OUR PHILOSOPHY
A DM I SSIONS I N FOR M AT ION 2023 - 2024
OUNDLE SCHOOL
O U R P H I L O S O P H Y | A D M I S S I O N S I N F O R M A T I O N 2023/24
CONTENTS OUR PHILOSOPH Y 5
WELCOME
7
OUR VALUES
8
OUR VISION
19
10
PUPIL WELFARE AND CONDUCT
11
ACADEMIC STUDY
12
PASTORAL CARE
13
THE CO - CURRICULUM
14
PARTNERSHIPS AND OUTREACH
17
ADMISSIONS
18
THE WIDER SCHOOL
OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES P R O J E C T 24
21
R E M A I N I N G T R U E T O W H A T W E VA L U E
22
STRENGTHENING OUR COMMITMENT T O B OA R D I N G
24
E N H A N C I N G O U R B O A R D I N G A N D DAY P R O V I S I O N A T 11+
25
M O D E R N I S I N G O U R O F F E R F O R DAY C H I L D R E N 4 – 18 ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
27
OUNDLE IN FIGURES
28
KEY STAFF
30
ENQUIRIES AND VISITS
32
ENTRANCE PROCEDURES
34
OUR HOUSES
35
SCHOLARSHIPS
36
FEES
37
BURSARIES
38
NEXT STEPS 3
OUNDLE SCHOOL
OUR PHILOSOPHY
4
OUR PHILOSOPHY
WELCOME
OUR PUPILS SHOU LD ALWAYS RECOGNISE THERE IS A WORLD BEYOND OUNDLE.”
O
undle School has long been associated with the very best of modern independent education, especially boarding education. The individual child is central to our vision. We are fortunate in our location at the heart of a beautiful market town, not least because for over 450 years the School and town have been part of the same community. Our pupils take their place within this community, not isolated from it.
The challenges our pupils will face in the world beyond School will require of them adaptability and emotional intelligence, as well as the best academic qualifications of which they are capable. We take seriously our responsibility to our pupils so that they can emerge as decent, open-minded adults: ambitious about what they can go on to achieve and contribute, but never arrogant. I hope sincerely that you will be inspired by our philosophy to visit us in person.
Sarah Kerr-Dineen Head of Oundle School 5
OUNDLE SCHOOL
6
OUR PHILOSOPHY
O U R VA L U E S At the heart of the School’s Strategic Plan lie the five things we value most: P U PI LS
STA F F
OP PORT U N I T I ES
COM M U N I T I ES
P
upils are at the heart of what we value and central to every decision made. We value the staff who contribute to the lives of our pupils in whatever capacity. We value the opportunities that the School makes available both to pupils and to staff, as well as the various communities of which we form part, not least former pupils and parents. We also recognise the value of seeking the highest quality in all that we do. These values not only underpin every development and initiative but serve to ensure an unwavering focus on delivering a distinctive and outstanding education that prepares children for their adult lives.
QUALI T Y
7
OUNDLE SCHOOL
OUR VISION
P U PI L W EL FA R E A N D CON DUC T
8
AC ADE M IC ST U DY
PA RT N E R SH I P S A N D OU T R E AC H
PA STOR AL C A R E
ADM ISSIONS
THE CO -C U R R IC U LU M
T H E W I DE R SC HO OL
OUR PHILOSOPHY
T
he education we provide aims to develop in our pupils the skills, attitudes and habits of mind that will sustain them throughout a long life, enabling them to flourish both at School and beyond. This vision informs every element of Oundle School’s leadership and practice. Our criteria for success are not limited to what happens at School: we wish to support the intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional and social growth of our pupils, so that they may become happy, balanced contributors to society. We have a responsibility to ensure that every single member of the School community takes both individual and collective action towards environmental sustainability. We encourage aspiration and abhor arrogance, nurturing open minds, authentic self-belief and a sense of service. We believe that boarding offers the best environment within which to realise these educational ambitions, with day pupils involved fully in the breadth offered by such an education. We also believe in the intrinsic value of partnership and outreach to the various communities of which we form part.
