AS A school, Tyndale Community School is only as old as its youngest pupils, yet it has already integrated itself as a valued part of the Cowley community.

For decades its building served as a sports and social club, frequented by friends who would dance around its ballroom or enjoy a drink in the bar.

The former Lord Nuffield Club reopened as a community school in 2013 – Oxford’s first free school, run by Chapel Street Community Schools Trust.

Headteacher Matthew Watt said the 263-pupil school, which has a Christian ethos, upholds two key values: creativity and responsibility.

He said: “We have all faiths represented and we are a very welcoming school. Understanding culture is really important to us.

“Our vision is to see children grow up and become great citizens, who give a positive contribution to the world around them.

“Grace, love and fellowship motivate everything we do.”

The school follows a project-based approach to learning, which encourages pupils to explore real-world problems.

Mr Watt said: “We have a holistic approach to the spiritual, mental and physical, and children are overcoming challenges early in life.

“If you don’t build resilience, they are really going to struggle later in life. We look at developing children who are leaders and communicate effectively, who collaborate well and have compassion and understanding.

“Our SATs results are constantly improving year on year, which is great, but it’s not just about grades.”

The school is partnered with Oxford Community Church, based in Osney Mead.

Pupils have also taken part in projects to help the homeless, as well as military amputees, as part of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games Foundation.

Mr Watt said: “As a new school we were able to grow our ethos and culture from the ground-up.

“It’s not just about the National Curriculum, it’s about how we are going to benefit society.

“A real motivation for me is that every child gets a good education and a good start in life for their future.”

Pupils come from Cowley, Headington, Blackbird Leys, Barton, Risinghurst and Rose Hill. The school, in William Morris Close, will teach 420 pupils, when it hits full capacity.