Welcome to Fitzharrys School

A message from the Head of School

I am very proud to be the Head of Fitzharrys School. It is a fantastic school where students are given an array of opportunities to develop, thrive and achieve. Our superb team of staff are committed to helping every student reach their full potential. They work with care and expertise to bring the very best out of our students. This is evident in the enthusiasm, focus and achievements of our students.

There is real warmth in the welcome you receive when you join Fitzharrys. The sense of pride and belonging is evident in the school, as is the support and challenge. We want our students to be the very best they can be, and we do everything we can to make that happen.

Our Ofsted report, consistently strong results, high attendance and impressive behaviour for learning all illustrate the ethos and outcomes of Fitzharrys. Our parents and visitors to the school rightly state that we are “a very caring and supportive community where pupils flourish.”

While great teaching and learning is at the heart of what we do, we support students learning through a wide range of opportunities in and out of the classroom. Our social media pages give a taste of what goes on, as does our events calendar.

We always welcome people to come and visit us. Meeting our staff and students will give you a real insight into what our great school has to offer.

Best wishes,

Will Speke
Head of School

Headlines

September 2021

#FollowFitz on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with everything Fitzharrys. Click on the icons below to discover more.

COVID-19 - Start of Term updates

Click on the link below for all our latest communications regarding COVID-19 including letters, instructions. the latest risk assessment and school policy.

Open Evening and Open Mornings

We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors into our school for our autumn Open Evening on Thursday 14th October, 5.30-8pm.

In addition, we are holding a week of Open Mornings where you can see the school in action, from Monday 18th - Friday 22nd October, 9-11am. Details on how to book an Open Morning visit will follow very soon.

Term Dates 2021-22 Update

Please note our term dates for this year have been updated with a revised date for Open Evening - now planned for 14th October (school will close at 1.10pm on this date), as well as an additional INSET day on Friday 25th March 2022. Full details here.

Timetable Reminders

The school year begins with two INSET days on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd September 2021. Year 7, Year 10 and JMF6 students start lessons on Friday 3rd September, Year 8 and Year 11 return on Monday 6th September, and Year 9 on Tuesday 7th September.

Term ends at 3.15pm on Friday 22nd October.

W/C Monday 20th September - Week A
W/C Monday 27th September - Week B
W/C Monday 4th October - Week A
W/C Monday 11th October - Week B
W/C Monday 18th October - Week A

School News

August 2021

Exam Results 2021

This week we celebrated the achievements of our GCSE and A level students as they received their results. This followed a challenging two years amidst so much COVID-19 disruption to their lives and their education. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and delighted to be able to celebrate with them this week.

Not only has this been a challenge for students, but also for the staff and parents who have supported them so brilliantly. Our thanks go to everyone who has worked towards our students achieving so much.

We sent our year 11 students off to the next stage in their education with great pride. Many will be returning in September as part of JMF6 Abingdon. It was wonderful to see students signing shirts, thanking their teachers, and, most importantly, enjoying their success.

Read more here.

July 2021

Devices4Schools contributes two more laptops to school

Oxford University’s laptop donation scheme, Devices4Schools, handed over two more laptops to Fitzharrys school this week. The scheme enables University members to donate their old laptops, tablets and phones safely to benefit local school students.

The Head of School at Fitzharrys described the challenge facing schools regarding digital inclusion:

‘We are very grateful for this kind donation to Fitzharrys School. The pandemic and lockdowns have highlighted the digital divide in all schools, and we know that these extra devices will make a difference to key students. It will allow them access to digital platforms, research key information, access catch up materials, take part in online tutoring, and ensure they can study effectively at home. Digital inclusion is crucial for our students to achieve their potential, and we are proud to be working with Oxfordshire Community Foundation to improve access for all.’

Fitzharrys has worked with Devices4Schools on the pilot scheme which was launched in February and has received a stream of laptops and tablets. The latest two Lenovo laptops were donated by All Souls College. Rima Dapous, Domestic Bursar, commented:

‘All Souls College is delighted to support the University’s Devices4Schools scheme to help provide Oxfordshire school children from all backgrounds with appropriate IT equipment to support their education. To this end, the College has donated two laptops for the pupils at the Fitzharrys School in Abingdon.’

Will Speke, Head of School at Fitzharrys, receives the two laptops from John Keston-Hole, Project Officer from Devices4Schools.

Upcoming Events

Monday 6th September 2021
Start of term for Year 8 and Year 11

Monday 6th September 2021
Year 9 COVID 19 Test 1 (see letter for details)

Tuesday 7th September 2021
Start of term for Year 9 (all year groups now in school for lessons)

Friday 10th September 2021
Year 7 and Year 10: Indiviual and Tutor Group School Photographs

Thursday 14th October 2021 I 5.30-8pm
Open Evening

Monday 18th - Friday 22nd October 2021 I 9-11am
Open Mornings - booking details to follow soon.