Class teachers

Mrs Akers – Upper Phase Leader and Year 5 Teacher

After completing my BEd Hons degree in English at Westminster College, Oxford in 1999, I returned home to Kent to begin my teaching career with a wonderful class of Year 1 children. In 2001, I began my teaching journey at Bloxham Primary School as both a Year 2 teacher and English leader. Since then, I have taught children in every year group, from Foundation Stage right through to Year 6. I was our PFSU Leader in 2012, our Middle Phase Leader in 2013 and have been our Upper Phase Leader since 2018. I am also our school's RE and Reading Leader.

I love teaching and working alongside children and am committed to ensuring that all children thrive: feeling happy, safe and having the best opportunities to learn. A classroom full of questioning minds is a wonderful place to be and guarantees that every day will be unique. My appetite for quality teaching and learning has led me to undertake various mentoring roles over the past few years, initially for Oxford Brookes University and since 2015, for the Cherwell SCITT based in Oxford, mentoring and supporting the practice of trainee teachers in not only our school but in others across Oxfordshire.

Outside of school, my young family keeps me very busy. As we love the outdoors, we enjoy going for walks and being football fans, love playing football at the park. Trains are a hugely important part of our lives and most holidays and weekends invariably involve trainspotting of some kind!

Mr Arzberger – Yr 2 Teacher

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Mrs Atkins – PE Teacher

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Miss Bailey – Year 3 class teacher

I am originally from the Midlands and moved to Oxfordshire in 2016 to study Primary Teacher Education at Oxford Brookes. I graduated in 2019 with a First Class Honours Degree, and began my teaching career in a small village school. I thoroughly enjoyed my first year of teaching (despite it being somewhat distupted) and I am looking forward to my second one here!

Miss Beale – Foundation Stage Teacher

I graduated from De Montfort University in 1999 with a BEd hons.

My first teaching post was with a Year 1 class at an Independent day school in Cambridgeshire. I then taught in a mainstream school in KS1 before moving to Oxfordshire in 2004.

My next post was as a Foundation Stage class teacher in Bodicote.

I then taught in a mixed Year 1-2 class at a school in Banbury, for a couple of years, before taking my maternity leave.

I returned to work on a part-time basis teaching a Year 5 class.

In 2012 I was offered the post here, at Bloxham Primary School as a Numbers Count Teacher. This was a great opportunity to extend my professional development.

The following year I extended my qualification to Numbers Count 2, which means that I am now able to teach the Numbers Count Maths intervention to both KS1 & KS2 children.

Then in September 2016 I took on the role of Foundation Stage teacher, which I thoroughly enjoy!

It's a privilege to be a part of the children's learning journey.

We have a very happy, supportive team of parents, teachers and children, here in the Big Bloxham House!

In my spare time I love being with my 3 sons, we do lots of exciting things together...including football and Lazer Quest!

I like outdoor fitness training, circuit training and the gym. I play Netball for a local team, which I really enjoy.

I'm a huge supporter of the charity 'Dogs for Good'. My black labrador belongs to the charity. She is a demonstration dog on the PAWs scheme. Helping families with children with autism.

Mrs Best – Year 5 Teacher

I have a Ba (Hons) degree in Education and English.

I started working at Bloxham Primary school as a supply teacher in 2000 when I moved here from Kent, where I had been teaching full-time. My twins joined the school also, in year 5. I started working at the school full time in 2002, in year 5. I then moved to teach combined years 3 /4. At this point I was also Music co-ordinator, as I liked singing! I then became a year 4 teacher, where I remained for many years. I currently have returned to teaching year 5 and am the History co-ordinator.

Miss Drury – Foundation Stage Leader, Teacher

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Mrs Ducker – PE Teacher

I took some time out after graduating from Staffordshire University and came back home to Banbury, where I worked at Kraft Foods. My experience of being a language assistant in Germany inspired me to go on and complete a Post graduate degree in education at Brookes. I started teaching at Bloxham in 1998, teaching in Year 3 for a few years then Year 5. I took maternity leave in 2008, when I had my daughter and deceided to take a complete year. I came back taking on the new role of leading and teaching French in Years 3-6. After having my son in 2011 I taught two days in mainly Year 5 but also Y6. I have now taken on a new role of being PE co-ordinator with Mrs Atkins and love being outside!