THE SCHOOL’S AIM TO DEVELOP PUPILS INTO GLOBAL CONT R I BU TOR S W HO U NDER STAND THEIR PLACE IN THE WORLD IS VERY SUCCESSFU LLY ACHIEVED.” Independent Schools Inspectorate Report, June 2021
9
OUNDLE SCHOOL
P U P I L W E L FA R E AND CONDUCT
OU NDLE IS A VERY SPECI AL PLACE, NOT J UST BECAUSE IT’S A FANTASTIC SCHOOL BU T BECAUSE IT’S SUCH A GREAT TOW N AS WELL. THE FACT TH AT THE SCHOOL IS SO U NIQUELY INTEGR ATED W ITH THE TOW N IS A REALLY POSITI VE INFLUENCE.” Sam Head of School 2023 - 24
P
romoting and safeguarding our pupils’ welfare is essential as we seek to empower them to thrive and to flourish, finding personal fulfilment through the various strands of their lives at School. We seek to support the development of resilience and self-esteem through their participation in a varied programme of enriching activities, celebrating diversity and encouraging individualism. We place great emphasis on the Oundle Code, which confirms our aspirations for a School characterised by strong values of mutual respect, wholehearted engagement, understated courtesy, considerate behaviour, and above all a cohesiveness which is inclusive of the Oundle town community, to which the School owes so much, living as it does at its heart. 10
Listening to our pupils and responding to their views enables our relationship to be open and trusting, and the pupils to become their own people in a school which looks beyond the boundaries of its own world. We want Oundelians to be confident, well rounded, fundamentally decent human beings: all aspects of our programme are underpinned by this ethos. An annual pupil survey and a pupil forum run entirely by the Heads of School ensures that pupil voice is heard and valued.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
AC A DE M IC STUDY
O
undle has long shown itself to be open to innovation and change, combining a strong and traditional educational model with new disciplines, techniques and facilities. The School’s ability and willingness to develop its delivery of an academic curriculum has been the defining measure of its success. The firm academic foundation that the School has built allows us to adopt and develop new approaches in pedagogy and technology. We aim to promote scholarship and research, and, in time, to position the School as a global leader of education. AVER AGE CL A SS SIZES GCSE:
18
Maximum 24
A Level:
10-12 Maximum 14
2023 E X A M I N AT I O N R E S U LT S GCSE/IGCSE
A Level
9-7
A*/A
Our pupil-centred curriculum nurtures Oundelians’ natural curiosity and ability, affording them the necessary time, resources and expertise to ensure each and every pupil is immersed in creative and productive work across its breadth. Academic excellence is acknowledged, pursued and rewarded at every opportunity, be that in the classroom, in our thriving academic societies or in intellectual endeavours beyond the confines of the School. Our curriculum is further supported by, and continually enhanced through, our inspirational teaching staff, investment in modern classrooms and technologies, the refinement of agile academic structures and the creation of unique learning opportunities for our communities both within and beyond Oundle. This approach instils a love of scholarship – a Life of Learning – in all our pupils and staff, helping forge an intellectually curious community that collectively seeks to understand better, and ultimately improve, the complex world we inhabit.
8
timetabled languages
28 A Level options
25
GCSE/IGCSE subject options
40+ academic societies
74% 63% 11
OUNDLE SCHOOL
PA S T O R A L C A R E
W
e recognise that the journey through adolescence is seldom straightforward. An important part of our educational responsibility is therefore to enable our pupils to celebrate their growing maturity, as well as to come to terms with personal challenge. We want every pupil at Oundle to know that they are cared for. They should feel that they are listened to and that we are all working together with their parents or guardians towards a common goal, which is for them to thrive. All staff have a role to play in the pastoral care of the pupils. The House system lies at the heart of our pastoral care. The Housemaster or Housemistress (Hsm) oversees the whole House and, along with the Deputy Hsm, Matron and Tutor team, ensures that the pupils have a supportive and nurturing environment in which to grow up. A vertical Tutor system within each House enables the Tutors to know their tutees well, to operate meaningfully as the principal point of contact for parents and school staff, and to enable their charges to 12
navigate a successful path through their time at Oundle, both Tutor and tutee being supported and guided by the Hsm. The third element of the tripod of care for each pupil is, of course, their parents or guardians; prompt and open communication is therefore highly prized. An important part of Oundle’s vision for the pastoral care of children is the Learning for Life programme. This aims to provide pupils with the resources and opportunity to have informed discussions about the issues which concern them as they grow towards adulthood. Information is shared with parents through the programme to enable them to support their children throughout adolescence. The direct and regular involvement of the Chaplaincy, the Health Centre and the Emotional Wellbeing team in pastoral decisions signals the breadth of care provided. We believe that pastorally, a School is only as big as its smallest unit of care. At Oundle, every pupil is part of a House-based Tutor group which usually consists of around eight to ten tutees.
OU NDLE TAUGHT ME TO CH ALLENGE THE STAT US QUO AND ALWAYS BE INQUISITI VE.” Sophie McGregor Old Oundelian 2009
OUR PHILOSOPHY
T H E C O -C U R R IC U LU M
T
he co-curriculum is vital to the achievement of our broad educational vision as a School, and for this reason all pupils and all staff are involved in the teaching and learning opportunities it offers. Its span is broad, including Sport, Drama and Music as well as many opportunities for creativity, service and leadership. We seek to provide a broad range of enriching opportunities that foster growth, responsibility, tough-mindedness and excellence. Growth includes the testing of personal limits, the taking of appropriate risks, the acquiring of skills and the development of aesthetic appreciation. Responsibility includes caring for oneself and others, caring for the natural world, balancing self-interest with community interests, and taking an active part in defining meaningful goals. Toughmindedness includes keeping to a task until finished, honestly evaluating results, rooting out evasion and learning from failure with good cheer. Excellence includes loving high standards, respecting things done well, the courage to take initiative and the aiming at worthy goals.
400+
pupils are actively engaged in CCF on a weekly basis, the largest School CCF in the country.
80+ 200+ 40+ 300+
annual residential trips.
