The History of Sibford School
A Legacy of Quaker Values and Educational Excellence Since 1842
A Legacy of Quaker Values and Educational Excellence Since 1842
Sibford School was established as a co-educational boarding school for the children of Quaker families. The school was originally based in Walford Manor in the centre of Sibford Ferris and opened with just 26 boys and 22 girls.
The school had a distinctive founding purpose: it was created for the children of 'disowned' Quakers—those who had married outside the Society of Friends. These children were barred from entering Ackworth School, making Sibford a vital educational refuge. The school later expanded to accept children from practicing Quaker families as well.
The first recorded pupil was nine-year-old Lucy Endall, who arrived by carrier cart from Banbury on 16 January 1842. Fees ranged from £6–£16 a year when the school first opened.
The school was originally located at Walford Manor in the centre of the village of Sibford Ferris and had a strong agricultural bias, reflecting the rural character of the time and the practical education valued by Quaker communities.
The school expanded to a site to the south of the village with the opening of The Hill building by Dame Elizabeth Cadbury in 1930. It is on this site that all future building projects have taken place including several boarding houses, the science department, the dining hall and sports hall.
The Junior School opened its doors in 1989, expanding Sibford's educational offering to younger students.
In 2000 the original school building, 'The Manor' was sold with the proceeds used towards building the Art and Music departments followed by a new swimming pool.
More recently, Sibford has built a state-of-the-art climbing wall that serves both the school and the local community, undertaken a full renovation of the Sixth Form Centre, built a new Pavilion, opened a boys boarding house and a new outdoor community theatre space.
Sibford School is now an independent, co-educational day and boarding school located in Sibford Ferris, near Banbury in Oxfordshire. The school hosts 440 students across Reception, Junior, and Senior school faculties, including 62 in the Sixth Form, educating children from ages 3 to 18.
The school sits on a beautiful 50-acre campus in the heart of Oxfordshire's countryside, providing an ideal environment for learning and personal development.
While originally founded exclusively for Quaker families, the school now welcomes all while retaining its Quaker ethos of "seeking that of God in everyone." The school's guiding principles, derived from Quaker beliefs, focus on respect, integrity, simplicity, equality, peace, truth, and sustainability.
In keeping with Quaker tradition, teachers are addressed by their forenames and surnames rather than the usual Mr. and Miss, with surnames often dropped in higher grades. This reflects the Quaker value of equality and creates a more personal, community-oriented atmosphere.
Rebecca Evans, who took on the role of head in September 2023, is just the 12th leader in the school's 177-year history, demonstrating remarkable continuity in leadership over nearly two centuries. Her appointment involved students' participation, and parents recognize her kindness, empathy, and dedication.
Sibford has produced several distinguished alumni across various fields:
Sibford School Motto
The school is often described as a "hidden gem," focusing on personal development and academic achievement in a nurturing, non-competitive environment. Its motto reflects its inclusive philosophy and commitment to recognizing the individual worth and potential of every student.