From Mr Craig Thomas, Headteacher
At the end of another great year I would like to thank everyone in the community - parents, carers, staff, students and friends who have supported the school in so many ways. To the Governors, I am grateful for their unwavering commitment and the thoughtful partnership they bring to the school. Their support, insight and strategic involvement continue to play a key role in our ongoing success.
It has been another strong year for Bartholomew School — a reflection of everyone's hard work and the fact that, together, we care deeply about the education, wellbeing and happiness of our students.
I hope you join me in feeling incredibly proud of all our students and everything they have achieved. I think everyone has earned a good rest and I wish you an enjoyable summer with renewed energy for our return in September!
From Dr Lucy Dickinson, Chair of Governors
The summer term has been as busy and interesting as ever, with students making the most of the sunny weather through both formal and informal sporting events. With external exams now behind them, Year 11s who are planning to stay on into Sixth Form have enjoyed a series of useful taster sessions, while the school has also welcomed next year’s new Year 7 students for transition days. Meanwhile governors have been working alongside staff in planning for next year and looking at priorities including more detailed work on the use of AI by both staff and students, as well as consideration of sustainability and environmental responsibilities. We have also met individually with staff to monitor key areas of the School Development Plan, including safeguarding, provision for SEND and disadvantaged students, and the expansion of the school’s careers programme, amongst other key areas.
I would like to thank the Governing Body for electing me to continue as Chair for the coming year and would also like to thank my Vice-Chair for the past two years, Tessa Ford, for her support. I am pleased to confirm that Anne Armitage has agreed to step into the Vice Chair role, and I feel fortunate to have a dedicated Governing Body with a wide range of skills and experience. Elections for two Parent Governor positions will take place in the autumn term – if you are considering standing, please do get in touch for more information about the role.
Governors have also appreciated opportunities to experience the benefits of the wider curriculum – we were delighted and impressed by the Art Show featuring the work of GCSE and A Level candidates as well as the Year 9 Arts Byte pieces. The end of year concert was also a highlight and continues to demonstrate the importance of a rounded approach to education. In support of this and other areas requiring resources and support, we have also been encouraged to see the development of the Friends of Bartholomew group and we thank all those parents and community members who are giving their time at school events and to help with fundraising. Links to the community, as well as plans to support development of the outdoor space and refurbishment of the Sixth Form centre, are hugely important for the wellbeing of the entire school community.
As the academic year draws to a close, we would like to wish all students awaiting exam results the very best for their future endeavours, and hope that staff, students and their families have a lovely and relaxing summer.
From Miss Oldroyd, Head of Art
A huge thank you to everyone who attended our summer art exhibition. We were thrilled to welcome lots of visitors this year - students, staff, governors and the local community - and we were thrilled to read all the lovely comments left in the visitor book. We hope you enjoyed viewing our students' artwork as much as we did and I'm sure you'll agree they can all be really proud of their achievements!
From Mrs Humm, Head of Learning for Life
From September 2025 there will be some changes to how we deliver Learning for Life (L4L) at Bartholomew School. To begin with, lessons will now appear on students' timetables every fortnight, shown as 'Personal Development'. For students in Years 7, 8 and 9 (Key Stage 3), there will also now be a 'Citizenship' lesson once a fortnight.
All students will continue to receive their PSHCE curriculum via these lessons, as well as through their assemblies and dedicated tutor times.
We are really excited about these changes and look forward to updating you further with more curriculum information on the school website, which will be appear early in Term 1.
From Mr Scott, Teacher of German, French and Spanish
Our Year 12 German students enjoyed a trip to the Ashmolean Museum to visit the exhibition of early works by Anselm Kiefer, a “towering figure" in German contemporary art. We studied works by the artist as part of the Art & Architecture module of the German A Level course, so it was a wonderful opportunity to see the works for real and take the time to think more about the post-war context they emerged from, and to discuss and analyse what we saw (both in English and in German!) I was so impressed with how well the group engaged with the artworks, and the ideas they developed. We had time afterwards to look for other exhibits from the German-speaking lands across the museum - ranging from Meissen porcelain and Baroque German paintings, to a prehistoric axe head found in Switzerland: a little taste of Germanic culture in the heart of Oxford!