We provide three development strands:
1
LEADERSHIP AND ADVENTURE
2
SERVICE
3
CREATIVITY AND CULTURE We aim to balance guidance with individual flexibility, looking to ensure that there is a structured approach to each pupil having valuable experiences within each strand, whilst also enabling the flexibility for each individual’s innate aptitudes to be appropriately fostered. At the same time, we see the camaraderie engendered by sharing deeply felt experiences and working towards a common purpose as richly life-enhancing. Parents are warmly welcomed to sports matches, music concerts and theatre productions, as well as to a host of other School and House events.
annual day trips.
non-academic societies and clubs.
pupils regularly volunteer as part of Community Action.
13
OUNDLE SCHOOL
PA R T N E R S H I P S A N D OU T R E AC H
W
e are committed to making a social impact beyond our own School and our own pupils as well as learning from our peers across the educational community. In addition we want to ensure that the community in which all our pupils grow up is diverse and socially representative. Our partnerships and outreach programme promotes these twin aims. Oundle seeks to provide its pupils with a balanced view of the world around them, to which we hope they will become the global contributors of the future. We offer our pupils opportunities to meet people from backgrounds different to their own and to be challenged by others of similar ability and interest, through collaboration with a wide range of schools, universities and other organisations. We promote innovative links and breadth of ideas in order to enable our pupils to act with a confidence that comes from understanding. In addition, we seek to make the transformative potential of an Oundle education available to children whose family situation would put this out of reach. We set aside up to 10% of our income each year to provide bursaries, ranging from 10% to 100%+. We have for many years enjoyed a close relationship with Royal SpringBoard to enable access for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who have in turn enriched the School they have joined.
14
OUR PHILOSOPHY
OUR KEY PA R T N E R S H I P S We are proud to partner with Imperial College London and to employ two Imperial College London Outreach Fellows who teach Science both at Oundle and at our partner schools. We value our link with Swansea University, with students and staff from its Engineering department regularly visiting Oundle to share ideas and advise on pupils’ projects in our Patrick Engineering Centre. We are a founding member of the OPEN Learning Partnership which aims to increase opportunity, raise aspirations and allow the sharing of best practice between local schools. We are one of 9 UK hubs for Modern Languages and one of 10 UK hubs for Maths and Physics subject specific teacher training across state and independent schools through SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training). We have a unique formal partnership with the Royal College of Music, hosting termly Masterclasses led by RCM Professors and regular visits from our RCM Fellow.
15
OUNDLE SCHOOL
NO M AT TER W HO YOU ARE OR W H AT YOU DO, THERE W ILL BE PEOPLE HERE W HO ACCEPT YOU.” Alex Dyer Old Oundelian 2022
16
OUR PHILOSOPHY
ADMISSIONS
M
uch of Oundle’s success has been built on a reliable and broad intake of pupils keen to make the most of the extensive educational opportunities available to them. These opportunities extend beyond the academic curriculum and into character education through both the co-curriculum and the fostering of independence that a residential experience offers. Entry Scholarships programmes provide the support for nurturing specific talent and those revealing potential later in their Oundle career can also join these programmes.
For many families aspiring to send their children to a full boarding school, financial help with paying fees will be required. The willingness of Oundle and its communities to provide financial support through a meanstested bursary scheme is instrumental to ensuring that access to the School is widened. For the School, through Admissions, the challenge is to present Oundle openly and with integrity in order to help prospective pupils and their families to find the right school in which to realise their children’s potential.
35+
pupil nationalities
120+
UK feeder schools
1120
pupils aged 11 to 18
810 boarders
310 day pupils
17
OUNDLE SCHOOL
THE WIDER SCHOOL
T
he role of the Bursarial team is to support the vision of both Oundle School and Laxton Junior School. The pupils and their education guide all decisions. We aim to provide a world-class, inspiring environment in which the highest standard of education is delivered, instilling confidence in the School’s community by ensuring value for money and respect for the charitable funds we manage. We make the most of the freedom we have as an independent school. We seek to ensure that the School’s resources are directed in the most efficient and focused way, through thorough planning and coordinated activity. 18
DON’T W R ITE AN Y THING OFF AT THE BEGINNING. T RY A BU NCH OF DIFFERENT THINGS BEFORE YOU DISCOVER W H AT’S R IGHT FOR YOU.” Mirabel Head of School 2023 - 24
Part of our strategy is to manage and develop our financial resources to support the education of children from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible. The Bursary is responsive to the needs of the School, integrated within the School’s planning processes and coordinated in response. We work together to forge a resilient School, able to navigate successfully the contemporary environment for independent schools and to plan thoughtfully for the future. We aim to be an employer of choice, sought out by the talent that can bring the School’s vision to life.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
OU R ST R AT EGIC OBJECTIVES 2016 - 20 26 • Nurture global contributors • Deliver a distinctive and outstanding education that prepares children for their adult lives • Be associated with the very best of 21st century boarding/day education • Be in control of our market • Optimise financial performance. Each year we publish The Review, a report and reflection upon progress against our educational and charitable objectives, including a concise summary of financial expenditure and income generation. This is shared with all Old Oundelians as well as both current and prospective parents, pupils and staff.
