PROSPECTUS
A N O A K H A M E D U CAT I O N I S N ’ T S O M E T H I N G YO U C O M P L E T E . I T ’ S S O M E T H I N G T H AT L I V E S I N YO U F O R E V E R .
WELCOME
TO
OAKHAM SCHOOL
“An education that will inspire, challenge and support your child for life.” Oakham has always been a school that looks forward. From being one of the first independent schools to go fully co-educational to introducing the International Baccalaureate into the Sixth Form, we have consistently sought to offer an education and an environment that enable every young person to explore their interests, develop their capabilities and grow with confidence. But it’s not just the what at Oakham; the how matters just as much. Young people thrive when they feel known, understood and supported. Our House system sits at the heart of school life – the structural and emotional centre of our school – and it is this strong pastoral foundation that allows every student to discover who they are and to excel. Oakham is a special place. It is a school where individual success is celebrated alongside collective achievement; where students learn that their own progress contributes to something bigger than themselves. Our ethos and character are timeless – grounded in commitment, endeavour, resilience and good humour. These values shape how we learn, how we treat one another and how we step into the world. As an Old Oakhamian, I know how powerfully Oakham shapes lives. And as Head, my role is to ensure every young person receives an education whose value extends far beyond their years at school. I’m delighted to welcome you to Oakham School and to an education that will inspire, challenge and support your child for life. I look forward to meeting you.
Lucy Pearson HEAD
AN EDUC ATION, BROAD AND A MBITIOUS
Oakham’s Connected Curriculum • Learning & Teaching • Scholarship & Enrichment • Technology & Digital Confidence
From the moment students join Oakham, they’re encouraged to question, explore and discover what they’re truly capable of. Oakham School is rooted in the principles of an education that places equal emphasis on breadth, curiosity, character and judgement as it does on academic achievement. We’re here to prepare students for a full and meaningful life, not just to pass exams.
• Service & Leadership • Sport, Activity & Adventure • Creative & Performing Arts
Knowledge Academic
Co-Curricular
Our excellent results will open the doors, and our co-curricular programme will help students make the most of what lies beyond them. Combining academic, co-curricular and pastoral learning, students develop the knowledge, confidence and personal qualities to succeed at university and throughout their whole life ahead.
An Oakham Education Values
Oakham delivers a dynamic, all-round education that sets pupils up for bright futures.” Tatler Schools Guide 2026
Skills
Pastoral
• Physical & Mental Health • Knowing Ourselves & Understanding Others • Careers & Future Pathways
BUILDING KNOWLEDGE, DE VELOPING SKILL S Academic rigour underpins everything we do. Importantly, students leave us with more than just strong results – they go into the world with curiosity, confidence and good judgement. Our broad and ambitious academic programme gives every student the opportunity to flourish. Expert teachers bring learning to life through deep subject knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. Critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving are embedded across every subject, encouraging students to question and think independently. Students are supported and stretched to achieve the best results they are capable of while developing the confidence and curiosity to thrive beyond school.
Small class sizes to enable one-to-one attention and student-teacher interaction
University-standard library with 30,000 titles
Weekly academic enrichment sessions
to broaden knowledge, develop research and critical thinking skills, and inspire a love of reading
to extend learning beyond the curriculum and foster independent thinking
LE ARNING SHAPED AROUND THE INDIVIDUAL Because no two young people are the same, there is no single path through Oakham. Each student joins us with their own strengths, interests and ambitions – we meet them where they are and help them build from there to reach their fullest potential. Within a clear and structured framework, students are given increasing ownership of what they take on, how far they take it and the direction they want to move in. As students move through the school and mature, the experience becomes progressively more self-directed.
25 different subjects at
GCSE
Choice of IB Diploma and A-levels and
BTECs at 16+
Award-winning futures programme with specialist advice and guidance for all future pathways from our inhouse team
BE YOND THE CL A SSRO OM , INTO THE WORLD At Oakham, learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. Through inspiring educational visits, international exchanges, outdoor adventures, community partnerships and a rich co-curricular programme, students are encouraged to engage with the wider world, broaden their perspectives and develop the confidence to embrace new challenges. Oakhamians go on to excel at Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group universities, medical schools and leading institutions across the globe. Because success at Oakham is measured by more than destinations alone. Our ambition is equally focused on helping each student secure their place at the university of their choice or their degree apprenticeship and ensuring they have all that they need to flourish once they are there. It is about preparing young people to make the most of every opportunity, contribute positively to society and lead lives of purpose, wherever their ambitions may take them.
