Scholarships 2006
Throughout the academic year, Oundle invites scores of hopeful candidates to compete for the wide range of Scholarships on offer. A complete list of those given awards in 2006 can be downloaded here(.pdf file), and a full description of the awards available can be found here.
Held in November, the Lower Sixth Scholarship saw the twenty-three candidates kept busy. In addition to sitting three exams, they underwent three observed assessments and interviews. Their visit also gave them an important opportunity to mix informally with their fellow candidates and with members of the School, and to gain a feel for the place. In the end, seven awards were made to pupils from the USA, Germany, Hong Kong and the UK.
66 boys and girls sat the entrance examinations for 11+ entry in January, with two-thirds of these hoping for a place in Laxton. Boarding candidates stayed overnight, and on the Friday afternoon and evening, to leaven the diet of exams, they enjoyed a programme of singing, sport, IT and impromptu drama. Far from being overawed by the occasion, the candidates set out from the start to make the most of it. Six academic and three music awards were made this year.
For 13+ entry, pupils from sixteen different schools were awarded General Scholarships this year. For this award candidates spend a day and a half at Oundle, during which time they are given a series of assessments, ranging from group discussions and public speaking to sport and practical leadership. 43 boys and girls descended on Oundle for this year’s competition held in early March. We were impressed by the willingness of the candidates to compete in a positive spirit, supporting each other in their tasks.
Finally, those boys and girls who had been successful in the preliminary round of the Main Academic Scholarship in February, came to Oundle from Wednesday 3rd to Saturday 6th May 2006 for the final round. This event allows candidates to compete for both the Academic and the General Scholarships: in 2006 seventeen of the thirty-one candidates opted to enter both competitions. Regardless of whether they were successful or not in winning a scholarship, they all showed us that they were worthy contenders.
As an exercise culminating in the award of some 78 Scholarships for academic, musical, artistic, dramatic or design talents, the work involved throughout the year is considerable, coordinated by Mr Norman Brittain, the Undermaster, and his secretary Mrs Rachel Wood. At every level, whether ultimately successful or not, we hope that the candidates will have gained from the experience, and enjoy the time they have spent at the School.
