Heyford school fills top position

David Castles will take up the post in preparation for the school accepting it first intake of reception and Year Seven pupils at the start of the next academic year.

Mr Castles has been described by governors and parents as having “extensive experience in the state education sector” and currently holds the position of head of upper school at Aylesbury Grammar School.

Speaking of his appointment he said: “I’m delighted to be offered the position of principal at Heyford Park Free School and I’m extremely proud to be welcomed into the Heyford Park community.

“I believe the new school will ensure the highest standard of education for pupils and I share the same aspirations that parents and their children have for the free school.

“In particular, the opportunity to help guide children from their first steps in education through to securing a place at their university of choice or their dream job is very exciting.

“I’m thoroughly looking forward to meeting parents and their children in the coming weeks and months.” Heyford Park Free School will be housed in the former officers’ mess at the old USAF base in Upper Heyford.

The building will undergo a £10 million conversion project, funded by the Dorchester Group which is redeveloping the site, before it welcomes its first 120 pupils next year. From then on the intake will expand by two classes of 30 pupils each year until it reaches its 840-pupil capacity in 2019.

Nathan Jones, governor for the Heyfordian School Trust, said: “This is a huge step for us and we’re thrilled to have such a passionate and experienced principal at Heyford Park Free School.

“David will be a huge asset to the school and it’s clear that the parents and pupils are as excited as we are about the appointment.

“We’re confident David will deliver the best possible education to our pupils from the outset and will help create an exciting, inspirational and welcoming learning environment.”

For more information on Heyford Park Free School visit www.heyfordparkfreeschool.org