From Mr Scott, MFL Department
Huge congratulations to Leo J in Year 12, whose entry on the subject of "Spiel und Sport" for the Oxford German Olympiad has been selected as runner-up.
This is a prestigious national competition, organised by Jesus College, Oxford and the Bodleian Libraries, and supported by a range of companies and organisations from the German-speaking lands, including Lidl, BMW, The Goethe Institute and the Embassy of Switzerland.
Prima Leo! Was für eine großartige Leistung!
Ms Band, Head of Drama
60 Bartholomew students had a great time on Tuesday taking part in KS3 drama workshops at Chipping Norton Theatre. They explored mime, physical theatre and masks with professional practitioners Richard, Diana and William who work in the acting industry. It was a fantastic day and fabulous to see our young performers in action!
From Ms Selfe, Director of Reading Across the EPA
A huge thank you to all families for supporting our Readathon! Thanks to your generosity and encouragement, we’ve raised £139 to help children in hospitals gain better access to books and stories. Please join us in congratulating our students for their fantastic efforts.
For more information visit www.readforgood.org.
From Mr Watkins, Head of Geography
In June, our Year 10 GCSE Geography students enjoyed a day of hands-on fieldwork at Hengistbury Head in Dorset, as part of their Physical Landscapes in the UK topic. With clipboards in hand and the sun shining, students explored the coastal environment, using a range of fieldwork techniques including sediment sampling, beach profiling and measuring longshore drift. The experience brought geographical investigation to life—and provided students with plenty of data to help with their Geographical Applications exam.
From Leah Detheridge, Year 12
On Thursday 17th June, a group of 30 Year 12 students from Bartholomew School took part in an exciting trip to the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield. The day formed part of the NFTS Outreach Programme, which aims to open young people’s eyes to the creative industries and inspire them to explore careers in film and television. Informative, hands-on, and full of energy, the visit combined educational talks with practical workshops, all highlighting the importance of collaboration and creativity.
The day began with a welcome in the NFTS cinema—an impressive space that usually seats over 150 people—where students watched a short animated film made by NFTS students titled When the Tide Comes. They were then taken on a guided tour by current NFTS students, who were friendly, welcoming, and full of insight. The tour included visits to the animation, music, and production studios, as well as the vast warehouses used as film sets. Seeing real scenes in production gave students a powerful sense of the scale and complexity of the work that happens behind the camera. Evelyn, a film-loving student in Year 12 said, “It was really inspiring and interesting to see behind the scenes in film.”
The first workshop of the day saw students working in small creative production teams, taking on roles such as Producer and Creative Lead. Each group chose to plan a short film, event, or campaign, developing a concept and outlining goals, timelines, budgets, and potential challenges. After pitching their ideas to the room, they broke for lunch before diving into the next session.
The afternoon workshop focused on macro filming—capturing extreme close-up shots using professional cameras and macro lenses. Students worked in groups to create short natural history films using snails, toy soldiers, tanks, and miniature forest sets. Emily, a BTEC Media student, said, “I loved learning how to use a professional camera to film the snails.”
One of the NFTS student workshop leaders offered this advice to anyone considering a career in the industry: “Do what you can—start small, make use of whatever equipment you have access to, and keep practising. Even short, simple projects can help you build a portfolio and stand out.”
The day ended back in the cinema with a final presentation about the NFTS and screenings of two short films, including the BAFTA-winning Dragfox and Crab Day.
The trip gave students a deeper understanding of the many roles involved in film production—from set and costume design to directing and editing. Evie, an A Level D&T and Media student, said, “It allowed me to get a deeper understanding of what goes into making a film, such as set design and production design.”
Throughout the day, NFTS students were on hand to support and advise, helping students use the equipment and sharing their own journeys into the industry. Many spoke about the importance of passion, curiosity, and perseverance—reminding students that formal qualifications aren’t the only route into film and television. The NFTS also offers scholarships and is committed to supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds.
