About the School
1. Where is Windrush Valley School located?
Windrush Valley School is set in the heart of the Cotswolds village of Ascott-under-Wychwood, near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire (postcode OX7 6AN). The school is easily accessible from across West Oxfordshire, the Evenlode Valley, and the wider Cotswolds, with families joining from towns and villages including Burford, Witney, Woodstock, and Charlbury.
2. What age range does Windrush Valley School cater for?
Windrush Valley School welcomes boys and girls from the term after they turn 3 through to Year 6 (age 11), offering a carefully structured and continuous educational journey from Nursery to the end of the prep school years.
3. What are the latest inspection results for Windrush Valley School?
Windrush Valley School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and is registered with the Department for Education, the Independent Schools Council (ISC), and the Independent Schools Association (ISA). The school’s most recent inspection report is available on the ISI website. Windrush Valley was also recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the Top 30 independent preparatory schools in England.
Admissions & Entry
4. What is the admissions process at Windrush Valley School?
The process begins with an initial enquiry and a visit to the school, during which prospective families meet with senior staff and see the school in action. Children take part in age-appropriate assessments or taster sessions as part of the process. The admissions team is happy to guide families through each step.
5. Are mid-year admissions possible?
Yes. Where places are available, Windrush Valley School is happy to consider mid-year or non-standard entry points. The school works closely with families to ensure a smooth transition at any stage.
6. Is there a waiting list?
Some year groups may have waiting lists due to the school’s intentionally small class sizes. Early application is encouraged, and the admissions team will keep families informed of availability.
7. How do I arrange a visit or attend an open day?
Prospective families are warmly welcome to visit the school. Open day dates are published on the school website, and private tours can be arranged at any time by contacting the school office on 01993 831793 or via the enquiry form on the website. Visits offer the chance to meet staff, see lessons in progress, and get a feel for the school’s community and ethos.
Teaching, Learning & Progress
8. What curriculum does Windrush Valley School follow?
The school delivers a broad and balanced curriculum aligned with national expectations, enriched by specialist teaching, creativity, and cross-curricular learning. Subjects include English, mathematics, science, history, geography, French, art, music, drama, PE, and computing. The curriculum is designed to develop a genuine love of learning, and pupils achieve well and make strong progress across all year groups.
9. What curriculum does the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follow?
Children in the EYFS learn through a carefully planned, topic-based approach that covers both the prime and specific areas of learning. The school uses Jolly Phonics as its synthetic phonics programme, and alongside this, children develop strong reading comprehension skills from an early stage. There is a purposeful balance between adult-led activities and child-initiated play, giving children plenty of opportunities to explore, investigate, and build confidence in a nurturing setting.
10. How does Windrush Valley School prepare pupils for senior schools?
The school combines strong academic foundations with an emphasis on independence, confidence, curiosity, and the broader learning skills needed for a successful transition to senior school. Pupils are well prepared for entry to both independent and state secondary schools. The school has a strong track record of pupils securing places and scholarships at leading senior schools across the region.
11. What are the class sizes at Windrush Valley School?
Class sizes are intentionally small, typically between 12 and 14 pupils. This allows teachers to know each child as an individual and to provide highly personalised support, challenge, and feedback. Small class sizes are one of the school’s defining strengths and a key reason families choose Windrush Valley.
12. How does the school support children of different abilities?
Teaching is carefully differentiated to stretch more able pupils while providing targeted support for those who need it. The school’s small class sizes mean that teachers can closely monitor each child’s progress and adapt their approach to ensure every pupil is appropriately challenged and supported.
13. How does Windrush Valley School extend and challenge more able pupils?
Extension and enrichment are embedded within everyday lessons and further developed through clubs, projects, competitions, and individual challenges. The school’s approach ensures that the most able pupils are consistently stretched and motivated to achieve their best.
14. How is progress assessed and monitored?
Progress is tracked through ongoing observation, formative assessments, and regular reviews, ensuring that teaching responds to each child’s individual needs. The school uses a combination of continuous assessment and more formal benchmarks to measure attainment and identify areas for further development.
15. How is progress shared with parents?
Parents receive written reports at the end of the autumn and summer terms, and attend two parent–teacher meetings each year. Beyond this, staff are readily available for informal conversations, and the school maintains open, ongoing communication with families throughout the year.
