Oxford Montessori School, an independent school in Elsfield near Oxford, will now be known as Oxford Millwood School.

As part of the celebrations, it is inviting families and members of the community to celebrate with them at a rural-themed open day.

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The name change pays homage to the heritage and geography of the school site by recognising the mills in the local area, as well as its woodland setting.

The school said some of its buildings feature ‘Hogwarts-esque’ architecture.

Hogwarts is the name of the fictional school in JK Rowling’s popular Harry Potter series.

Teaching at Oxford Millwood School (Image: Oxford Millwood School)

Katie Townsend, headteacher at Oxford Millwood School, said: “This is an historic occasion for our school which has played an instrumental role in nurturing generations of children over the past three decades.

“The name change not only better reflects the rural environment that our pupils learn in, but also our ambitious academic curriculum which they follow all the way up to GCSE.

“Our unique woodland setting means that we are able to teach subjects in an engaging way by integrating nature and the outdoors into many different subjects, while enabling our pupils to flourish at their own pace.

“The open day is a great opportunity for parents and children not only to take in our setting, but to also speak to teachers about the benefits of our small class sizes, individual learning pathways, and our approach to harnessing confidence and wellbeing.”

Staff and pupils at Oxford Millwood School (Image: Oxford Millwood School)

During the open day, which is taking place on Thursday, May 21 between 10am and 2pm, families can explore the grounds of the school, as well as take part in activities that reflect school life, including forestry activities.

There will also be a special performance of maypole dancing, and details about the school’s involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Those wishing to attend are asked to book ahead by visiting www.oxfordmillwoodschool.co.uk

The all-ability school – which is part of Blenheim Schools – includes specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) expertise and is proud to provide personalised education for pupils aged four to 16.

George, a Year 11 pupil at Oxford Millwood School, added: “Before I came to this school I hardly ever spoke, but here I am made to feel like my teacher wants to get to know me and help me to learn.

“Also, because of the smaller groups my voice is heard in class where I can ask questions and share my ideas.

“I really like the new name of the school, and I hope the open day helps other children to find out more about the great buildings and outdoor spaces that we have here.”

Keith Simpson, of Hill Crescent, Finstock, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Monday, May 18.

The 65-year-old is charged with three counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14 between April 1982 and September 1985.

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Simpson has pleaded not guilty to the offences.

According to the court record, the alleged incidents occurred in Witney when the girl was 10-years-old.

A new trial date was given as Tuesday, June 9.

The Judge, Mr Recorder Alan Gardner KC, warned Simpson he must attend his next trial date or risk the case going ahead in his absence.

The defendant is on conditional bail to not contact the alleged victim.

Around three police vehicles were seen on Abingdon Road, at the corner of Edith Road, at 6.15pm on Wednesday, May 13.

There a man had been stopped and was observed speaking to a number of officers, with the force since clarifying that the incident related to a tyre offence.

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A spokesperson said: “The police presence in Abingdon Road related to a driver who was dealt with at the roadside for a tyre offence.”

There was a significant emergency presence in the area already after a woman fell into the River Isis that afternoon at the nearby Eastern Bypass Road.

A spokesperson for the fire and rescue service later confirmed that the woman had been rescued.