19
OUNDLE SCHOOL
P R O J E C T 24
20
P R O J E C T 24
REMAINING T RUE T O W H A T W E VA L U E
P
roject 24 is our vision for securing the long-term security and success of our School. We place the highest value on giving our pupils every possible opportunity to flourish and fundamental to this commitment is the quality of our care, including the physical and pastoral structures that make it possible. Project 24 celebrates our profound belief in co-education and in guiding our children’s development. Project 24 also embraces our core identity as a boarding school and our long-held belief that a full boarding ethos offers the best environment within which to realise our ambitions for all our pupils, giving us the scope and the time to offer unparalleled opportunity that simply is not possible otherwise, from the youngest to the oldest, boarders and day pupils alike.
IT IS OU R ONCE-IN-A GENER ATION OPPORT U NIT Y TO INVEST IN THOSE THINGS TH AT M AT TER MOST TO US AND TO SECU RE THE LONG -TER M SECU R IT Y OF THE SCHOOL WE WANT TO BE.” Sarah Kerr-Dineen Head
We understand that children develop at different rates and stages, with different needs along the way: outstanding teaching, pastoral care and resources are therefore vital.
We understand that children and teenagers value intensely their friendships and being with their friends: boarding gives a unique context in which to grow up happily and securely.
We understand that the 18-year-old leaver cannot be the end-point of any school’s vision: we must support each child to develop the authentic confidence with which to continue to learn and to contribute to society throughout adult life.
We understand the deep satisfaction of academic study and the life of the mind: of reading and discovering, debating and challenging, thinking and reflecting.
We understand the irreplaceable contribution of school life beyond the taught curriculum to a child’s growth and self-belief: our boarding ethos gives all our pupils the breathing space truly to value opportunity. 21
OUNDLE SCHOOL
STRENGTHENING OUR COMMITMENT TO BOA R DI NG As we approach thirty-five years of co-education, a new, purposebuilt girls’ boarding House will be constructed in the centre of Oundle.
A
s a co-educational school with boarding at its heart, it is fitting that girls’ boarding should take its place in the very centre of the town alongside the historic boys’ town Houses. The new boarding House will be constructed on the corner of Drummingwell Lane and Milton Road, the site of the town’s former primary school which was purchased by Oundle School in 2019. The current New House community will move into the purpose-built House and will have the opportunity to shape its design and construction over the coming years. The new building will be a stunning addition to the existing girls’ Houses and will be both designed and constructed with sustainability in mind, contributing towards our carbon zero goal. The current New House and its gardens will be retained to benefit the whole School boarding community in the years ahead.
OU R I DENTIT Y AS A SCHOOL IS DEFINED BY OU R FU LL BOARDING ETHOS AND THE OPPORT UNITIES TH AT THIS OFFER S OU R PUPILS.” Sarah Kerr-Dineen Head
22
P R O J E C T 24
We are introducing a long-term ambitious rolling programme of refurbishment across the whole boarding estate.
W
e are one of the largest boarding schools in the UK and one of the very few schools to offer an authentic full boarding ethos. We must continue to invest in the physical fabric of what makes Oundle special and, while the appeal of our boarding ethos is far greater than infrastructure alone, our boarding accommodation must remain fit for purpose in the 21st century. In building a new boarding House in the heart of Oundle, we have a unique opportunity to retain the existing New House as temporary accommodation, thereby enabling an ambitious rolling programme of refurbishment across the whole boarding estate, House by House.
23
OUNDLE SCHOOL
E N H A NC I NG OU R BOA R DI NG A N D D A Y P R O V I S I O N A T 1 1+ We have developed a graduated approach to boarding at 11+ in order to provide a stepping stone to full boarding at 13+, whilst creating more space in our junior day House.
W
e recognise that while many children at this age love full boarding, others need a little more time to adjust. From September 2023, we will be supplementing full boarding at 11+ with weekly boarding at both 11+ and 12+, alongside an additional 3 day model for at 11+, thus providing a springboard to full boarding at 13+. Supporting this development is a new Head of Junior Boarding Adventures who will lead an extended programme of boarding activities. In our junior day House, additional indoor space now complements the extensive outdoor grounds. This accommodates the increased demand for day places and enables a greater external intake at 11 to join our Laxton Junior School pupils, thereby creating a refreshed social dynamic across the year group. 24
We have created a more distinctive and tailored Oundle experience for our youngest pupils, combining the best of specialist teaching and resources with a new skills-based enrichment programme. In our experience, a six-day week with lessons on Saturdays is exhausting rather than enriching for many eleven-year-olds. All academic lessons for First and Second Formers (Year 7 and 8) now take place on Monday to Friday, taught by specialist senior school subject teachers. Saturday mornings are devoted to Omnia, a skills-based programme unique to Oundle, which is based on academic enrichment and developing character traits.
P R O J E C T 24
MODERNISING OUR OFFER F O R D A Y C H I L D R E N 4 - 18
Laxton House has been remodelled into two discrete senior co-educational day Houses for pupils aged 13 to 18.