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
16. What pastoral care does Windrush Valley School provide?
Pastoral care is a high priority at Windrush Valley School, and what is best for each pupil is at the heart of every decision. The school’s Windrush360 programme is designed to develop the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally, and physically – rather than focusing solely on academic achievement. As a result, the school is a positive, happy place where children feel safe, valued, and eager to learn.
17. How well do staff know the children?
Very well. The combination of small class sizes and a close-knit school community means that every member of staff knows every child by name. Strong staff–pupil relationships are central to the school’s ethos, and every child is known individually, valued, and supported both academically and personally.
18. How does Windrush Valley School support children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
The school offers dedicated SEN support and works closely with parents and, where appropriate, external specialists to ensure that each child’s individual needs are met. Support is tailored to the child, and the school’s small class sizes allow for close monitoring and early intervention when needed.
19. What is the school’s approach to behaviour and discipline?
The Windrush360 programme sets clear expectations and motivates pupils to do their best, both in lessons and during less structured times of the day. Pupils are friendly and welcoming, and routinely display good manners and respect for others. The school’s approach emphasises positive reinforcement and personal responsibility.
20. How does Windrush Valley School handle bullying?
The school has a clear anti-bullying policy and takes a proactive, prompt, and sensitive approach to any concerns, working in close partnership with parents. Pupils learn about bullying through the curriculum – including what it is, how to recognise it, and what to do if they experience or witness it. The school’s small, close community means that issues are identified and addressed quickly.
21. How are new pupils supported when they join the school?
Transition into the school is carefully planned and supported. New pupils are paired with a buddy, receive dedicated classroom support during their first weeks, and benefit from close communication between the school and their family. The school’s warm, welcoming community helps new children settle in quickly and confidently.
Enrichment & School Life
22. What extracurricular activities are available at Windrush Valley School?
Pupils enjoy a wide range of clubs and activities, including sport, music, drama, academic enrichment, and creative arts. After-school clubs run until 16:30 for children in Years 1–6 and are included in the school fees at no additional cost. The programme changes termly to give children the opportunity to try new activities and discover new interests.
23. What role does outdoor learning play at the school?
Outdoor learning is central to Windrush Valley School’s ethos, supporting physical wellbeing, teamwork, confidence, and creativity. The school’s beautiful Cotswolds setting provides an ideal environment for learning beyond the classroom. Timetabled Forest School sessions are available for children in Nursery through to Year 2, and outdoor activities and exploration are woven into the wider curriculum across all year groups.
24. Are school trips and residential experiences offered?
Yes. The school organises a range of age-appropriate trips and enrichment visits throughout the year, linked to the curriculum and designed to bring learning to life. Residential trips are offered to older pupils, helping to develop independence, resilience, and social skills in a supportive setting.
Practical Information & Community
25. What are the school hours and term dates?
Core school hours are 08:50 to 15:30. After-school clubs run until 16:30 and are included in the fees for children in Years 1–6. Term dates are published annually and shared well in advance with families via the school website and ParentMail.
26. Is wraparound care available at Windrush Valley School?
Yes. The school is open from 08:00 until 18:00, providing wraparound care before and after the school day. This extended provision is designed to support busy families while ensuring children are in a safe, familiar, and enriching environment throughout.
27. What do school fees include?
Fees are clearly structured and include tuition, core educational activities, and after-school clubs. Windrush Valley School is committed to providing affordable educational excellence, and full details of the current fee schedule are available from the admissions team or on the school website. The school also offers sibling discounts.
28. Does Windrush Valley School offer scholarships or bursaries?
Families interested in financial assistance are encouraged to contact the school directly to discuss their circumstances. The school is committed to accessibility and will work with families wherever possible. Details of any available bursary or scholarship support can be obtained from the admissions team.
29. How does the school communicate with parents?
The school’s primary communication channel is ParentMail, which is used for newsletters, updates, and day-to-day information. Parents also receive written reports twice a year, attend two parent–teacher meetings annually, and benefit from ongoing, informal communication with staff. The school values open and responsive communication with all families.
30. How involved can parents be in school life?
Parents are valued partners in the school community. Families are encouraged to join the Parents Consultative Group (PCG) and to engage through a range of events, workshops, and celebrations throughout the year. The school actively welcomes parent involvement and sees it as an important part of each child’s education.
31. What senior schools do Windrush Valley pupils go on to?
Windrush Valley School has a strong record of preparing pupils for entry to a wide range of senior schools, both independent and state. Pupils regularly secure places at leading schools across Oxfordshire and beyond, and the school is proud of its track record of scholarship awards. The admissions team is happy to share recent destination data with prospective families on request.