The experience helped students build confidence, especially in presenting their ideas and working collaboratively. It was a day full of inspiration, creativity, and possibility.
“It was such a fantastic day! The students threw themselves into every part of the workshop with so much creativity and energy. It’s always inspiring to see them realise just how many exciting opportunities there are in the world of film and TV—and the NFTS is the perfect place to spark that ambition. Our thanks go to Joe Bradbury-Walters, Head of Outreach, and the NFTS students who ran the tours and workshops, inspiring our students to consider a career in media." - Miss Lowdon, Assistant Headteacher
From Mrs Almgill, Head of Music
Our talented Battle of the Bands winners had the incredible opportunity to take center stage at the Front Row Festival at the end of June! Bartholomew School students proudly opened the festival, with Phoebe and William delivering a captivating performance on bass, vocals, and guitar, even showcasing their own original works.
Silas truly wowed the crowds with his dynamic folk cello, uniquely enhanced by a stomp box. He played a variety of well-known folk melodies with infectious energy and his own distinct style. Evie-Jean enchanted the audience with her beautiful, gentle singing as she accompanied herself on the piano, creating a truly serene atmosphere.
It was a gorgeously hot day, and our students not only performed brilliantly but also had the chance to soak up the fantastic atmosphere, enjoying the other bands and delicious food. A huge thank you goes out to Miss Lowdon for organizing such a wonderful event, to Mrs Willett for making it all happen, and to Mr Thompson for ensuring perfect sound!
From Mrs Almgill, Head of Music
We were thrilled to host a dynamic drumming workshop with Kato for our Year 8 students! The session was a huge success, with students having a fantastic musical time diving into the world of groove construction. They learned to play various grooves along to popular music, including tracks by Stormzy and Davido, making for an incredibly engaging experience. It was so much fun that even Mrs Buob-Aldorf, Head Chef, couldn't resist joining in! Our students will undoubtedly be able to apply this valuable learning to their upcoming ensemble performances.
Mrs Clements-Foster, Head of Physical Education
On Wednesday 25th June, under glorious sunshine at Horspath Athletics Stadium, Bartholomew School held its annual Sports Day—a vibrant celebration of athleticism, determination, and school spirit. Students competed in a wide range of events including high jump, long jump, vortex, shotput, running, and relay races. The day was marked by outstanding performances, with several records challenged and a couple broken by our talented Year 7s—congratulations to Zach F for his record-breaking vortex throw and Woody J for setting a new high jump benchmark! It was fantastic to see all students giving their best, supporting one another, and enjoying the day. Sports Day 2025 truly showcased the incredible sporting talent we have at Bartholomew, and we couldn’t be prouder.
From Miss Flory, Teacher of Physical Education
Our Year 7 students had an amazing time at the Inclusive Sports Day hosted by Marlborough School! The event brought together students of all abilities to take part in a wide range of fun and engaging activities, including archery, boccia, rugby, cycling, and even quidditch. With a focus on teamwork, participation, and enjoyment rather than competition, the day was a celebration of community spirit and trying something new. A huge thank you to everyone involved in making it such a memorable experience!
From Miss Walton, Teacher of Physical Education
On Thursday 5th June, Bartholomew School welcomed Year 1 and 2 pupils from across the EPA Trust primary schools for a brilliant morning of multiskills and cricket activities. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the field was buzzing with energy and excitement as our youngest visitors took part in a range of fun, active games designed to build coordination, teamwork, and confidence.
The event was expertly led by our Year 9 Sports Leaders and Year 10 Aspire Helpers, who showed great enthusiasm, patience, and leadership throughout the morning. From agility runs to classic playground favourites like Stuck in the Mud, the activities were a hit with the children—rain or shine!
Some of our student leaders summed it up perfectly:
“Chaotic but fun!”
“The agility run was really good fun, I liked that one.”
“The children loved playing and kept going even in the rain!”
A huge thank you to all the staff and students who helped make the morning such a success. It was a fantastic opportunity for our older students to develop their leadership skills while inspiring the next generation to enjoy sport and stay active.
