have recognised this.
The school said it is ‘extremely proud’ of its achievements and the recognition from Spear’s (Image: Summer Fields)
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“Boys are given so many opportunities to discover new interests, hone existing talents and enjoy being part of a close-knit community that lies at the heart of everything we do.
“They are encouraged by a body of staff who are passionate about nurturing intellect, ability and an enthusiasm to learn.”
The Spear’s Index, now in its sixth year, includes establishments from Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Luxembourg and the UK, and is drawn from a ‘wide range’ of education consultants and specialists in collaboration with Thuso group.
Oxford News
Aureus School girls were inspired by Navy’s women’s day
Three Year 10 pupils from Aureus School in Didcot travelled to London for the Royal Navy International Women’s Day event, held on HMS President during Careers Week and designed to showcase opportunities within the Royal Navy and beyond.
Students Antonia Pop, Ellie Swan and Tilly Mulvey are all taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
Ellie Swan said: “It was fantastic to see the possible career paths within the Navy.”
Rob Hayden, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award manager at Aureus School, accompanied the students to the event.
He said: “During the day, students had talks from individuals within the Navy and from guest speakers, including Hannah Botterman, who last year won both the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations with England.”
He said: “Students also had the chance to network with the speakers and other attendees.
“The event showed the students a wide range of inspirational females within the Navy and other careers.”
Aureus School, part of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust, says its vision is focused on ‘cultivating ambition’ and ‘high standards for all’.
Headteacher Kirsty Rogers says the Didcot-based co-educational comprehensive has undergone a ‘transformative journey’, creating a community where students feel a strong sense of belonging. She emphasises inclusivity, high expectations, and a broad curriculum that encourages ambition, resilience and respect, supported by dedicated staff and diverse extra-curricular opportunities.
Oxford News
Ryanair launches two new routes in significant move
The flights mark a major boost to the airport’s connectivity ahead of the budget airline’s record Summer 2026 schedule.
The new routes form part of Ryanair’s expanded Glasgow programme for Summer 2026, which will see the airline operate over 100 weekly flights across eight routes.
The new double-daily London Stansted service further strengthens Glasgow’s access to the English capital, while the launch of the Warsaw service enhances Glasgow’s international offering.
Jonathan Ford, portfolio manager at AGS Airports, said: “It’s fantastic to see Ryanair’s new services to London Stansted and Warsaw take off today.
“The double-daily Stansted route offers even more flexibility for business and leisure travellers heading to and from England’s innovation corridor, while Warsaw provides a valuable new link that expands the international connectivity available to our passengers.
“These launches mark the start of what will be a record summer for Ryanair at Glasgow, and we look forward to welcoming even more travellers through our doors.”
Last month, Ryanair launched its 2026 plan for Glasgow with 10 routes, including holiday hotspots like Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona and Pisa.
The budget airline will also operate extra frequencies on its Alicante, Faro, Pisa, Malaga and Murcia routes.
The new schedule is underpinned by Ryanair’s two Glasgow Prestwick-based aircraft.
Oxford News
Drug driving arrest carried out in Oxfordshire market town
Thames Valley Police said it stopped a vehicle yesterday evening (Saturday March 28) after noting it had defective lights in Woodstock.
The car “smelt of cannabis” and following a “positive drugs test” the police arrested the motorist.
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A positive drugs test (Image: TVP)
A spokesperson for the the roads policing unit said they “stopped a vehicle this evening with defective lights in Woodstock”.
They added: “The vehicle smelt of cannabis. The driver provided a positive drug wipe and was arrested.”
Driving under the influence of drugs (drug driving) is a criminal offence and if found guilty, the driver could face an automatic driving ban, a hefty fine, and potential prison time.
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