Christian Foundation

Headington owes its existence to the forward-thinking of a group of evangelical Christians. In 1915 – a time when few were thinking about the importance of educating girls – they established a new school in Oxford. Their goal was to provide “a sound education for girls to fit them for the demands and opportunities likely to arise after the war”.

These Christian values, which continue to underpin everything we do at Headington, are part of what makes the School so special. Today, the School has a vibrant, international community with girls of all faiths and none. Respect for that cultural and spiritual diversity is something we take very seriously while making sure we reflect the Christian values of our founders.

Our Motto

Fight the good fight of faith

Chaplain

Rev Tom Howell, our School Chaplain, joined Headington in 2012 from Kampala, Uganda, where he lived and worked with the Anglican Church. Rev Howell was ordained at a ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, in summer 2019. A key member of our pastoral team, Rev Howell, who also teaches Biology, takes the lead on spiritual aspects of life at Headington as well as being on hand to provide support, advice or a listening ear for all girls.

We celebrate our faith in a number of ways:

• Weekly prayers (assembly) for girls and staff
• A weekly Sunday Service for boarders
• An annual Carol Concert at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
• Parent and staff prayer meetings twice a term
• A Chapel Room which offers a calm and quiet space for reflection and prayer
• Classes for girls preparing for, or considering, receiving Confirmation in the Church of England
• Explore, a forum for religious and philosophical debate which provides the opportunity for girls to consider some of life’s deeper questions in an informal, open and friendly environment