Head's Welcome
I am delighted to introduce you to Faringdon Community College and give you a flavour of the ethos, culture and spirit that makes FCC such a special place to learn and work.
Faringdon Community College is a very popular, successful 11 to 18 mixed comprehensive school situated on the edge of Faringdon, a picturesque market town in rural Oxfordshire. The school occupies a large, attractively landscaped site with an excellent range of specialist accommodation and facilities. We are excited about several significant building projects for the future that will further develop the facilities for our students and staff.
“Pupils in all year groups, including the sixth form, enjoy their lessons and are well supported by staff.”
Ofsted 2024
Faringdon Community College has once again been recognised as a ‘Good School’ by Ofsted (May 2024). We are a forward-thinking school, always keen to build on our strengths and do even better. This is a very happy place in which to learn and work. Those who visit the school comment on the calm and purposeful environment they find in classrooms, workshops, labs and our other teaching spaces. The positive relationships between students and staff, based on mutual respect, are at the heart of high standards of teaching, learning and personal development, supporting each student’s progress and achievement.
“The school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour… Bullying is not tolerated. Leaders act quickly should it occur.”
Ofsted 2024
Viewing our termly newsletters will show the rich range of additional opportunities, clubs and events that our students can enjoy. This enables us to create and celebrate character in our young people, as well as develop their appreciation of the wider world, the part that they can play and the leadership they can display.
“International trips, such as skiing, to the CERN Laboratories in Switzerland and to Uganda, enhance pupils’ understanding of the world.”
Ofsted 2024
We started the new academic year in September 2024 with a focus on the four key values of ‘belong, believe, aspire, achieve’. At FCC we will nurture belonging as an inclusive, welcoming school where everyone can be themselves. We believe that every member of the FCC community has great potential, and in turn nurture the confidence and mind-set for students to try new things so that everyone can keep getting better in all that they do. Our high aspirations cover all aspects of the school experience, and we want our students to have ambitions and be determined to reach their goals. This supports individual achievement and our achievement as a school, in lessons, clubs and activities and on to examinations and our students’ next destinations.
“Pupils are excited for their future and willingly participate in extra-curricular activities. They are proud to take part in volunteering and help around the school … Additionally, older pupils act as buddies to younger ones in school or as sports leaders who regularly help at local primary school events.”
Ofsted 2024
The atmosphere and ethos in the school has been continually strengthened over the years, particularly through our strong behaviour for learning strategy. The pastoral care and development of our students is at the heart of our ethos of belonging, and was recognised by Ofsted, seen in our school newsletter and most importantly is demonstrated in the attitudes of our students.
“Pupils appreciate the lessons they have about positive relationships and staying safe. This means that pupils have a well-developed sense of fairness and of being part of a community. They know who to talk to if they have concerns and pastoral support is increasingly personalised.”
Ofsted 2024
We want students to feel happy and successful in school, enjoy their learning, be themselves and make a unique contribution to the life of the school. We have very high expectations at Faringdon Community College, and this is reflected in our students’ appearance, behaviour, and attitudes toward learning. Students take a real pride in their school, as do all staff, and all are fully committed to building character in all young people.
“Pupils value the personal development opportunities offered, including the effective careers programme.”
Ofsted 2024
Faringdon Sixth Form is great destination for students post GCSE, going on to study a wide range of A Levels with strong teaching and a rich range of additional opportunities. We are very proud of our Sixth Formers and the contribution that they make to the life of the school. The range of university visits, workshops, events and trips mean that everyone has access to great enrichment that will support their next steps beyond FCC to apprenticeship, university or employment.
“The school’s sixth form is vibrant, and students enjoy their studies. In lessons they benefit from very good relationships with their teachers and each other. This leads to a learning atmosphere where knowledge is deepened through discussion, tailored tasks, and activities.”
“Sixth Form students play an important role in the school and are particularly proud of the whole-school performances, where they play leading roles and support younger pupils in their acting debuts.”
Ofsted 2024
All of these elements make FCC a community of inspiration and aspiration, with a curriculum that provides opportunities for students to study subjects which are well-suited to their needs, aspirations, and talents.
“The school’s ambitious curriculum prepares pupils well for the next stage of their education, training or employment. Pupils study a wide range of subjects and appreciate the choice they have of both GCSEs and A levels.”
Ofsted 2024
We believe that Faringdon Community College has a great deal to offer everyone. If you would like to discover more about our ambitious, forward-thinking school, then please get in contact to arrange a tour.
Mr J Dennett
Head Teacher