John Walton retires after successful achievement as Founding Principal of Oasis Academy Enfield

It is with a real sense of sadness that Oasis Community Learning announce that John Walton, will retire from his post as Principal of Oasis Academy Enfield, at the end of the summer term this year.  

Oasis wish to thank Mr Walton for the sheer depth and quality of his leadership over the last four years, not only in setting up Oasis Academy Enfield but in working tirelessly to implement the culture of high attendance and discipline, which has been central to creating an environment where each of our students is encouraged and enabled to achieve their very best. 

Oasis Academy Enfield was the first Academy that Oasis Community Learning sponsored, opening for Year 7’s in September 2007. As an entirely new school, the Academy has steadily grown each year, and now has students in Year 7, 8 and 9. It is extremely popular and, once again, has a waiting list for student places this coming September.

Throughout his tenure, Mr Walton has seen the Academy grow from idea, to a thriving Academy community in a brand new, purpose-built building with state-of-the-art facilities. Student discipline is excellent and students are firmly engaged both in learning and in activities in the local community. The school is over-subscribed again for this coming September, which is a testimony to the outstanding leadership provided by John Walton.

Plans are already in process to find Mr Walton’s successor, who will also oversee the expansion of the Academy to include a Sixth Form. In the meantime Oasis’ central Education Team is working with the Academy Leadership Team to ensure that it continues to go from strength to strength and to generate excellent learning opportunities for all in the local area.

Steve Chalke, Founder and CEO of Oasis Community Learning said, “We would like to thank John for all his hard work and huge contribution in pioneering Oasis Academy Enfield. His passion and tireless commitment to see the Academy succeed has never faltered and we are extremely grateful to him.  

“John has been with us since the beginning and has worked tirelessly to establish a flagship Academy for all in the world of Education. He has laid a very strong foundation on which the Academy can build to even greater heights. In short, John is an inspirational man for whom I have huge respect, and whose impact and leadership will be sadly missed, not only within the Academy itself but across the whole community of Enfield and far beyond. 

“However, I am very pleased that John is keen to continue to serve within the wider family of Oasis and, with his wife Mary, will be helping to support our global work in Africa.”

Mr Walton said, “My thanks go to all on the excellent staff team, as well as our students and wider community for making my time at Oasis Academy Enfield so rewarding. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this community and wish everyone the very best for their future.  I will always take an eager interest in the Academy’s future success.”