Sibford Gower Endowed Primary School continues to offer a wide and diverse curriculum to encourage all children to develop and reach their potential in a caring, safe environment where good behaviour and respect for others is an expectation. A recent OFSTED Inspection in 2023 rated the school as ‘Good’ with some outstanding features in behaviour, attitudes and personal development.

The Endowed Primary School still continues to receive charitable donations from the Town Estate Charity which has benefitted our village children for almost 500 years. Diligent management by the appointed Trustees to the Charity since the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1st has provided invaluable financial support to the school and all its headteachers. More recently, and since becoming part of a Multi-Academy Trust with other feeder primary schools to the catchment senior school, The Warriner School in Bloxham, the whole site has returned into the Charities ownership.

Our village school celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2025 with a summer party held in the grounds together with a display of pupils’ art work and an exhibition depicting the long history and development of the school. At the end of the Autumn Term in 2025 an oak tree was planted to commemorate the anniversary. It was planted by the youngest pupil and the oak tree was chosen for its strength and long life, as well as its close link to the school’s motto – ‘From little acorns, mighty oaks do grow.’ Head teacher Jane O’Sullivan said the tree marks the school’s long history, its hopes for the future, and serves as a touching tribute to former pupil and long-serving governor, Fred Inns, who sadly passed away shortly before the ceremony.

The school buildings continue to evolve and develop as changes and extensions are required. The future role of the school within the village community is a matter for conjecture. Smaller families, parental choices and the cost of local housing all affect pupil numbers but those who are fortunate to spend their formative years in our village school are guaranteed a good, rounded education. Becoming independent learners prepares them for a successful transfer into secondary education where they can continue to develop the necessary skills to enable to them to play their part as citizens in our ever-changing world.

Maureen Hicks