W
ith imaginative thinking and building works extending into currently underused space within its grounds, Laxton has been configured into two discrete co-educational Houses, each with its own Hsm, Tutors and Matron as well as shared administrative support. This will ensure that our senior day pupils will benefit from more of the sense of home and nurture provided to both our boarders and our Scott House pupils. All day pupils will remain at the heart of the School site and in the centre of town. The two Houses, Laxton and Sadler will operate as single entities from 2023, with all building work to be completed by September 2024.
In September 2022 we opened a new and innovative Reception space at Laxton Junior School, placing play at its heart. The new environment is bright, spacious and flexible, facilitating a continuous provision of connected indoor and outdoor areas.
September 2022 also saw the upgrading of Science and Art facilities at Laxton Junior School to support innovative STEAM education. A significant upgrade to the Science Room saw the creation of a new Science and Engineering Laboratory while the Art Room was remodelled into an Art and Design Studio. The complementing appointment of a Science and Engineering Lead ensures continuous development of these spaces and the opportuntiies they provide.
BOTH LA XTON J U NIOR SCHOOL PROJECTS WERE M ADE POSSI BLE BY A GENEROUS LEGAC Y FROM FOR MER HEAD, SUE THOM AS.
25
OUNDLE SCHOOL
ADMISSIONS I N FOR M AT ION 2023 - 2024
26
A D M I S S I O N S I N F O R M AT I O N
OUNDLE IN FIGURES
Average home locations of UK boarders 50+ Pupils
O
undle is home to a pupil population of approximately three-quarters full boarding and a quarter day. We are a School committed to a full boarding ethos, which greatly benefits both boarders and our day pupils. We have been fully co-educational for thirty years and the ratio of boys to girls has remained constant at 60:40. We are proud to attract pupils from over 120 schools across all corners of the UK, with virtually every county represented. Around twenty percent of our pupils have an overseas country of origin and a further eight percent of pupils are expatriates. We welcome pupils from over thirty-five different countries and all pupils, whether international or UK, sit the same entrance papers. Each year we are delighted to welcome a new cohort of pupils at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry. We are proud to welcome talented and open-minded pupils from countries all over the world and from all corners of the UK. There is no single set model of a successful Oundelian; we look for pupils with open, curious minds and an appetite to make the most of the opportunities available.
20% Around
A further
of Oundelians are foreign nationals, representing 35+ countries.
of pupils are expatriates.
7%
25 Pupils
0 Pupils
OUNDLE SCHOOL
810 310 120+ boarders
day pupils
feeder prep schools
11,000
Old Oundelians are connected to the School through the OO Club and the Oundle Society. 27
OUNDLE SCHOOL
K E Y STA F F
Leadership Team
The Head Mrs S Kerr-Dineen, MA (Cantab) Deputy Head Mrs D L Watt, MA (Oxon) Deputy Head Academic Dr Adam Baragwanath, MSci, PhD (Durham) Deputy Head Admissions Mr A B Burrows, MAEd (Open) BSc (York) Deputy Head Co-Curricular Mr A J Sherwin, MA (Edinburgh) Deputy Head Pastoral Mrs A E Meisner, BA (Nottingham) Deputy Head Partnerships Mr. R G Montgomery MSci and Outreach (Queen’s), MA (Bath) Bursar Mr D Toriati OBE, MA (King’s London)
Laxton Junior School
The Head Mrs Lydia Waller MA (Birmingham) Assistant Head Admissions Mrs Rachel Waterhouse, BEd Hons (Derby)
28
Senior Chaplain Revd M E A Coulter, MTh (London) Director of Sport Mr N E Beasant, BA (Exeter) Director of Communications Mrs R J Makhzangi, BA (Oxon) Director of Development Ms R Baxter, MA (Reading) Medical Officer Dr K Newell, MBChB MRCGP DRCOG Lead Nurse Mrs S Meadows Mental Health Lead Mrs N A Jarvis, MSc (Northampton)
Heads of Department
Art Miss C L B Dent, BA (A Ruskin), PGCE (Cantab) Classics Mrs P M H Caffrey, MA (Oxon) Computing Mr K E Arnold, BA (Hull) Design Engineering and Technology Mr J M Baker, BA (Loughborough) Drama Mr M Burlington, MA (CSSD) Economics Mr P A Nutter, BA (Lancaster) Educational Support Mrs H Whitehurst, MA (Cantab) English Mr T P Hipperson, MA (Durham) Geography Mrs K Yarker, BSc (Queens) Government and Politics Mr D W Hine, MA (Kent) History Mr J M Allard, MA (Cantab) Librarian Ms L Giurlando, BA (Smith), MSc (Aberystwyth) MCILIP Mathematics Mr L W H Kelly, BA (Oxon) Modern Languages Mr S Thater, BA (Manchester) MA (London) Chinese Miss Y Chen, MS (Oxon) French Mrs R A Comb, MA (Warwick) German Mrs S J Davidson , BA (Edinburgh) Spanish Mr R F Charters, MA (Edinburgh) Russain Dr L E Croft, BA (Sheffield) PhD (Bristol) Music Mrs E J Arkell, MA (Cantab) Director of Music Mr Q P Thomas, MA (Oxon) Theology, Philosophy and Religion Mr B T Deane, BA, MA
