Kay Willett, Executive Head Teacher, Iffley Academy, and project lead for the application to open a new free special school, Bloxham Grove Academy
Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) is the most common primary need amongst pupils with Statements / EHCPs across the UK. Bloxham Grove Academy will gain accreditation through the National Autistic Society and will become a centre of excellence for ASC provision
The Iffley Academy was one of the first schools in the UK to apply the ethos of 'Restorative Approaches' and is widely regarded as a centre of excellence in this area. The use of Restorative Approaches will be a key feature of Bloxham Grove Academy
Working with animals can have a profound impact on students, developing their self-esteem, self confidence and enhancing their social, emotional and communication skills. Bloxham Grove Academy will have a number of working 'dogs as therapy' using the successful model established at The Iffley Academy
All students at Bloxham Grove Academy will achieve their potential, become confident individuals living fulfilling lives, and make a successful transition into adulthood
Integration opportunities and work experience places will be available for students, enabling them to go into local schools and colleges, to develop their academic and social skills, and realise their full potential
The Bloxham Grove Academy will have a unique curriculum which prioritises functional literacy and numeracy alongside developing skills towards independent living, employability, healthy living and participation in society
Irrespective of their special needs and diversity, all students will be treated as unique and will be respected for the contribution that they can make to the academy and in the future to their chosen communities

Welcome to Bloxham Grove Academy

The Gallery Trust has successfully submitted a bid to the Department for Education to open a free special school in North Oxfordshire for pupils with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The school will offer specialist day provision for children and young people aged 7 to 18, and will mirror the values and practices of The Iffley Academy, Oxford, which was judged to be Outstanding by Ofsted in January 2015.

Kay Willett, Chief Executive Officer of The Gallery Trust, is project lead for the application: “At present, many pupils who attend Iffley Academy have to travel from Banbury and Bicester to attend our school in central Oxford. By opening a school in North Oxfordshire, we can educate these pupils in their local communities. The growth of housing development and the population in Banbury and Bicester is increasing, which is putting further pressure on special school places. A new school offering places for pupils with Cognition and Learning Difficulties, Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties, and Autistic Spectrum Condition will complement and extend the excellent SEND already provided by the state funded special schools in the area. We are really keen to hear the views of parents and carers about this proposal, so if you have a child with special educational needs or have an interest in SEN, please do register your interest so we can keep you informed on the progress of the Academy.”

Latest News

Successful Application for a new free special school, Bloxham Grove Academy

We are delighted that planning permission has now been approved. There were some additional caveats to the planning linked to ensuring the road network, and particularly Bloxham Grove Road...

Read more