Firmly Grounded
A guide to
Oundle at 11+
Welcome to Oundle School From my first visit, I was struck by Oundle’s scale and
Central to all of this is a staff community of
ambition, but also by something more subtle and
extraordinary commitment and expertise.
enduring. What stands out is not performance or polish, but purpose and thoughtfulness. There is a strong
Oundle doesn’t sit behind gates but is woven into the
sense of authenticity and a quiet confidence that feels
beautiful market town from which it takes its name. Living
entirely unforced.
alongside this broader community gives pupils a sense of who they are in relation to society: they are actively encouraged to look up and out into the wider world.
Oundle has an energy that comes from a profound sense of interconnection and a culture of decency, curiosity and care. Most striking of all are the pupils.
Education is about so much more than outcomes.
They are grounded, kind and intellectually alive. They
Young people should feel known, supported and
explore ideas fearlessly and care deeply about not just
challenged, not just so they can succeed but so that
about what they do but how they do it.
they can find their own particular path and contribute positively to the world. Great schools are places of
This is a school with a real sense of possibility. If a pupil
possibility and when they work well, as Oundle does,
wants to do something, it feels achievable and our
they are deeply joyful places too.
full boarding model is central to this. Ambition is not crammed into the corners of the week, but instead built
Dominic Oliver
into the rhythm of daily life. Within that rhythm there is
Head of Oundle School
space – physical, emotional, intellectual and creative – for pupils to think deeply and to grow independently.
Our community...
72%
FULL BOARDERS
28% DAY PUPILS
PUPILS FROM
PUPILS FROM
PUPILS FROM
FEEDER SCHOOLS
COUNTIES IN THE UK
COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD
120+
25+
40+
Oundle at 11+ Joining Oundle at 11+ marks the start of senior school life. It is a time when pupils are beginning to grow in independence while still enjoying the freedom and curiosity of childhood. At this age, our priority is to provide a warm, supportive environment where pupils feel safe, known, and excited about what lies ahead.
“This is such a wonderful age. Children simply want to enjoy everything school has to offer and make the most of every opportunity.” Sarah Johnson, 11+ Registrar
Each year around seventy pupils join Oundle at 11+ as boarders or day pupils. As part of a large and lively school, they benefit from the breadth of opportunity Oundle offers, while being cared for in a close-knit setting that allows them to settle, form friendships and grow in confidence.
Life at 11+ At 11+, boarders enter The Berrystead, our junior boarding House, and day pupils are based in the adjacent Scott House. Both benefit from dedicated spaces and strong pastoral teams, alongside access to the superb facilities and specialist teaching Oundle is known for.
Across these two formative years, the focus is on nurturing intellectual curiosity, establishing strong learning habits, building positive relationships and helping pupils grow in independence.. All pupils move seamlessly into a senior House at 13+, with some day pupils choosing to take up boarding at that stage.
Learning at 11+ Oundle’s approach to learning at this stage is broad, engaging, and carefully balanced. Pupils encounter new subjects and ways of thinking and are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, and make connections, within a supportive academic framework. All subjects are taught by specialist teachers, many of whom teach through to IGCSE and A level, giving pupils a strong foundation and a sense of intellectual continuity from the outset. Small classes and attentive teaching ensure that pupils are stretched appropriately and feel confident as they grow academically. Beyond lessons, a wide range of cocurricular opportunities allows pupils to explore interests and enjoy learning in different settings.
Boarding at 11+ Boarding at 11+ offers a supportive and confidencebuilding introduction to boarding life. Junior boarders are part of a welcoming community where they are known well and cared for closely, while gradually developing independence. Evenings and weekends are busy and varied, with activities, trips, and space to play, helping friendships to form naturally and happily.
Across the two year groups there are over forty junior boarders, most of whom board full time. Weekly and flexible boarding options are also available at this age, offering a gentle route into full boarding at 13+.
“ My favourite thing about boarding is going to the gardens, having a great time with everybody and just laughing at silly things.” Arabella, Junior Boarder
Omnia
“Omnia reflects our commitment to ensuring that our youngest pupils develop a wide range of skills and character traits beyond the academic curriculum.”
Saturday mornings at 11+ are designed to feel different. Instead of a full timetable of lessons, pupils take part in Omnia, a bespoke programme unique to Oundle. Omnia encourages exploration, creativity, and intellectual curiosity through a wide range of practical, creative, and academic activities. It provides a stimulating introduction to Saturday learning and a natural stepping stone into Third Form, where formal lessons begin.
Emma Byatt, Head of Activities
An average week Although there is no such thing as an ‘average week’ at Oundle this illustration gives a flavour of what life looks like for our First and Second Form pupils.
Making the most of life at Oundle Life at Oundle extends well beyond the classroom. Pupils are encouraged to take part, try new things, and involve themselves fully in School life, whether through sport, music, drama, outdoor activities, and community involvement. At this stage, the emphasis is on participation, adventure, and enjoyment, helping children to grow socially as well as academically and find the things they really love.
Lessons
8 . 30
Music Ensembles (Monday) Chapel (Thursday)
Lessons
8.55
Omnia (Saturday)
Break
10. 40
Lessons
11.10
Lunch
12 . 5 5
Lessons
2 .15
Creative (Tuesday & Thursday) Sports (Monday, Wednesday & Saturday)
5 .15
Electives (Junior Activities) (Tuesday & Thursday)
Boarders’ Supper
6 . 30
Boarders’ Prep
7.15
Omnia (Saturday)
Sunday: Funday! Trips, house activities and time with friends.
standing still, Oundle is a place where independence is instinctive, curiosity is boundless, and unshakable self-belief shapes kind pupils who, without fuss or fan-fare, go on to make a meaningful difference.
Applying to Oundle at 11+ We recognise that every admissions journey is slightly different, but the summary below outlines the key steps for those looking to join Oundle at 11+. A small number of 12+ places are also available each year, and the Admissions team is always happy to discuss individual circumstances.
Registration
Awards and bursaries
By the end of Year 5
Academic Entrance Exhibitions, along
Registration is recommended by the end of Year 5. This allows time to get to know one another and to understand each pupil’s interests and potential. Families are encouraged to visit before registering. Tailored 11+ Open Days and individual visits provide the opportunity to meet the people who shape the School and to experience daily life first hand.
Assessments January of Year 6 Pupils sit papers in Mathematics and English alongside an online ability test, followed by a relaxed interview that helps us understand who they are and how they might flourish at Oundle. Boarders are invited to stay overnight in a carefully supported setting, experiencing the friendships and routines that define House life at this age.
with Music and Sport Awards, are available at this stage and recognise strong performance in these areas. Scholarships in DET, Drama and Art, as well as the Oundle Scholarship, begin at 13+. Founded on philanthropy, Oundle also offers a substantial means-tested bursary
Endlessly Curious
Steeped in tradition, yet never
programme to support families with fees.
Offers and joining January of Year 6 Offers are made following assessments. In the months that follow, transition events allow families to meet House staff and one another, helping children feel confident and known before joining the Oundle community in September of Year 7 or Year 8.
Oundle School, The Great Hall, New Street, Oundle PE8 4GH T: 01832 277125 E: admissions@oundleschool.org.uk
www.oundleschool.org.uk