OUR PHILOSOPHY
(Durham) Science and Technology Mr J H Peverley, MA (Oxon) Biology Mr P A Batterbury, MEd (Cantab) Chemistry Dr N Ebden PhD and BSc (Nottingham) Physics Mr D J Talbot, MPhys (Bath) Psychology Mrs S A L Reid, BSc (Bangor) Physical Education Mr J S Lennard, MSc (Leeds Beckett)
Housemasters and Housemistresses
Boarding The Berrystead (11-13 mixed) Mme S Fonteneau, L-ès-L MA (Angers) Bramston (boys) Mr P A Liston, MA (St Andrews) Crosby (boys) Major A C Mansergh, MA (King’s London) Dryden (girls) Mrs A Barker BSc (Leicester) Fisher (boys) Mr A J Brighton, BA (Oxon) Grafton (boys) Mr N M Warden, BA (Durham) Kirkeby (girls) Mrs C A Deane, BA (Bristol) Laundimer (boys) Mr R W J Howitt, BSc (Swansea) New House (girls) Ms C A Rees, MSc (Loughborough) St Anthony (boys) Mr C H Bradnam, BEng (Nottingham) Sanderson (girls) Miss S L Johnson, BA
(Durham) School House (boys) Mr S Jessop, BA (Nottingham) Sidney (boys) Dr L C O MacKenzie MA (Aberdeen) PhD (Leicester) Wyatt (girls) Mrs E M A Talbot, BA (Exeter) Day Laxton (13-18) Mr A E Langsdale, BSc (Bristol) MSc (Aberdeen) Sadler (13-18) Mr J P R Allen, BA (Durham) Scott House (11-13) Mrs F L Quiddington, BEc, MT (Sydney)
Admissions Registrar Mr J Hammond-Chambers, MA (Nottingham) Assistant Registrars Miss S L Johnson, BA (Durham) Miss T A Dorman, MChem (Leeds) Admissions Assistant
Mr A Gibbon, GRNCM
Admissions Manager Mrs H Teague Admissions Data Manager Mrs K Bayliss Admissions Administrators Mrs N Atkins Mrs L Blaine Mrs C Hope Miss A Palethorpe
29
OUNDLE SCHOOL
OU NDLE IS THE PLACE W HERE I FOU NDED M Y DEEPEST ROOTED FR IENDSHIPS, PLAYED SPORT SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND BROADENED M Y EDUCATION IN THE MOST BEAU TIFU L OF SET TINGS. I A M INCREDI BLY PROU D TO BE AN OLD OU NDELI AN AND K NOW HOW PR I V ILEGED I A M TO H AVE H AD TH AT EXPER IENCE.” Maximilian Harris Old Oundelian 2005 30
OUR PHILOSOPHY
ENQUIRIES AND VISITS We are a School with a full boarding ethos. For boarders, this offers a wealth of opportunity across a seven-day week, with a full and varied weekend programme throughout term time. For day pupils, this breadth of opportunity beyond the School day and week greatly enriches their experience and gives them access to a boarding-style education whilst returning home each night. Enquiries for both boarding and day places are made through the Admissions Office. The team supports families to visit and explore Oundle at the right time and in the right way for their individual circumstance. Our Open Days are held termly, usually September, February and May and individual visits are offered Monday to Saturday in term time. Initial visits usually last around three to four hours and include time with pupils. Families are welcomed by the Registrar before having a tour of Oundle, including dedicated time in House with a Housemaster or Housemistress and other members of staff by arrangement. All tours conclude back in the Admissions Office with the Registrar. The Registrar/Admissions Office Tel: 01832 277125 Email: admissions@oundleschool.org.uk
31
OUNDLE SCHOOL
ENTRANCE PROCEDURES
P
upils normally join Oundle at 11+, 13+ or 16+. Occasionally entry is possible into other year groups; further details are available from the Registrar. As a rule, registration is three years in advance of year of entry. Every year a number of pupils who join us as day pupils become boarders later in their School careers and this is fully supported where possible by us.
11+ Entry (Boarding and Day)
Each year, over fifty pupils join Oundle at 11+ as either boarders or day children, moving seamlessly through to a senior House at 13+. Boarders enter The Berrystead, our junior boarding House, and day pupils enter Scott House, located adjacent to The Berrystead. We have 40+ boarders across the two years, the majority of whom are full boarders. We also offer weekly boarding at both 11+ and 12+, with an additional 3 day model for at 11+, recognising that some children at this age need a little more time to adjust to full boarding. For those pupils who ultimately want to board but don’t feel quite ready yet, these options therefore provide an ideal stepping stone to full boarding in our senior Houses at 13+.
