The power of giving
Philanthropy has been a cornerstone of Oundle since William Laxton left a gift in his will to establish the School back in 1556. More than four centuries on, the generosity of our supporters remains a vital force behind Oundle’s continued success and ambition.
We are committed to providing a transformative education for our pupils, expanding our bursary funds to meet a target of 10% of fee income to support future generations. This target is expected to rise to 11% to help support those for whom the imposition of VAT has put the cost of an Oundle education out of reach for the first time.
While bursaries remain a core focus, we are also the fortunate custodians of an historic estate, which requires thoughtful stewardship. Project 24 is our ambitious ten-year plan to maintain our standing among the UK’s leading co-educational boarding schools. We now have a once-in-ageneration opportunity to enhance our estate through the addition of a new boarding house. Named in honour of the former Headmaster who successfully introduced co-education to Oundle 35 years ago, McMurray House will bring girls’ boarding into the heart of Oundle.
The School has long been recognised for its spirit of educational innovation. As we look ahead, we are determined to build on this, offering a world-class education that is both academically rigorous and deeply enriching. Our goal is to deliver the very best of 21st-century boarding and day education, while safeguarding the School’s future for generations of Oundelians to come.
Your support ensures that Oundle continues to thrive and that every pupil can make the most of the opportunities an Oundle education offers. Thank you for being part of our story, and theirs.
Sarah Kerr-Dineen Head of Oundle School 2015-2025
2023-24 in numbers
OUR DONORS
£2,694,646
UNIQUE DONORS:
196 PERCENTAGE OF PUPILS SUPPORTED: 14%
Futures £1,583,803
FUNDING FUTURES SUPPORT: OUR BURSARY FUND (across Oundle)
No. of pupils 164
BEYOND OUNDLE
88% achieved a grade of A*- B at A Level.
Top university destinations: Durham, Bristol, Newcastle, UCL and Oxford.
Top degree subjects: Business, Engineering, Medicine, Geography and Economics.
The Oundle School Foundation
At Oundle, we are committed to providing every pupil with the opportunity to excel. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are able to offer crucial support for bursaries, enhance our School facilities, and invest in the future of our pupils.
Since 2014, The Oundle School Foundation has raised more than £6 million in support of bursaries.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us to continue providing a transformative education to pupils at Oundle. Your support has helped shape the lives of our pupils, giving them the opportunity to succeed.
Our Fundraising Focus:
Funding Futures: Our bursaries fund, which provides access to Oundle School for talented pupils who may not otherwise have the means to attend.
McMurray House: A state-of-the-art new girls’ boarding house that enhances our campus and offers a welcoming space for future generations.
Area of Greatest Need: Contributions that allow us to address areas of immediate importance for the School.
Social Impact Fund: Supporting initiatives that have a positive effect on the broader community and beyond.
Your generosity makes a world of difference, ensuring that Oundle continues to provide exceptional opportunities for all of our pupils.
Funding Futures
Your generous donations currently support more than 160 pupils on a bursary at Oundle. These bursaries are vital in enabling us to offer children who may not otherwise have access to an education at Oundle the support needed to not only attend, but to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them whilst they are here.
Foundations for success
Our Bursary Fund enables talented pupils, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, to benefit from an Oundle education. Josephine attended Oundle on a bursary, before studying at Oxford University. She currently works in finance.
At the time, my goal was simple: to take more than the four GCSEs offered at my previous school, aiming for 10+ and ultimately to attend Oxford or Cambridge University and pursue a career in finance.
I knew that I wanted to go to a leading private school, however it was my parents who led the search, focusing on environment, pastoral care, and the importance of music alongside academics, something that was important to them.
Living near Oundle, we also considered schools such as Uppingham, Oakham, and Rugby, but having enjoyed my visit to the School and meeting the pupils it was my choice to go to Oundle. I also liked the culottes!
I was very fortunate to have also been offered a bursary.
After leaving, I completed my undergraduate and master’s degrees at Oriel College, Oxford, and went on to a 15-year career at HSBC, working in
London and Sydney, before becoming Managing Director for Real Estate Finance, Asia Pacific, based in Hong Kong. I now lead JMJ Partners in London, offering financial advisory services, with a focus on operational real estate, and health and social care investment.
Whilst my career ambitions did not change, Oundle gradually shaped and refined my ability to achieve those ambitions whilst establishing connections which are still strong today.
Funding Futures: Josephine Jones (K 00)
Funding Futures: Cameron Lennon (L 20)
Shaping futures
John Adams (S 48) was a generous contributor to the School’s scholarship funds. In recognition of his support a bursary was established in his honour, which continues to support pupils today. Cameron was a recipient of a John Adams Scholarship during his time at Oundle.
I went to a state primary school and my Year 6 teacher suggested to my parents that we should consider applying to a private school. Oundle looked like Hogwarts, but also it had much better facilities than all of the other schools we had looked at and the teachers seemed friendly and approachable.
