Our History
1960s
1965
Building work started on site for 400 pupils.
Mr John Kirby appointed as Headteacher.
School opened with 2 reception classes – building still in progress.
25th June 1969 – school officially opened by Councillor Wilcher
Do you have any memories of St John Fisher School during the 1960s? Were you one of the first pupils to attend the school? Don’t be shy – contact the school office or send us a note of your memories – don’t forget to include your name.
1970s
September 1973
City schools reorganised to 3-tier system. St John Fisher becomes a First School.
September 1975
Years 5 and 6 have now moved on and the school is a one-form entry First School with 153 pupils on roll.
February 1976
Following a fire at Iffley Mead school, pupils from Iffley Mead are accommodated in two spare classrooms and two temporary classrooms.
July 1977
Iffley Mead pupils return to their rebuilt school after a very successful sharing of our school site for 18 months.
1977/1978
Concern about falling numbers – only 120 pupils on roll in September.
Queen’s Silver Jubilee – every child presented with a souvenir mug.
1979
Rumours that at least one Catholic First School will be closed – SJF in the firing line.
Do you have any memories of St John Fisher School during the 1970s? Were you one of the pupils to attend the school? Don’t be shy – contact the school office or send us a note of your memories – don’t forget to include your name.
1980s
1982
The threat of SJF closing is finally lifted.
January 1984
One spare classroom leased to Community Workshop and another on a part-time basis to a Parent and Toddler group.
May 1984
Mrs E Groom appointed as Headteacher following the retirement of Mr Kirby.
February 1985
Replacement of roof completed.
Parent and teacher governors appointed for the first time.
October 1987
Programmed replacement of windows completed.
January 1989
First parent governor election.
September 1989
National Curriculum introduced.
Do you have any memories of St John Fisher School during the 1980s? Were you one of the pupils to attend the school? Don’t be shy – contact the school office or send us a note of your memories – don’t forget to include your name.
1990s
Do you have any memories of St John Fisher School during the 1990s? Were you one of the pupils who attended the school during this decade? Don’t be shy – contact the school office or send us a note of your memories – don’t forget to include your name.
2000 – 2009
September 2001
Establishment of Foundation Stage comprising of Nursery and Reception classes.
September 2002
Return to 2-tier in the City. Year 4 stays on to become Year 5. A new office and staff room are created.
November 2002
Second OFSTED inspection – Good
2004 – 2005
Exchange visits to school in Uganda
June 2005
New security fencing and gates installed. Vandalism stops.
September 2008
WiFi available at SJF
2010 – 2015
July 2010
John Hussey appointed Executive Principal and Jude Bennett appointed Head of School as loose federation with St Gregory the Great Secondary School.
April 2011
New entrance and improved safety fencing.
May 2011
Third OFSTED inspection – Satisfactory
October 2012
Fourth OFSTED inspection – Good
December 2012
Following public consultation governors agree to apply to become an academy
April 2013
SJF becomes an academy as part of the Dominic Barberi Multi-academy Company (DBMAC)
July 2013
Mrs Jude Bennett left SJF to take up a headship at another school
January 2014
Ms Dianne Carbon appointed Principal of SJF
2016 – 2020
2016
25th June 2016
Decades’ Dinner & Dance. A wonderful evening with staff and families together in the school hall. A big thank you to Nigel and his band, Breeze and to Robbie and Andy for ensuring that the burgers and sausages kept coming.
22nd June 2016
Feast Day of Saint John Fisher. Former Headteachers and clergy invited to attend. Mass was led by His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley and con-celebrated with Fr John Hancock and Canon Mervyn Tower.
Presentation by classes on their chosen decade since the 1960s. A decade of the Rosary prayed for former staff and pupils.
15th/16th June 2016
Section 48 Inspection – GOOD
15th March 2016
Fifth OFSTED Inspection – GOOD
2019
2nd/3rd October 2019
Ofsted Inspection – Requires Improvement
2021
1st January 2021
The merger took place between Dominic Barberi Multi Academy Company (DBMAC) and the Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Company (PFMAC). St John Fisher Catholic Primary School is now part of the PFMAC.
