23/06/2026
WOODHALL: SOUTH OXHEY’S SMALLEST SCHOOL!
I would like to reassure our wonderful Woodhall Family that (despite the ever-present Facebook rumours) our lovely little school is NOT closing!
Instead, I am delighted to share some very exciting news. Woodhall has now officially been designated as a SMALL SCHOOL (a bit like a village school), and with that comes so many wonderful benefits for our children. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work of our staff, the wonderful children we teach and the loyal support of our families.
A smaller school means we are able to know every child as an individual, providing personalised learning, tailored support and plenty of encouragement. Our children benefit from strong relationships with staff, positive friendships across year groups, a real sense of belonging and security, and the warm family atmosphere that makes Woodhall such a special place to be.
We are also pleased to say that being a small school means that we are now FULL in every year group except Early Years (meaning that we only have places available to children in Nursery or Reception unless children in other year groups leave or there are extenuating circumstances).
As we continue our journey as a small school, we may need to adapt some aspects of school life to better reflect our size. This could include reviewing arrangements such as house groups and other organisational structures. Whatever changes we make, there is one thing that will never change: the children will remain at the heart of every decision we take.
While being a small school brings many advantages, it also brings some challenges. Like all schools, our funding is based on pupil numbers, so it is more important than ever that we work together as a community to provide the very best opportunities for our children.
This is where we need your help!
We are planning a Car Boot Sale/Fun Day on Saturday 26th July and would love as many families as possible to get involved. Whether you can spare half an hour or a whole morning, every bit of support makes a difference. We are looking for volunteers to:
• Deliver flyers around the local area
• Display posters in local shops, community venues and workplaces
• Run a stall on the day
• Spread the word to friends, family and neighbours
These events are not only great fundraisers but also a wonderful way to celebrate our school community. We currently do not have a consistent group of volunteers supporting fundraising, so if you've ever thought about getting involved, now is the perfect time! Please get in touch if you can help. The smallest things make the biggest difference!
Woodhall has so much to be proud of, and exciting opportunities lie ahead. By working together—staff, parents, carers and children—we can ensure our school continues to flourish and provide the very best experience for every child.
Thank you for your ongoing support, enthusiasm and commitment to our school. We are so proud to have you as part of the Woodhall family. Small...but mighty!
Thank you everyone,
Michelle Lake
Very Proud Headteacher! 🙂