I had always wanted to be an engineer of some sort and whilst I changed my mind several times about what type of engineer I wanted to be, Oundle allowed me to leave with a place on a Computer Science course at UEA.
Oundle gave me a more rounded set of skills including people skills, critical thinking and an excellent work ethic which all helped me set up my own business after leaving. Once I got to University, I found out I have ADHD and
‘dyslexic tendencies’, and my support tutor said that the reason I hadn’t noticed before was probably because of the level of support teachers provided at Oundle.
Oundle has definitely given me the work ethic needed to start my own business less than five years after leaving. When we first opened, I often had to work seven days a week which is only really one day more than Saturday school.
One day I would like to give back to Oundle. The facilities it funds really do make a difference and are not taken for granted.
Funding Futures: Mirabel Agyemang (N 24)
A place to flourish
Thanks to the support of the Bursary Fund, Mirabel was able to fully engage with all the School had to offer and served as Head of School in her final year. She is currently studying Medicine at University College London (UCL).
I first heard about Oundle from my old headmaster who showered the School with praise and thought it was the perfect fit for me. At the time, I lacked clear career ambitions but knew I wanted to be successful. Though initially hesitant, my leap of faith in Oundle has been one I will never regret.
I arrived as a very timid person and I struggled with imposter syndrome, especially being one of the few black pupils in a predominantly white school. However, after the first week I saw Oundle for more than just my preconceptions and as a safe place that encouraged me to test my strengths. I will forever be grateful to Oundle for pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me realise my true potential.
Oundle’s community and supportive environment allowed me to shed my insecurities, embrace my background, and broaden my worldview.
Through the openness and welcoming nature of friends, I was able to overcome the feelings of shame I had about my background.
I am currently studying medicine at UCL where I have been awarded two scholarships. As well as representing UCL in netball, I am also an academic tutor and interpersonal mentor at Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy.
The support network and limitless environment created by Oundle has been instrumental to my personal growth.
“I remain hugely indebted to the wonderful gift of a bursary that I was offered. I firmly believe that without it, I would not have had such significant opportunities in my life. Knowing how privileged I was, has directed my own career, and I now teach to help young people understand how to make the most of all the opportunities they are given.”
Funding Futures: Gayle Marshall, nee Russell (L 05)
Nurturing academic foundations
Gayle received a bursary at Oundle during her final years at the School. She is now an Assistant Head teacher, inspiring the next generation.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in a caring profession and pursue my passion for literature and humanities. My parents found Oundle by chance when my dad transferred to England from Scotland for work and stumbled upon the School while exploring the area. He brought my mum to visit, and they quickly decided to settle in Oundle.
I was awarded a bursary for my final years at Oundle, which was a great help for my family during a difficult time. I am deeply grateful for this support, as it allowed me to fully immerse myself in School life – a place I truly loved. The academic foundation I received from exceptional teachers paved the way for my success at university and in my career. I still draw on my A-Level Religious Studies work in my teaching today.
The extracurricular opportunities at Oundle were equally impactful. My involvement in sport, particularly netball, shaped my life long after
leaving school, and I know the coaching I received was pivotal to my success. Oundle’s dynamic School life and the inspiration I drew from my teachers ultimately led me to pursue a career in education. I wanted to inspire and guide the next generation, just as my teachers had done for me.
One of my most treasured outcomes from Oundle is my enduring friendship group. My bridesmaids were all friends I met at School, and they are now godparents to my children. We remain incredibly close, and I feel fortunate to have such lasting friendships. The network Oundle provides has been invaluable throughout my career, with connections always emerging, no matter where I am.
I am now Assistant Head at Wetherby Prep in London, with responsibility for guiding our families and pupils in their senior school choices. I was thrilled when one of my pupils joined Oundle last year and is thriving there.
The Dudgeon Venture Award
The Dudgeon Venture Award, Oundle’s oldest and most prestigious accolade, is named in honour of Patrick Dudgeon (St A 38), who was captured and executed by the Germans during the Second World War. This award supports pupils undertaking physically demanding and adventurous expeditions. John Richardson was fortunate enough to receive this life-changing award not once, but twice.
I was an 11+ exam failure in January 1956 and at Northampton Technical High School with a predicted career goal of an apprenticeship with the Express Lift Company. I took a special entrance examination at Oundle and joined the Berrystead. Five years later I entered Clare College Cambridge. I attribute my success in part to the Dudgeon Venture Award.
My first award, in 1960, funded an expedition initiated by Humphrey Mather, where we retraced the retreat of Sir John Moore’s army across Northern Spain to Corunna in 1809. The second award in 1961 supported two expeditions I organised to uninhabited Scottish islands for biological surveys. These experiences led to further expeditions, both as a leader and a doctor.
The skills I developed through leading scientific expeditions played a pivotal role in
my acceptance to Cambridge to read Natural Sciences. My last service appointment was as the Defence Professor of Primary Care and General Practice. In retirement, I worked as an international tour leader, guide, and lecturer, travelling to over 40 countries and visiting 80 more.
