Dr Robert Whannel

I have worked at The Cooper School since September 2011 and have been Headteacher since January 2021.

Originally from Scotland, I moved to Oxfordshire as a student and have made my family home here. Whilst studying for my doctorate in chemistry, I found that the teaching aspects were more rewarding and exciting for me and upon completion of my research I became a secondary science teacher. I've worked in Oxfordshire comprehensive schools ever since as I feel deeply committed to the ideals of inclusive, comprehensive education.

At The Cooper School our motto is Dream Big, Work Hard, Be Kind. We're committed to a relational approach, where we seek to understand every student and create a safe place for them to grow both academically and socially. We have high aspirations for every child, no matter their previous experience and we seek to provide a broad and enriching curriculum.

We're very glad to be joining Acer Trust as of January 2024. The work that we've already completed with Acer Trust has shown an organisation that is genuinely child-centred and collaborative and I'm excited for what further developments we will make to allow the children across all of our schools to flourish.