90+ trips each year: From UK-based academic visits to global adventures, including sports tours in South Africa, cultural explorations in Kraków and Berlin, and World War I battlefield studies in northern France
90% university progression: Around 90% of Year 13 leavers secure places at their university of choice each year, while 10% pursue enriching gap years through travel, volunteering and work experience.
EMBR ACING E VERY OPP ORTUNIT Y We encourage our students to get stuck in and grab every opportunity that comes their way. Not just the things they’re already good at, but the things that stretch and challenge them to step beyond their comfort zone. By trying new things, students discover new talents, new interests and build their self-confidence. With more than 125 activities available every week, there is something for everyone to explore, from the arts and leadership opportunities to clubs that spark new interests and lifelong passions. If students have a particular talent, we’ll help them develop it to the highest level, but not at the expense of their wider development. Because it’s only by showing up and pushing themselves into the new that students will discover just how capable and brilliant they really are.
Adventure camps
30 different sports to
challenge themselves physically while developing teamwork and the ability to win with humility and lose with good humour
in Years 7, 8 and 9 provide unforgettable experiences that build independence, confidence and character.
6 art studios and 6 DT studios to inspire creativity, innovation and hands-on learning
CHAR AC TER BUILT THROUGH E XPERIENCE Through our co-curricular programme, students practise discipline, empathy and teamwork, and build resilience and courage. On sports fields and stages, in theatres, classrooms and the community, students learn to step forward, try new things, win with humility and lose with good humour. They learn how to show up for themselves and for others, how to work towards a shared goal, and how to respond positively when things do not go to plan. In doing so, they develop confidence, independence and the ability to build meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Our six-day week creates the time for students to immerse themselves fully in life beyond the classroom. Students are able to pursue interests in depth, discover new passions and commit themselves to the opportunities available. The result is an education that develops knoweldge, skills and character, thereby enabling students to thrive at Oakham and beyond.
50 music concerts annually to develop musicianship, performance skills and self-confidence
180 sports teams to provide opportunities for students of all abilities to participate and excel
5 major drama and
dance productions each year to develop creativity, collaboration and confidence through performance
LE ADER SHIP THROUGH SERVICE At Oakham, service and leadership are an integral part of school life, encouraging students to make a positive difference to those around them and the wider community. We believe that education is not only about personal achievement, but also about developing the confidence, compassion and sense of responsibility to contribute beyond oneself. Students can take part in a wide range of opportunities that build leadership skills and foster a spirit of service. Through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and Voluntary Action, students learn resilience, teamwork and the importance of giving back. Many also support local and national causes through charity fundraising, organising events and initiatives that make a meaningful impact. Leadership opportunities are woven throughout their school experience, with students taking on positions of responsibility as prefects, captains and leaders. By serving others, leading by example and contributing to the School community, Oakham students develop the qualities needed to make a difference throughout their lives.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Walking, Silver Walking and Canoeing and Gold Walking, Canoeing and Sailing
Army and RAF sections in the CCF
£25,000 raised
annually through studentled charitable initiatives
SEEN, KNOWN AND VALUED Care at Oakham is personal. We know that young people flourish when they are genuinely known as individuals, their strengths are recognised and their ambitions taken seriously. Our House system, the brainchild of former Headmaster John Buchanan, provides the structure through which this personal understanding is built. Every student belongs to a smaller community within the wider School, where strong relationships with Housemasters, Housemistresses, tutors, matrons and fellow students create consistency, connection and a secure sense of belonging.
Our Unique House System
We recognise that every student is different, celebrating success, offering support when needed and encouraging growing confidence and independence. The House journey evolves as our students grow. As students progress from the Lower School to the Middle School and Form 7, the House experience evolves to meet their changing needs. Our aim is to help every student develop self-understanding, build strong relationships, make good decisions and become the best version of themselves.
Years 7 and 8
Dedicated Lower School Houses provide a welcoming and secure foundation, helping students make a confident transition from primary to secondary school.
Years 9-12
Boarders and day students belong to vibrant House communities at the heart of the School, building meaningful relationships, contributing to community life and developing increasing independence.
Year 13
The year group comes together for their final year, with increasing independence, yet retaining a shared identity as they prepare for life beyond Oakham.
A PL ACE TO BELONG House life is one of the defining features of an Oakham education, shaping the daily experience of every student. Neither a boarding school with day students nor a day school with boarding attached, Oakham brings everyone together through House life. Every student benefits from a closeknit community, a rich programme of opportunities and a supportive environment. House life creates countless opportunities for connection, as our students learn to live and work alongside others. It is an everyday experience of being welcomed in the morning, having someone notice when things are not quite right and knowing where to turn for advice. It is also the laughter, competitions, conversations and shared moments that create lasting memories and friendships. Older students become role models, younger students find encouragement, and every student has opportunities to participate, lead and serve.
