16 Abingdon Prep • April 2026 Abingdon Prep News is the newsletter of Abingdon Preparatory School, Josca’s House, Kingston Road, Oxford OX13 5NX Tel: 01865 391570 www.abingdon.org.uk/prep Editor: Annabel Gaskell Abingdon School is a company limited by guarantee Registered in England and Wales Company No. 3625063. Registered Office: Abingdon School, Park Road, Abingdon, OX14 1DE Registered Charity No. 1071298 FAREWELLS Linda Gaskell It is with great sadness but immense gratitude that we bid farewell to Linda Gaskell after thirteen years of loyal service at APS. During this time, Linda has worn a multitude of hats and introduced countless new initiatives with the common goal of wanting to provide the very best education for the children within her care. Starting as the Reception teacher and EYFS lead, Linda was soon appointed Head of Pre-Prep and then took on the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead. Looking around the school now, it is clear to see the impact of Linda’s influence in so many areas of school life. Providing pupils in Pre-Prep with the very best physical environment, Linda developed the main playground, the Reception outdoor classroom and play area, Forest School areas, the use of the mound at the front of the school and the courtyard. Wherever there was a space, Linda saw a learning and development opportunity for pupils and led each project with characteristic energy and drive. She developed the curriculum in Early Years and across Pre-Prep to broaden the range of pupil experiences through the enrichment programme, trips and visits. The courtyard would be awash with scarecrows or pumpkins and the hall full of grandparents enjoying multi-generational games while Fern Skidmore Fern joined Year 3 in September and instantly stood out with her calm and warm manner with the children. She has been a real asset to the school, showing kindness and full commitment to all the pupils in her class. While we are sorry to see her leave so soon, we are delighted for her as she and her husband Josh prepare to welcome a baby boy. We wish Fern all the very best for her future and this exciting new chapter of motherhood. Barney Church We said goodbye to Barney Church just after half-term as he was about to embark on his travels to South America. Barney joined us from Abingdon School as a Gappie in September 2025 and he was a great addition to the staff room. We are grateful for all his hard work in all areas of the school and we wish him well on his travels. Reuben Parsons Our thanks also go to Reuben who returns to complete his studies, after filling the ‘gap’ after half term. visits from the Troll in the Three Billy Goats Gruff helped to bring the curriculum to life. As a safeguarding lead, Linda’s knowledge was exceptional and, over the years, she embedded a strong culture of safeguarding across the school, supporting pupils, parents and staff when needed. Always available as a listening ear, her wise advice, calm approach and kindness were evident to all. Linda’s positive impact on so many pupils and families over the years is undoubted and her contributions to the Leadership Team of the school are fully appreciated. As she steps away from APS to focus on health and family, we thank her greatly for her varied and very full contributions to the school and recognise her as someone who worked hard, got involved and, above all, showed great kindness.
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