From Miss Flory, Teacher of Physical Education
Year 7 & 8 Cricket Tournament – A Day of Sunshine, Sportsmanship and Team Spirit
On Thursday 10th July, a group of enthusiastic Year 7 and 8 students represented Bartholomew School at our annual Cricket Tournament, held at Eynsham Cricket Club. Under a blazing summer sun, the teams played a series of friendly yet competitive matches, showcasing not only their cricketing skills but also fantastic teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the day.
Each student took part in at least three matches, with some brilliant batting, bowling and fielding on display. Supporting the event were our Year 9 and 10 students, who did a superb job umpiring, scoring, and helping to run the day as part of their leadership development. Their professionalism and encouragement added so much to the smooth running and positive atmosphere of the tournament.
It was a joy to see students from different year groups working together, cheering each other on, and making the most of this opportunity to enjoy sport in the sunshine. A huge well done to everyone involved—you represented Bartholomew brilliantly!
From Ms Daniels, STEM and Gifted & Talented Coordinator
This academic year has been a remarkable journey of discovery, innovation, and hands-on learning for students involved in STEM and Gifted & Talented programmes at Bartholomew School, Eynsham.
🤖 BAE Systems AI Roadshow – Meet Fluffy!
On 28th February, Year 7 students were treated to an unforgettable experience during the BAE Systems AI Roadshow. The star of the show was Fluffy, the interactive AI dog, who sparked curiosity and conversation around robotics and artificial intelligence.
🎓 Oxford University STEM Lectures – After School Inspiration
Throughout the year, students attended a series of after-school lectures delivered by leading Oxford University researchers including:
Dr Veerle Brans, Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioengineering, explored ultrasound-based medical technologies.
Professor Elspeth Garman, Professor of Molecular Biophysics, introduced students to the world of X-ray crystallography.
Dr Fenella Gross, Biomedical Scientist, discussed the role of genetics in modern medicine.
Dr Sridhar Vasudevan, Associate Professor in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery, shared his research on sleep, circadian rhythms, and psychiatric drug development—highlighting the intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic innovation.
💉 MEDSOC: Vaccines and Public Health
Dr Sean Elias delivered a compelling MEDSOC session on vaccine hesitancy and confidence. He also led a vaccine manufacturing workshop with Year 11 and presented to Year 12 AS Biology students on disease and immunology—bridging classroom learning with global health issues.
✈️ STEM Young Leaders & Apprenticeship Programme
In Term 3, fifteen Year 9 students took part in a 10-week STEM apprenticeship programme. They designed, built, and flew model aircraft, assembled engineering kits, and developed presentation skills. The programme concluded with a graduation ceremony at Airbus Kidlington on 23rd April, attended by Principal Craig Thomas and Airbus managers.
🧬 DNA Lab Experience at the Natural History Museum
Year 13 Biology students visited the Natural History Museum in Oxford, where they extracted their own DNA, amplified it, and ran gel electrophoresis in a university-level lab. This experience supported their A-level curriculum and offered a glimpse into real scientific research.
🌿 AS Biology Residential Fieldwork at Oxwich Bay
From 14th to 17th July, 43 AS Biology students travelled to Oxwich Bay for a residential fieldwork experience. Immersed in coastal and dune ecosystems, students conducted biodiversity surveys, transect sampling, and ecological investigations—all designed to reinforce key curriculum content through practical, field-based learning.
A huge thank you to our external contributors who have inspired our students and sparked their curiosity by providing such excellent and engaging opportunities in support of our STEM and Gifted & Talented programmes this year.
In 2023, Bartholomew School teacher Sarah-Ellen Wooller and her partner Richard Fletcher took on a 2,650 mile thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), stretching from Canada to Mexico. Over 166 days, they carried all their gear, faced extreme weather, and climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest 16 times - all to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and funds for three causes close to their hearts.
The diagnosis of Sarah’s sister, Amy, with MS at just 36 years old - a year after having her second child, was life-altering. Seeing the daily impact of the illness prompted Sarah and Rich to re-evaluate their own lives. It reminded them how short and unpredictable life can be, and inspired them to seize the opportunity to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.