Professor & Colonel (Retd) John Richardson (St A 61)
Kate Mitchell (L 24)
The Brian Booth Fund
Kate Mitchell is the first recipient of a grant from the Brian Booth Fund, established through a gift in his widow, Anne’s, will. The Fund supports OOs in undertaking expeditions or fieldwork with a serious scientific purpose, particularly those contributing to conservation and species preservation.
In July and August 2024, I volunteered at a turtle sanctuary in Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. Each day, I worked at one of two sanctuaries, where I cleaned tanks, collected ocean water, and treated baby turtles’ infections.
At the smaller sanctuary, I cared for around ten adult turtles and 100 baby turtles, primarily green and Olive Ridley species. The larger sanctuary housed numerous turtles, including hawksbill, loggerhead, and green turtles. One highlight was carrying a 25kg hawksbill named Banana, despite her powerful flippers.
Other tasks included beach cleans, refilling tanks, and preparing food for the turtles. The sanctuaries, though limited in resources, worked hard to protect and care for injured turtles.
I am deeply grateful to Brian Booth and his family for the opportunity this fund provided. It allowed me to gain hands-on experience in marine conservation, explore a new country, and make lifelong memories and connections. I hope to return one day and contribute to improving turtle sanctuary operations and educating tourists on supporting conservation efforts.
Social Impact Fund
Over the years, Oundle has worked to impact positively young people in our local community through a range of educational initiatives.
These not only provide valuable academic development for talented local children but have also made Oundle a valuable partner for a wide range of supporters.
The STEM Potential Programme, in partnership with Imperial College London, supports pupils in the state school sector from Fourth Form to Upper Sixth and has helped pupils secure offers from prestigious universities. Our annual STEM Festival, held in the first week of July, attracts 3,000 local children each year, inspiring them with the wonders of science in Oundle’s state-ofthe-art facilities.
Oundle is launching a new project, sponsored by the Hg Foundation. The programme supports local children studying GCSE Computer Science and is aimed at improving educational outcomes, increasing participation from girls and underrepresented groups, and supporting teacher development.
Gifts to the Social Impact Fund have enabled a number of projects to date including: Computers for Refugees: This allowed us to purchase and lend laptops to Ukrainian refugees in local schools, allowing them to complete their studies without relying on mobile devices.
Online Maths Tuition: Offers weekly online maths lessons to hundreds of families, encouraging parents and children to engage in the subject and learn together.
Robotic Arms: Funding equipment for our Girls in Engineering events and STEM Potential initiatives, empowering young women in STEM fields.
A lasting legacy
Gifts left to Oundle through the generosity of those that choose to remember the School in their will played an essential role in helping us provide the highest quality of education.
Oundle School was founded on the generosity of Sir William Laxton, Lord Mayor of London and Master of the Worshipful Company of Grocers. Since that time, the continued support of individuals who leave a legacy to the School has provided invaluable support, ensuring Oundle remains at the forefront of modern education.
As a gesture of our gratitude, all those who have chosen to support Oundle with a gift in their will are invited to become members of the William Laxton Society. Members enjoy exclusive events, updates on the latest developments at Oundle School, and insights into how their legacy is shaping the future of the School and its pupils.
The tax benefits of a legacy gift to a charity are considerable and including a pledge in your will is straightforward, whether you are making a will for the first time or updating an existing one.
For more information about supporting Oundle with a gift in your will or to inform us of your intentions, please scan the QR code or visit www.oundleschool.org.uk/society/ making-a-donation
or contact Isy Paton at oundlesociety@oundleschool.org.uk
Our heartfelt thanks
It is a privilege to have the opportunity to meet and work with supporters who are so motivated to making a tangible difference to the lives of our pupils. The gift of an exceptional education is truly a gift for life and every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact.
We are committed to providing every pupil with the opportunity to excel. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are able to provide vital bursary support, enhance our facilities, and invest in the future of our pupils.
Since 2014, the Oundle School Foundation has raised over £6m to support bursaries at the School, and on behalf of the hundreds of children who have benefitted, we would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who makes this possible.
Every gift helps us to continue providing a transformative education to pupils, shaping their lives and giving them the opportunity to succeed.
Thank you for being part of our community and for contributing to the future of Oundle School.
Rebecca Baxter, Director of Development Oundle Society & OO Club
“I have been very happy to support Oundle for over 20 years now. Not only did the School furnish me with S Level French and German but it equipped me with the background and character to triumph over the various vicissitudes of a long life, 30 years of which were spent engaging in financial trench warfare in the City.
“Such a superb foundation for life has been my motivation for reciprocation in the form of financial support over the years.”
Harry Williamson (St A 55)
Oundle Society, The Stables, Cobthorne, West Street, Oundle, PE8 4EF
Registered charity number 1075698
