Crime & Safety
Oxfordshire school Ofsted inspection raises attendance concern
Gosford Hill school, a secondary school in Kidlington, received an impressive score from its recent inspection by the education standards board.
The school, which is part of the River Learning Trust, was judged at an ‘expected standard’ in it achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and post 16 provision.
However, the school was told its attendance and behaviour ‘needs attention’.
In the report, inspectors said: “Too many pupils do not attend school regularly enough.
“This means that some pupils develop gaps in their learning that are not successfully addressed.
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“Some pupils use derogatory language and cause others to worry about bullying. There are incidents of boisterous behaviour, which some pupils find concerning.”
Speaking on the positive aspects of the report, Headteacher Nigel Sellars said: “This outcome is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, and the determination and resilience of our students.
“We are proud of what we have achieved and will continue striving to provide the very best opportunities for every young person in our care.”
Paul James, Chief Executive of River Learning Trust, added: “It is clear from this report that Gosford Hill is a school on an intentional, positive trajectory. The leadership team has a very accurate grasp of their strengths and the areas they are further developing.The sense of improvement and the commitment to high standards are evident throughout the inspectors’ findings.
“We look forward to continuing our support for the school as it builds on these successes for the benefit of the whole community.”
The school is the first in Oxfordshire to be on the Department for Education Schools Rebuilding Programme.
Announced in 2023, the school will be demolished and fully replaced after the headteacher said the existing buildings are “tired”, and “inefficient” and have roofs that “leak”.
The contract has been revealed to total £41m according to reports in Construction Enquirer.
Speaking out in favour of the plans at the time, Gosford Hill headteacher, Nigel Sellars, said: “The current buildings are very tired, outdated, inefficient, costly to run and the roofs leak.
“I appreciate there are some concerns from local residents but the safety and wellbeing of our young people is my most important consideration.”
Gosford High School is one of around 400 schools across the country which will shortly be redeveloped as part of the government’s multi-billion-pound School Rebuilding Programme.
The group of men were fighting at about 2.40am on Sunday, May 17 at the junction of Corn Street and Holloway Road in Witney.
Investigating officers say weapons were seen during the incident, which is being treated as affray.
Two 19-year-old men, one from Carterton and one from Leafield, have been arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
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The man from Carterton was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a Class B drug, suspected to be cannabis.
Both have been released on bail.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: “Thankfully, no injuries have been reported at this time.
“If you saw anything or have any information that could help, please contact us on 101, quoting reference 43260243751.”
The popular coach service, run by Stagecoach, had collided with an Oxford Bus Company X3 electric bus in Carfax at around 2pm on Sunday, May 17.
A witness told us that the traffic had been backed up for almost an hour due to the incident, understood to have resulted in no injuries.
Witness Charles Halsey said the buses collided with “loud bang and crunch” and added: “The drivers then got out.
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“The traffic was backed up 45 minutes to Queens Lane. All drivers were out discussing it. People shouted for them to stop as at first they unaware.”
Stagecoach and the Oxford Bus Company have been approached for further comment.
Chris Howard was on a blue Kawasaki motorcycle was fatally involved in a single vehicle crash on the Wantage Road north of Streatley near Wallingford.
The crash happened on April 24 and since then a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
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In a tribute, Mr Howard’s family said: “Chris was a much-loved brother, uncle, great uncle and cousin who lived life to the full.
“He was the third child of four, son of Colin and Maureen. Chris enjoyed a rural childhood, having fun in a village close to the River Thames.
“After completing A-levels at Henley college, Chris started work for Royal Mail as he wanted to buy a motorbike.
“Chris moved to post office counter roles and was then promoted to senior manager level.
“He was well-liked and respected as a leader and for his extensive knowledge of the business and spreadsheets.
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“Chris had experience of the counter business and his colleagues enjoyed tales of his trips abroad and of his taste in music.”
Mr Howard’s family added that he enjoyed being with people, eating “well” and drinking rare IPA brews.
“He retired early and was living the best life he’d planned,” they added. “This included gardening, holidays, our cats and motorbike trips to places like India and Albania.
“He’d recently volunteered with the local Camino group, as a coordinator and walker. He’d just raised over £1,100 for cancer research on the Portuguese route.
“Chris loved retirement and was content and happy. He never forgot a birthday and kept in touch with friends from all stages of his life.
“Chris made regular trips to visit his beloved family. He was self-assured, positive and caring. Chris was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all his family and partner Hayley.”
Investigating officer police sergeant Rob Oliver-Clayson, of Thames Valley Police, issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward as part of the force’s investigation.
He said: “Firstly, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of the man who sadly died in this collision.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision, or the moments leading up to it, to please get in touch.
“If you saw anything, or have any information that may assist our investigation, please come forward. If you captured dash-cam footage, you can upload it to our dedicated online portal.”
Wantage Road is a rural, single-carriageway stretch which runs between Streatley in Berkshire and Blewbury in Oxfordshire, alongside the River Thames.
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