But this journey wasn’t just about Amy. Sarah’s nieces, Jasmine (8) and Grace (5), are now considered young carers, helping their mum with daily tasks. As a teacher, Sarah has seen first-hand the resilience of young carers. “They often grow up too fast,” she says. “They don’t always get the chance to just be kids.”
20% of the funds raised have been donated to support young carers at Bartholomew School, and another 20% has been donated to the MS Society, which has been a vital support to Amy and her family. In total, the hike raised £4,244.
The next step in their journey is for Sarah to launch a new crowdfunding page to raise the remaining funds needed to help Amy access the newest available treatment privately in the UK.
They are currently exploring HSCT (Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation), an intensive chemotherapy-based treatment that aims to “reset” the immune system using the patient’s own stem cells. It has shown promise in halting MS progression, but comes at a significant cost: £50,000 in Mexico or £80,000 in the UK.
To donate to Amy’s medical fund, please scan the QR code.
To read more about the hike, visit: www.fletchlivesonthetrail.com
We use a ‘yellow bag’ scheme at Bartholomew School. Yellow bags are located around the school site and students may help themselves to disposable menstruation pads when required.
Students can also speak to Reception or another member of staff if they require more substantial supplies to have at home, for example for the holidays.
Through this Department for Education (DfE) funding, we are also able to offer students the chance to try out reusable period underwear.
If you have any questions about accessing menstruation products, please email Mrs Humm via the School Office.
If you have any questions about the Yellow Bag scheme or menstruation products available through school, please email Mrs Humm, Head of Learning for Life, via the School Office.
Our Careers Advisor, Maggie Nason, visited Year 10 tutor groups this term to introduce herself and explain her role in school. Students completed a short questionnaire about their future plans, which will help us schedule individual guidance sessions. Maggie aims to meet as many students as possible to discuss their ideas for life after Year 11. She offers advice on a wide range of topics including jobs, apprenticeships, training, college courses, A Levels, Higher Education, and more.
If any Year 11 or 13 students are still considering their options for next year, there are still a number of employment, apprenticeship and training opportunities available. The following links will give access to the wide range of vacancies:
Oxfordshire Apprenticeships - local vacancies: https://oxme.info/learning/careers/get-apprenticeship
National Apprenticeship Service - country-wide: Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK
Further Education college courses and apprenticeship opportunities:
Our Careers Advisor, Maggie Nason, will be in school the morning after GCSE exam results if any Year 11s need to speak to her for any help or advice!
Abingdon & Witney College are offering ‘Welcome Wednesdays’ every Wednesday from 16th July to 20th August 2025, 10am – 4pm, for those still not sure of their plans for September. The sessions will give the opportunity to explore options, get advice and make confident choices about the future. Details at: https://abingdon-witney.ac.uk/events/welcome-wednesday-2
Year 12 Work Experience Week: 7–11 July 2025
During Work Experience Week, Year 12 students took part in a range of exciting opportunities—either with external employers or through our Internal Work Experience Programme.
An impressive 152 students secured placements with a wide variety of companies across different sectors. The top five areas were business/administration, teaching, science/biomedical, healthcare, and engineering. Employer feedback has been very positive, and completed feedback forms will be shared with students soon. A huge well done to everyone who took part and represented the school so professionally!
Students who remained in school participated in the Internal Work Experience Programme, starting with virtual modules and an engaging icebreaker session led by Danni McCarthy, Social Value and Community Manager at The Hill Group. From Tuesday to Thursday, students tackled a real-world challenge: designing a new public realm space as part of a simulated £5 million bid. Working in teams, they planned, costed, and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges, considering stakeholders and environmental impact.
The final day featured student presentations, with standout ideas including Green Heaven, Berkeley Park, and Monroe Park. The winning team—Teo, Blake, and Dominic—impressed the judges with their innovative Monroe Park concept. Congratulations to all students for their creativity and teamwork!
On Friday, students contributed to the Thames Valley Wildflower Meadow Restoration Project, run by the Nature Recovery Network in partnership with the Long Mead Foundation.
From Ms Shao, DofE Lead
What an amazing year it’s been for the Duke of Edinburgh Award!