12+ Entry (Boarders only)
Places permitting, we offer a number of boarding places at 12+ into The Berrystead. Entrance examinations, similar to those for 11+, are taken in January of the year of entry. 32
A D M I S S I O N S I N F O R M AT I O N
13+ Entry (Boarding and Day)
Most of Oundle’s boarders join in the Third Form from a wide range of UK feeder schools, either through Common Entrance examinations sat in June each year or the Academic Scholarship examination which is sat in February of Year 8. Offers of places are made in the February of Year 6 following feeder school testimonials. Candidates who are not at a UK feeder school sit Oundle’s own entrance tests in the January before entry in September. The examination consists of papers in Mathematics, English, Science and normally a Modern Foreign Language (French/Spanish/German). There are five girls’ boarding Houses and eight boys’ boarding Houses, each admitting approximately twelve pupils a year. The Registrar can provide help with choosing an appropriate House but do note that Houses fill up two to three years ahead of entry. A number of day places are available each year. As with boarders, day candidates sit Common Entrance, the Academic Scholarship examinations or Oundle’s own tests depending on which type of school they are moving on from. The full range of Scholarships is available at this level of entry.
14+ (Boarders only)
A small number of 14+ (Year 10) boarding places are normally available each year through Oundle’s own entry tests.
16+ (Boarding and Day)
Oundle welcomes applications for Sixth Form entry. The minimum entry requirement is three subjects at grade 6 and three at grade 7, or equivalent, at GCSE. In practice most successful candidates will have 8s or 9s or equivalent in most subjects. Registered applicants are asked to provide information in advance and shortlisted candidates are invited to an assessment weekend at Oundle in November. Applicants take papers in three of their chosen subjects for Sixth Form study or a general paper and two subject papers. They also have an interview. Academic; Art; Music; Sport and Design, Engineering and Technology Scholarships are available at this level of entry.
Overseas Entry
Candidates not taking examinations at Oundle School must sit them at a British Council Office. We expect all applicants from overseas to provide us with a UKiset report at the earliest stage of the application process. UKiset is an adaptive cognitive test measuring underlying ability and language proficiency. For more information, please visit: www.ukiset.com. For further details, please contact the Registrar at admissions@oundleschool.org.uk
EN T R A NC E E X A M I NAT ION DAT ES 11+ Admissions Junior Entrance Examination Friday 12 - Saturday 13 January 2024 13+ Admissions Non-Common Entrance Examination Thursday 18 or Tuesday 23 January 2024 Common Entrance Examination Tuesday 4 - Friday 7 June 2024 16+ Admissions 16+ Entrance Examinations Friday 10 - Sunday 12 November 2023 Latest date for registration is Friday 29 September 2023
33
OUNDLE SCHOOL
OUR HOUSES
O
ne of Oundle’s greatest strengths is our size as we can cater for all individuals rather than confining or restricting pupils to certain subjects or skill-sets. This develops natural, confident all-rounders who are not afraid to try new things and who constantly look to broaden their horizons. Our House system is at the heart of life in Oundle and it is within these much smaller family-run havens that pupils flourish whilst finding the confidence and sense of purpose that lead to fulfilment in the larger community of the School. We have thirteen senior boarding Houses – eight for boys and five for girls – as well as a smaller mixed junior boarding House for pupils in Year 7 and Year 8. The Houses are specifically designed to have family accommodation for a Housemaster or 34
Housemistress and approximately sixty pupils. Each House also has a live-in Matron who, in addition to managing the domestic affairs of the House, helps to look after the health and welfare of the boys and girls. Pupils eat all of their meals in their House dining room, which fosters a strong sense of community and family. This also affords further opportunity for Housemistresses and Housemasters to ensure their wellbeing. Alongside the support from residential House staff, each pupil also has an Academic Tutor who looks out for their welfare. We also have three day Houses, one for pupils aged 11 – 13 which shares generous grounds and facilities with The Berrystead, creating a vibrant lower years campus, and two for pupils aged 13 – 18, located at the heart of the School. Day pupils also dine as Houses with their House staff and Tutors.
A D M I S S I O N S I N F O R M AT I O N
SCHOLARSHIPS
SC HOL A R SH I P A SSESSM EN T DAT ES 11+ Scholarships
A
ll our Scholarships are highly prized and exist to recognise honed skills, endeavour and potential. We also offer an Oundle Scholarship to reward all-round talent and leadership. Scholarships are won in open competition and are awarded solely on merit. Scholarships do not attract fee remission, but may be underpinned by bursary assistance as and when financial circumstances necessitate it. All Scholars are expected to provide intellectual and cultural leadership and should take great pride in their status. The number of Scholarships awarded may vary from year to year according to the level of competition. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact the Admissions Office to request one of our Scholarship brochures.