It is great working with so many inspiring, entusiastic and individual minds, both children and adults.

Mrs Hancox – Yr 6 Teacher

I completed my BA (Hons) with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) degree at Oxford Brookes University in 2001. I began teaching Year 4 at Bloxham C of E Primary School in 2001 as an NQT. I taught Year 4 and mixed Year 3/ 4 classes until I started my maternity leave in 2007. Upon my return not long after this, in a part-time capacity- I have taught across the entire school. As I write this, 10 years on, I teach 3 days per week in Year 1, 2 and 3. Every now and then I am seen in school on additional days, teaching in different classes. This is great for my professional development – we never stop learning! I enjoy the challenge of teaching different classes and working alongside a range of staff.

For many years, I was PSHE Co-ordinator and I set up the original School Council. The past few years have seen me as Collective Worship Co-ordinator. This includes planning for Collective Worship assemblies in line with the school’s 6 values.

When I am not at school, I enjoy dancing- my recent favourite being zumba! My family are my world and I believe every day is precious and we should make the most of it. In my ‘spare’ time, I am Chair of Oxfordshire Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) – supporting anyone who has suffered the tragic death of a baby- with only 3 of us on the committee running the charity, there is always a lot to do!

Miss Hilson – Class Teacher Yr 4

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Ms Horley – Yr 1 Teacher

I have worked with children in a range of settings for over 20 Years. This involves sporting clubs, nursery, pre-schooling, special education (Frank Wise) and my current position at Bloxham Primary School. I am currently teaching in Year 1 and I have been working at the school since 2009. It’s a privilege to be working in an inspirational, supportive and motivating school.

Within the school setting I am the Science coordinator. I have enjoyed helping raise the interest of Science through our whole school 'Science Week' in June 2021. I am also interested in children’s nurture, behaviour and active learning. I am committed to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to develop academically and importantly emotionally and socially.

Outside of teaching I really enjoy keeping myself active. In September 2021, I completed the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge in under 12 hours. I am a keen hiker, I have climbed Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scarfell. My all-time favourite mountain in the UK is Cader Idris. Last year, I joined my son in completing a 'half marathon' nature hike to raise money for Cotswold Wildlife Park. My son felt passionate to raise awareness for conservational work, especially from the impact of lockdown. Together we raised the most that the charity have ever received in one donation and we were very fortunate to meet the owner of the park and talk to our local radio station. I also enjoy burning off some energy ny trail running across our local country side.

My personal time is devoted to my children and family. We are an active family that enjoys exploring the outdoors. I volunteer at my children’s athletics club; Bicester Athletics Club. As well as supporting a range of children in athletics, I enjoy cheering on my talented son; he currently has the title for the fastest 12 year old in the county as well as making the national rankings summer 2021. In our downtime, we love to spend time with family in Devon and I am looking forward to seeing my family in France and Switzerland soon- embracing our culture.

Miss Jennings – Year 2 Teacher

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Ms Coles – School music teacher

I am local, having grown up in Adderbury. I have a BA (hons) Music degree and a PGCE in secondary education.   Prior to moving back to this area in 2010, I taught music and music technology in a multicultural state school in Birmingham city centre for 10 years. I also took on the role of Assistant Head of Year where pastoral care became an important, and much loved, part of my career.   

As a mother, I am now even more passionate about education. I care deeply that all children should be able to access a full and varied curriculum. 

In my free time I love being out of doors, especially fell walking in the Lake District and have at this point bagged 72 of the 214 Wainwrights.

Ms Oatridge – Deputy Headteacher, Yr 6 Teacher

Before I came to Bloxham I worked as an Education Officer in Moray, Scotland. My job entailed implementing the Curriculum for Excellence and assessment. In my dealings with both primary and secondary schools and different authorities, I was key in supporting schools and helping them drive innovation and change. Previous to that I taught in Germany, Korea and tough inner city London schools.

I am positive and passionate about my work, leading, inspiring and motivating others to give of their best. I love working in a school where the staff all work together to create stimulating and challenging learning environments in order to engage and motivate our children.

