Sheldon School
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
National Curriculum (England)Sheldon School is a secondary school and sixth form located in Chippenham, Wiltshire, dedicated to providing an outstanding education for students of all abilities. It is a purposeful learning community that balances academic achievement with personal development and character building.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the motto 'Be Kind, Be Brave, Be the Best You', fostering a purposeful learning community where every individual is valued. It prioritizes a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages students to develop academically, physically, and spiritually. The school is committed to high expectations and the belief that education transforms lives, promoting social mobility and character development.
Programmes
The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects including Business, Economics & Computing, Design and Technology, English, Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Performing & Expressive Arts, Personal, Social and Religious Education (PSRE), Physical Education, and Science. The school offers pathways from KS3 through to KS4 and KS5, with specific exam preparation and revision support provided for GCSE and A-Level students. Sixth form students have access to enrichment programmes and career guidance, including UCAS support.
Outcomes
The school emphasizes high academic aspirations and prepares students for post-18 pathways, including university through UCAS. Students are supported in achieving qualifications at KS4 and KS5, with a focus on developing character and personal growth alongside academic success. Alumni have gone on to pursue diverse careers and higher education opportunities.
Student support
Learning support
The Learning Support Team is led by the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and includes an Assistant SENCO and a dedicated manager for the Hearing Resource Base. The school provides structured support for students on the SEND register, including regular review events and statutory Annual Reviews for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Students are encouraged to contact their tutor as a first point of contact for general wellbeing or academic concerns.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Sheldon School admits students into Year 7 with an annual intake of 240 pupils. The admissions process is managed through the Wiltshire Council Parent Portal, with applications typically opening in September for the following academic year and closing on 31 October. The school hosts open events, including open mornings and an evening, to provide prospective families with opportunities to tour the campus and learn about the school.
Calendar
The school operates on a standard academic year structure, with terms divided into autumn, spring, and summer sessions. Specific term dates, including holidays and inset days, are published on the school website. Parents can access a dedicated calendar for information on upcoming events, parent evenings, and exam periods.
About the campus
The campus includes specialized faculty areas for subjects such as Science, Design and Technology, and Performing and Expressive Arts. It features a Hearing Resource Base (HRB) to support students with specific needs. The school grounds are equipped for various sports and activities, and the site includes a Hall of Fame.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs such as Ukulele, Darts, Chess, and Pokemon, as well as the student-led newspaper, The Sheldonian. Students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) and the Ten Tors challenge. Additionally, the school provides music lessons and maintains a Junior Dance Company, with annual showcases like 'Step Into It'.
- Mr Peter LynchHeadteacher
Appointed as Headteacher in September 2023, Peter Lynch previously served as a Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher at Bradley Stoke Community School for nine years. He holds a Sport and Exercise Science degree, qualified as a PE teacher in 2003, and later retrained as a maths teacher in 2017. He is passionate about outdoor education and fostering a strong partnership between school and home.
- Dr Alison SimpsonDeputy Headteacher
Dr Alison Simpson holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Bristol and previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry before retraining as a teacher in 2006. Her prior leadership experience includes roles as Head of Science, Assistant Headteacher, and Director of the Avon Teaching School Alliance. She is committed to developing a supportive and nurturing environment for students.
- Mr Andy SymesDeputy Headteacher
Mr Andy Symes is a Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for pedagogy, professional development, literacy, and the Learning Support team. He has six years of senior leadership experience and previously held a National Lead Practitioner role within a large multi-academy trust. He is deeply committed to using evidence-informed strategies to improve academic outcomes and promote social mobility.
- Miss Sian MundyAssistant Headteacher
Miss Sian Mundy is an Assistant Headteacher responsible for Pastoral Care and Continuing Professional Development. She began her career at Sheldon School as a teacher of English and Media Studies before working in various schools in the UK and Australia. She is passionate about nurturing the talent of new teachers and ensuring all students are supported to reach their potential.
- Mr Jon ScourfieldAssistant Headteacher
Mr Jon Scourfield is an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Behaviour and Character, and he is also part of the safeguarding team. He has worked at Sheldon since 2004 and focuses on ensuring students feel safe and supported, with a particular emphasis on Year 11 preparation. He teaches Business at GCSE and Economics at A Level.
- Mr John RumbleAssistant Headteacher
Mr John Rumble is an Assistant Headteacher, the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and the Senior Lead on Mental Health. A former student of Sheldon School, he has held various leadership roles across pastoral, subject, and senior management in several schools since 1998. He is responsible for student safety, attendance, and overseeing the lunchtime supervision team.
- Mr Eugene SpiersHead of Sixth Form
Mr Eugene Spiers is the Head of Sixth Form at Sheldon School. He has extensive leadership experience, having previously served as an Assistant Headteacher at Oldfield School and holding various leadership responsibilities at The John of Gaunt School. He has a background in Social Science and has taught post-16 students throughout his career.