Sheriff Meets Sheriff: A Visit to Bletchingdon School

I had the enormous pleasure of visiting the children of Bletchingdon School this week—and what a thought-provoking and joyful visit it was. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted not only by beaming smiles but also by Merlin, the school’s beautiful assistance dog, who made it quite clear that I was most welcome!

The children are currently preparing for their school play—an updated version of Robin Hood. So, as you might expect, there were plenty of very pointed questions about Sheriffs and tax collecting! I did my best to reassure them that modern High Sheriffs are a rather different breed from the villainous figures of legend. That said, I rather suspect some of them will still be cheering for Robin...

In keeping with my theme for the year—Hearing the Young Unheard—I asked the children to share their ideas for making Oxfordshire a greener, fairer, healthier, and more connected place to grow up. And my goodness, did they rise to the challenge. Their ideas were imaginative, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in kindness and care for the world around them.

Among their suggestions were:
🌱 More bins and composters
🐝 More flowers for bees
🏫 Making schools more accessible for young people with disabilities
⚡ More electric cars and renewable energy
🧑‍🌾 Less meat farming
🌳 No chopping down of trees
🏡 Building more houses out of stone
♻️ Greater emphasis on recycling, reusing, repairing, and reducing
🎉 Healthy food festivals and greener community days
🗳️ Finding fairer ways to select High Sheriffs—perhaps through an election!
💡 Turning off the lights when you’re not using them (I wonder if that happens at home?)
💚 Helping rough sleepers
🌍 Giving young people the chance to start their own charities and lead change

One table of children even engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the difference between equality and equity—clearly, Bletchingdon is nurturing not only kind hearts but sharp minds.

A huge thank you to Mrs Walker and all the children for their warm welcome and brilliant contributions. You’ve given me plenty to think about—and perhaps a few things to take back to grown-up decision-makers across Oxfordshire.