Our School
Oliver Tomkins Nursery Infant and Junior School is a Church of England Voluntary Aided School with Swindon Local Education Authority and the Diocese of Bristol.
It takes its name from Bishop Oliver Tomkins who officially opened the building in 1980. Bishop Oliver Tomkins and the Diocese of Bristol Educational Committee, promoted the building of Oliver Tomkins Schools in West Swindon. To learn more about the life of Bishop Oliver Tomkins click on the Oliver Tomkins page.
They felt that the position of Oliver Tomkins Schools in West Swindon would enable it to play a key role in the life of the community as a school firmly rooted in a Christian ethos.
The school caters for children from 3 – 11 years.
The building, which opened in January 1980, is of modern design built around a very pleasant courtyard and set in extensive grounds.
The Nursery class is located within the Foundation Stage unit of the main school.
In September 2003 the Bishop of Bristol officially opened the new classroom extension.

One of our children astutely summarises her understanding of our school vision as ‘we are like a seed that grows into a tree’
Our Vision
Oliver Tomkins is a school where every child is nurtured and cherished as an individual, precious in God’s sight. Christian values are the bedrock of all that occurs in and around school. The Christian vision of the is crystallised in the agreed vision statement, which reads ‘Learning, Growing and exceeding in God’s love’. John 10:10 I have come that they may live life and live it to the full.
Oliver Tomkins School is a place where children can develop as an individual, spiritually and morally and where they are provided with a secure and firm foundation for the choices they will make and the life experiences they will develop as they grow. The school embodies the truth that children learn and grow best in a context of firm principles and values and the staff seek to offer an education and curriculum of the highest quality that takes account of the development, skills and experiences that enrich and develop the whole child.
Mission Statement
Oliver Tomkins School, as part of the Diocese of Bristol, will seek to fulfil the aim of providing educational excellence within a Christian context. It recognises the importance of the community it serves, and seeks to build relationships based on trust and respect.
It will aim to be a place of openness, acceptance and affirmation, where each individual involved in the life of the school is recognised as a unique and valuable part of God’s creation.
It will strive to be a place where Christian priorities and values inform every subject in the curriculum and are reflected in the day to day life of the school.
It will seek to be a school where Religious Education and Christian worship are conducted relevantly and meaningfully; where Christianity is taught as being true.
Aims of Oliver Tomkins CE VA School
- To provide a stimulating environment in which children are given the opportunity to develop fully their spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social potential. To create a framework of love, security, trust and respect which comes from a school community committed to Christian teaching
- To enable children to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding appropriate to an ever-changing world
- To value achievement and aspiration, recognising success at each level of development
- To promote a love of learning and an enquiring mind
- To give each child a sense of their own worth and a respect for others, enabling them to live together in society
- To establish a safe and fun learning environment of which children, staff and parents can be proud
- To encourage a strong partnership between the school, parents, governors, churches and the local community