A NEW principal has vowed to bring ‘a new culture’ to Wynstones School after it closed down in the wake of a damning Ofsted report last year.

Paul Hougham took the helm at the Steiner Waldorf school in Whaddon in March 2020, two months after Ofsted found “fundamental failings” had put children “at risk of harm”.

Mr Hougham set about “completely clearing the decks and resetting safeguarding and governance policies and practice”.

As part of this overhaul, he appointed a new management team and board of trustees, and replaced all but two of its 64 staff.

The school is reopening in September and applications are now being taken for new pupils.

At first, it will be welcoming kindergarten, primary and first year secondary students, with small class sizes of up to 21 pupils.

Mr Hougham, who is both a state and Steiner Waldorf-trained teacher, said: “Wynstones’ teaching will remain founded on Rudolf Steiner’s insights on the importance of educating the whole child, centred on children’s development and needs.

“However, Steiner’s approach inspires, but does not constrain us.”

He said that the Wynstones team are aiming “to shape rounded, free-thinking, open and resilient people who make a valuable contribution to their communities and the world.”

Mr Hougham now has his sights set on an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating within seven years.

“We see no contradiction between a Steiner Waldorf education and an outstanding Ofsted rating - we aim to achieve that rating within seven years.”