When I’m not working I take to the skies in my vintage glider, the mighty Libelle. It is the only hobby I have where I can totally switch off from teaching and luxuriate in the freedom that gliding brings.

Since moving to England I have also discovered I have green fingers, everything seems to grow. I have to admit it’s more down to the warmer weather you have here than my talents as a gardener.

Mrs Parsons – Yr 6 Teacher

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Mrs Rose – Yr 1 Teacher

Hi,

After completing a 4yr BA QTS Degree, specialising in Physical Education and Early Years I became a Foundation Stage Teacher in Abingdon. In 2006, after 2 years there, I left to become part of the Bloxham Team!

I was employed as the Foundation Co-ordinator at Bloxham C of E Primary School and held that position until I had children of my own. I returned to work part time teaching in Years 1 and 2. I am now based in my favourite area teaching in the Foundation Unit again.

I have been responsible for a variety of subjects including PE, RE, Geography, Healthy School’s and helped run the School Council. At present I am joint Science Co-ordinator.

In my own time I love family adventures, camping, swimming, cycling etc. I play the saxophone and enjoy hitting the gym and watching movies.

Miss Sanderson – Year 1 Class Teacher

I moved to the UK from Australia in 2020 after working in numerous school settings and completed my studies at the University of Worcester. 2021 is my first year of teaching and I am delighted to be at Bloxham to start my teaching career as a Year 1 teacher. I look forward to growing as a teacher with the wonderful team at Bloxham leading the way. I have a passion for education and commited to helping the children thrive in their school setting.

Outside of school I love to keep active and am always planning the next big hike I'm going to conquer with my partner and friends but also enjoy . I also love to travel and will hopefully head back to Australia sooon to see my family for a holiday! I also enjoy discovering new cultures around the world.

Mr Singleton – Middle Phase Leader, Yr 3 Teacher

After completing my BA Hons degree in Sports, Coaching and Physical Education at Oxford Brookes University in 2011, I became a Teaching Assistant at a local primary school. It was during this experience that I developed a passion for primary school teaching and was encourage in pursuing it as a career.

In 2012, I started my PGCE in Primary Education at Oxford Brookes University and was lucky enough to experience a diverse range of teaching placements during this year.

On completion of my PGCE I began my Bloxham Primary School journey as a year 2 teacher before moving down into the Foundation Stage. I love teaching Foundation as I have a real passion for outdoor learning and for children to develop their learning and interests through play. Another responsibility that I currently hold at Bloxham is being a partner coordinator of Science.

Outside of school I enjoy watching football, going to music concerts, spending time in London seeing friends and going on long walks around the countryside.

Ms Staples – Yr 4 Teacher

Although I have lived in Banbury for almost 27 years, I was originally from the Isle of Man - home of the 'TT Races'. A country girl at heart so moving to what appeared to me at the to be a sprawling metropolis was quite something! I have grown to love Banbury Town and it's outlying villages very much and feel that I am now very 'settled' here.

Before teaching, I had a very succesful career on the Isle of Man in the Finance sector for many years. However after my partner and I were blessed with the birth of our son, I quickly realised that my career path was to change and my passion was to work with children. Initially, I became a child Minder which I loved. It was at this point that providing a creative environment and activities became part of my ethos. I then trained as a Nursery Nurse and also ran many Summer Play Schemes at Banbury College Nursey, memories I will always cherish. In 'The Year 2000' I began my career at Bloxham Primary School began. At first I was a Teaching Assistant and Dinner Lady. However, it soon became clear to me that my vocation was to teach children and that is when I embarked on the 5 year journey to achieve the work-based BA (PTE)Degree at Oxford Brookes.

Now one of the longest serving teachers at Bloxham, I still have the same enthusiasm and passion for the role I play in the educating of young minds. Every day provides me with a 'little nugget of gold' that is the motivation to continue loving teaching and more importantly to continue to aspire to be a better teacher

In my spare time I enjoy long walks with my friends, taking part most years in a sponsored walk for charity. This year a marathon! I also enjoy a variety of exercise activities, particularly kettlebells. Quality time with my family, the youngest member being my nephew born very recently, is always of great importance to me.

Mrs Thomas – Inclusion Manager

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