Academic and Music Scholarships These are assessed the week of the Junior Entrance Examinations. Friday 12 - Saturday 13 January 2024 The application closing date is Monday 6 November 2023 13+ Scholarships Sport Monday 20 November 2023 Academic Tuesday 27 February - Friday 1 March 2024 Music w/c Monday 29 January 2024 Art Sunday 10 March 2024 Design, Engineering and Technology Sunday 10 March 2024 Drama Sunday 10 March 2024 Oundle Scholarship Sunday 10 - Monday 11 March 2024 The closing date for all 13+ Scholarships is Friday 20 October 2023. 16+ Scholarships Academic Scholarships Academic Scholarships are based on performance in the Entrance Examinations and interviews Art; Design, Engineering and Technology; Music and Sport Scholarships Friday 10 November 2023
Anthony Burrows, Deputy Head Admissions Tel: 01832 277125 Email: admissions@oundleschool.org.uk Jonny Hammond-Chambers, Registrar Tel: 01832 277125 Email: admissions@oundleschool.org.uk 35
OUNDLE SCHOOL
FEES UK Boarders First Form - 3 day (Year 7) £27,630 per annum First Form - Full or Weekly (Year 7) £34,515 per annum Second Form (Year 8) £40,065 per annum Third Form to Sixth Form (Years 9 - 13) £45,435 per annum Day Pupils First Form (Year 7) £22,350 per annum (including lunches and afternoon teas) Second Form (Year 8) £25,905 per annum (including lunches and afternoon teas) Third Form to Sixth Form (Years 9 - 13) £29,370 per annum (including lunches and afternoon teas) Overseas Boarders First Form - Full or Weekly (Year 7) £35,315 per annum Second Form (Year 8) £40,865 per annum Third Form to Sixth Form (Years 9 - 13) £46,235 per annum
F
ees include boarding and laundry charges (if applicable), tuition, games, health centre, sports centre, library, lectures and some entertainment (not theatre). Some variable expenses and certain optional extras, including music lessons, are charged on the School Account as necessary. A term’s notice is required when music lessons are to be dropped, other than in exceptional circumstances. Fees are payable in advance before the beginning of the Michaelmas, Lent and Summer Terms. All fees must be paid by Direct Debit. As any delay in the payment of fees is unfair to the great majority of parents who honour the rule, the School will make 36
a surcharge on outstanding accounts and will add it to the next account. The School will charge 4% above the Barclays Bank base rate, calculated on a daily basis for the period the sum is outstanding. An administration fee of £25 will also be charged in these circumstances. Fees are reviewed annually by the Governors and are subject to increase by such amount as the Governors consider reasonable. Notice of an increase in the fees will be sent to parents prior to the end of the preceding payment term.
A D M I S S I O N S I N F O R M AT I O N
BURSARIES
T
he aim of the Corporation of Oundle School is to provide an education of the highest quality. We believe we have a moral, social and educational responsibility to ensure that this is made available to as wide a range of children as possible. Entry bursaries exist to make Oundle and Laxton Junior School fees affordable and therefore accessible to families whose income would otherwise make this impossible. We recognise that while a full bursary will be required by some families, for others even a 10% reduction of fees would make the difference. Equally, we want to be able to welcome families to the School for whom the step up from prep to senior school fees is unmanageable. We wish also to support those families who would choose boarding if they could afford the higher fee. We have a strong relationship with youth charities and MultiAcademy Trusts in placing children at Oundle. We also believe that we have a duty to support current Oundle and Laxton Junior School families if their financial circumstances
change unexpectedly to the extent that they are no longer able to afford the fees to which they are committed. Bursaries are not dependent on scholastic merit but are awarded to pupils who are likely to gain most from an Oundle education and who will contribute fully to the life of the School. Pupils must satisfy our academic entry requirements and continue to work to capacity as they progress through the School. Decisions regarding bursary assistance are made approximately two years ahead of entry, therefore parents who feel that they may need the support of a bursary are encouraged to discuss the matter with us well in advance of their child’s due date of entry. For further information on bursaries, please contact: Anthony Burrows, Deputy Head Admissions Tel: 01832 277125 Email: bursaries@oundleschool.org.uk 37
OUNDLE SCHOOL
W
NEXT STEPS
e want the best for your child and your family. We always aim to plan for our final annual intake fairly and thoroughly, with as few waiting lists as possible to give parents certainty of a secured place. There is simply no comparison to seeing Oundle in action so please do come and visit us. Our Admissions Team is available at any time to answer your questions, book visits and ultimately help guide you through the admissions process. In the meantime, perusing our website will help answer some of the questions you will no doubt have. We also recommend speaking to the Head of your current school, as he or she will be well placed to advise on whether your child will thrive at Oundle. We very much hope to welcome you here in person.
Jonny Hammond-Chambers, Registrar The Admissions Office Tel: 01832 277125 Email: admissions@oundleschool.org.uk www.oundleschool.org.uk 38
TIME SPENT AT OU NDLE IS PRECIOUS AND GOES SO QUICKLY.” Liv Edwins Old Oundelian 2022
The Worshipful Company of Grocers Oundle has its origin in a grammar school founded in 1556 by Sir William Laxton, who was Master of the Worshipful Company of Grocers eight times between 1536 and 1552 and Lord Mayor of London in 1544. The Grocers' Company is one of the oldest Livery Companies of the City of London and ranks second in the order of precedence. Under the terms of the will of Sir William Laxton, the Grocers' Company gives generously to charity when its means allow and continues to demonstrate its support for the School through the provision of bursaries and grants. The School's Governing Body consists of seventeen members, including eight Governors nominated by the Court of the Grocers' Company.
www.oundleschool.org.uk