I am Beccy Harris and I am delighted to be the headteacher of St. Barnabas CE Primary School. We are a small school for children aged 3-11, set in the very centre of the city of Oxford, and surrounded by its most famous landmarks and institutions.

We are a happy, thriving school, rich in self belief and community spirit . Our pupils come from the local communities of Jericho and Summertown as well as from further across the city. We also welcome families from all over the world who are brought to Oxford to work and study. Our diverse international perspective is part of the St. Barnabas vibrancy that we are so well known for.

Children achieve well as St. Barnabas. We are a dynamic and highly successful staff team who have demonstrated our commitment to high academic outcomes, achieved by focusing on a stimulating and engaging curriculum that is delivered through excellent teaching by inspiring teachers.

Local press coverage 2024.

Local press coverage 2025

Our school is a warm empathetic environment where children flourish in all aspects of their development. Children build good relationships, feel valued and are listened to. We cherish them as unique individuals with an innate abundance of enthusiasm and talent. We strive to make school inspiring, enjoyable and a great place to create lifelong childhood memories. Parents are welcomed into the school at every opportunity because we know that is good for everyone!

In March 2025, our Ofsted Inspection awarded us a strong ‘GOOD’ grading in all areas. As well as strong academic outcomes, the school is described as a ‘happy place to be’ with ‘warm relationships’, ‘kindness’ and ‘harmonious social times’. It is also noted that we offer ‘a range of opportunities to nurture talents and interests’ and have ‘a strong emphasis on pupil’s character, individuality and personal development’.

As we press on from ‘GOOD’ to great, we continue to excel in our provision for more able learners, but are also focused on the wider curriculum and the experiences that we offer.  Read about this term’s inspiring art exhibition at:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgjpgv45zg2o

Which builds on our previous community art piece

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2jlg43jlro

Since the school video was made the grounds have been developed with a new sandpit for older children, a mud kitchen, an outdoor workshop and a designated forest school shelter. A sports cage is being installed this Autumn. Progress is unstoppable!

Our school vision is:

‘They will soar on wings like eagles’’   (Isaiah 40:31)   

Through values that create AWE-some individuals, we will become A (Adventurous) W (Wise) and E (Encouraging).

We are a fully inclusive Church of England school welcoming children of all faiths and world views. Through their own lens, children are encouraged to explore moral and spiritual values and are given the space to consider the bigger questions in life. This helps them grow a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them giving them a strong sense of their identity, purpose and future direction.  

So what next?  We have secured funding for an enhanced pathway provision enabling us to open a new class in September 2026.  This provision will support SEN children who struggle to access class-based learning. This  important new initiative will ensure that all our children, no matter what barriers they experience, are given every opportunity to thrive.

Please look at our school video (below) . In the meantime, take the time to explore the website for information about the school. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to find out more. We look forward to welcoming you to our school soon.

Best wishes

Headteacher