A NEW Oxford school due to open next year has appointed its headteacher.

Gareth Griffiths has been named as the inaugural head at Barton Park Primary School, for at least the first year.

He will be executive head at the school as well as at Bayards Hill Primary School in Barton, of which he is already headteacher, having taken over in June.

Both schools are academies under the Community Schools Alliance Trust, which also runs Cheney School.

A spokesperson for the trust said Bayards Hill has gone from 'strength to strength' due to his 'hard work and dedication'.

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They added: "We are delighted that Gareth has taken on this new challenge and are very excited to have him on board.

"He brings a wealth of experience in opening new and leading successful schools as he embarks on opening Barton Park Primary School.

"Expect to see lots more of him if you choose to join us here."

The school is due to open on the 885-home Barton Park estate in September next year, eventually teaching 315 pupils plus 45 children in nursery.

In his previous role, Mr Griffiths opened a new primary school in Buckingham, which was rated 'good' by Ofsted under his four-year headship.

New prospective parents have the chance to meet Mr Griffiths at an open event at Barton Park Pavilion, between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday, January 8.

Applications for reception places are now open - see bartonpark.csat.academy for more.