Dilston Close, Washington, NE38 0LN, Tel: 0191 419 5120, Fax: 0191 419 5121

oxclose.school@schools.sunderland.gov.uk  -  Oxclose Community School Website

Overview

Oxclose Community School was one of the very first schools in the country to be remodelled through the Building Schools for the Future programme. In summer 2008, Oxclose was one of only four mainstream BSF secondary schools to be operational for at least a year. When the GCSE examination results were received, 62% of Oxclose students were awarded five or more GCSE grades A* to C, including English and Maths, compared with 41% in 2007.

Acknowledging the role new and refurbished buildings have played in raising student aspiration and attainment, Headteacher Tony Cunningham (pictured) said: "We are delighted with our record-breaking GCSE results this year. Pupils and staff are to be commended for their outstanding commitment and achievements. Our refurbished facilities have allowed new opportunities to deliver high-quality teaching and learning in a first-class learning environment which certainly made a contribution to Oxclose Community School achieving its best ever GCSE results."

School information

Figures based on the September 2008 school census

Quick win

Sunderland's Building Schools for the Future programme marked a key milestone on 20 June 2007, when our first BSF school was opened by Jim Knight MP, Minister for Schools and 14-19 Learners. Mr Knight was joined by Sunderland City Council Leader Councillor Bob Symonds, Chief Executive Ged Fitzgerald, and Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools, Tim Byles, when he opened Oxclose Community School in a very pupil-focused ceremony.

A "quick win", Oxclose was one of the first BSF schools in the country to open. The presence of Tim Byles from Partnerships for Schools, who administer BSF for the government, underlined the significance of this event.

Around £11 million was spent on the major refurbishment of Oxclose. A specialist visual and performing arts college, its provision for dance, drama and music has been significantly enhanced. Diverse personalised learning opportunities are now possible in its new Learning Resource Centre at the heart of the school.

State of the art ICT facilities exist throughout the school. Together with enhanced social and dining spaces, flexible learning areas and a fantastic new entrance, the pupils and staff were able to express their delight to the Minister as he toured the school and saw the transformation for himself. On the same day, the Mayor led an evening celebration at the school, attended by 100 invited guests associated with the school, local community and partnerships across the city and the region. Following speeches, the school was available for guests to explore, talk to staff and pupils, admire their work … and join in some of the activities.

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