Although we weren’t able to run the Silver Award this year, our Bronze and Gold participants have truly impressed us with the wide range of activities they’ve undertaken for their ‘Skill’ section. These included cookery, music, painting, chess, photography, dog training, creative writing, language learning, gliding, angling, and many more!
We also had a fantastic expedition season, with every group successfully completing their journey. Our Gold group spent five days hiking and wild camping in the stunning Elan Valley—four days without toilets or showers… imagine the minibus ride home! Meanwhile, our Bronze participants stayed closer to home in Oxfordshire, showing great resilience as they powered through their Assessed Expedition during a heatwave.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to offer even more opportunities next year: Bronze in Year 9, Silver in Year 10, and Gold in Year 12. We can’t wait to see what our students achieve next!
Are you a parent of a neurodiverse young person? You’re warmly invited to join the Walking With You Summer Wellbeing Walk — a gentle, guided walk through nature designed to support your wellbeing and connect you with like-minded parents. One of the professionals leading the walk is a parent with lived experience of neurodiversity, offering a unique opportunity to share and learn strategies in a relaxed, supportive setting.
🗓 Date: Tuesday 13th August
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Oxford (full details shared upon booking)
🔗 Booking link: Click here to book
Spaces are limited to 15 families — first come, first served!
Year 11 Dinner & Dance photos will be shown digitally in school on GCSE results day - lots of photos have been included in the Yearbook too!
From Mrs Turner, Head of Year 13
This evening marked the end of a remarkable chapter for our Year 13 students. Their resilience, ambition, and spirit have been a credit to the school. We are proud of each and every one of them, and we look forward to seeing the many ways in which they will shape the future.
Whether you left Bartholomew School recently or many years ago, your experiences and achievements since then can help to inspire and guide our current students as they plan for the future.
We’ve partnered with Future First, a national education charity that helps schools like ours stay connected with former students. By joining our alumni community, you’ll have the opportunity to support the school in ways that suit you—whether that’s sharing your career journey, offering mentoring or work experience or contributing to events.
Already signed up in the past?
We’ve moved to a new platform, so we’re asking all alumni—past and present—to register again to ensure we have up-to-date information and the right permissions.
Sign up today at: https://www.futurefirsthub.org.uk/register/bartholomewschool
Find out how we use your data: Alumni Privacy Policy
Once a Bartholomew student, always part of our community. We look forward to reconnecting with you.
From the Friends of Bartholomew School
We recently hosted a successful pre-loved uniform sale at the new Year 7 information evening — and thanks to your generosity, it was a fantastic success. Based on this, we’ll be holding additional uniform sales from September, with further details to follow.
FOBs are excited to launch a major fundraising initiative for the upcoming academic year: The Great Outdoors. Our goal is to enhance the outdoor spaces for students by adding new seating areas, a canopy for shelter, and potentially an outdoor gym. It’s an ambitious project that will make a lasting difference — and we’ll be announcing fundraising events from September onwards.
As part of our fundraising initiative, we’re inviting families to join the 300 Club — a monthly draw where participants have a chance to win cash prizes while helping to raise vital funds. Membership is just £2 per month. Half of the money raised will go to FOBs, with the other half a cash prize for you! Look out for more details in September.
We always welcome donations - if you would like to contribute directly to our fundraising efforts, please get in touch via email: Friendsofbartholomewschool@gmail.com
We’re also looking for new members to join the FOBs team! If you’d like to help shape exciting projects for our students and be part of a fun, supportive community, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch via email to express interest.
Together, we’re building an inspiring environment for the students — and we couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you for your continued support.
For news and updates, please follow our new Facebook page: Friends of Bartholomew School (Eynsham).
Term dates and our calendar updates can be found on the school website www.bartholomew.oxon.sch.uk
From the homepage tap the 'Quick Links' menu and 'Term Dates'
Also available on this page are term dates for 2026-27 and 2027-28, along with the EPA Trust primary school term dates
To check which week we are in on our fortnightly timetable, look at the top of the week, beneath the month name for 'A' or 'B'