A perfect balance of boarding and day students, boys and girls
20% of our community are international students
For boarders, the House provides a warm and secure home at the end of a school day. It offers the continuity, relationships and extended community our boarders thrive in. For all students, their House is where individuality is celebrated and everyone belongs.
35 different nationalitites are represented by students in the School
Oakham provides a truly holistic education to a vibrant and inclusive community of children.” Tatler Schools Guide 2026
C ARE IN E VERY CONVER SATION What makes pastoral care at Oakham distinctive is that it extends far beyond designated roles or scheduled meetings. At Oakham, care is a shared responsibility woven through every aspect of school life. It is found in classrooms, Houses, on sports fields, in rehearsals and in everyday conversations. Our culture of care begins with every adult taking the time to know each student as an individual. By knowing our students well, our support is thoughtful and personal. Sometimes that means offering reassurance and guidance; at other times, it means encouraging independence, responsibility and resilience. We understand that effective pastoral care is about balancing support with appropriate challenge. Partnership with families is central to this approach, helping us build a deeper understanding of each young person and provide consistent support. This culture of care ensures every student feels valued, supported and understood.
Pastoral learning is embedded within the weekly timetable through a dedicated programme of taught lessons.
Our Medical Centre staff provide 24/7 care.
Breakfast, lunch and supper shared together in the Barraclough Dining Hall
A LIFELONG COMMUNIT Y From the moment students join Oakham, they become part of a community built on strong relationships, shared experiences and a genuine sense of belonging. We value the partnership between school and family, recognising that students thrive when parents, staff and peers work together to support and encourage them throughout their journey. These connections extend far beyond a student’s time at school. Through the Futures Department and the Old Oakhamian Club, former students remain connected to each other and to Oakham long after they leave. From professional networking opportunities and careers support to social events and reunions, Old Oakhamians continue to share experiences, celebrate successes and offer guidance to future generations. An Oakham education is never simply completed and left behind. It becomes part of who our students are, creating lifelong friendships, opening doors to new opportunities and fostering a sense of community that endures.
A thriving community where parents and families share in their child’s journey, celebrating achievements on the sports field, on stage and at school events
Lifelong membership of a 6,000-strong international alumni network spanning professions, industries and continents
Regular reunions and networking events that keep the Oakham alumni community connected
A TOWN AND C A MPUS TO GROW IN
Major roads and motorways
Major trainlines Airport
Located at the heart of the welcoming market town of Oakham, our campus offers the perfect balance of independence and support. The town and the School mirror one another: safe, friendly and invested in the success of our students. Set amongst beautiful countryside close to Rutland Water, yet within easy reach of major road, rail and air links, Oakham provides an inspiring setting in which students can truly flourish. Together, our School and our town create a shared community where generations of students and local residents live, learn and grow alongside one another.
M1 A1 East Midlands
Leicester Peterborough Birmingham
Oakham School
Cambridge Stansted
Luton
Rutland features regularly in national publications as one of the best places to live in the UK.
Oakham, the county
town of Rutland, is a classic English market town, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Oakham Castle
is Europe’s finest surviving Norman Great Hall, famed for its centuries-old collection of ceremonial horseshoes.
London Heathrow
Gatwick
KEEP IN TOUCH Contact us to arrange your visit, book onto an Open Event, or one of our Taster Days. Tel: +44 (0)1572 758758 Email: admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk
DIS COVER M ORE ABOUT LIFE AT OAK HA M Years 7-11
I invite you to visit us and experience Oakham School for yourselves.”
Sixth Form
JOINING OAKHA M
JOINING SIXTH FORM
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Co-Curricular
Oakham School is a place where community is palpable, where the energy and creativity of young people is welcomed, where they feel genuinely known and cared for and where individual achievement is celebrated alongside collective success.
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Lucy Pearson, Head
Sport
YOUR OA K H A M ADVENTURE
SPORT
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Oakham School Registered Office: Chapel Close, Market Place, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6DT Registered Charity No: 1131425 Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No: 06924216 The information in this publication is correct at the time of printing. Changes may be made for educational or other reasons.
O A K H A M . F O R E V E R R E A D Y.
OAK HA M .RUTL AND. S CH.UK @oakhamschool
@OakhamSchool
@Oakham School