At Oundle, 11+ is not a halfway house between primary or prep and senior school. It is a purposeful and well-supported beginning – shaped around the needs of younger pupils but firmly part of the whole School.
Whether joining as a boarder or day pupil, children at this age benefit from a distinctive combination: a specialist teaching programme, a dedicated junior campus and the character, breadth and opportunity of a leading full-boarding school. They are known as individuals, supported to take on new challenges and given the space to build confident, lasting foundations – academic, social and personal – for the years ahead.
First and Second Form pupils (Years 7 and 8) are based on a dedicated junior campus – a smaller, supportive setting shaped around their age and stage. From this base, they step into the wider life of the School, with full access to its teaching, facilities and opportunities.
Boarders join The Berrystead, a warm, close-knit House with its own grounds, dining and routines
Day pupils belong to Scott House, right next door, sharing the same beautiful grounds and pastoral and academic structure
The environment combines age-appropriate care with the rhythm of a full senior school. Pupils are encouraged to think independently, take part fully and engage with the town around them. By the time they move into a senior House at 13, they are not only ready – they are known, connected and fully part of Oundle life.
The Berrystead is our junior boarding House for both boys and girls, offering a full-boarding experience shaped around the energy and needs of younger pupils. It’s a lively, close-knit community of over 50 pupils across the two year groups, where routines are purposeful but relaxed and weekends are active, well-structured and full of fun – from outdoor adventures to team challenges, baking and film nights.
Girls and boys learn, live and grow together – supported by staff who know them well and help them build confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging. While most pupils board full-time, weekly and three-day options are available for those who want a more gradual start. These flexible routes provide a gentle and effective stepping stone to full boarding in a senior House at 13.
By the time they move up, pupils are not only ready – they’re already woven into the life of the School, with strong friendships and a ready-made network across year groups and Houses.
Teaching in the First and Second Form (Years 7 and 8) is led by subject specialists – the same staff who teach at GCSE and A level. This brings academic stretch from the outset, with teaching that builds understanding and nurtures independence — not just knowledge but how to apply it.
The curriculum is structured and ambitious, with the right pace and depth for curious and able young learners. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas and build lasting foundations for the years ahead.
Alongside their academic work, pupils enjoy a rich co-curricular programme – from electives and sport to music ensembles and theatre productions in the Stahl. Saturday mornings are set aside for Omnia, our bespoke programme designed to encourage wider thinking, creativity and curiosity.
Explore the curriculum
Discover more about our Saturday enrichment programme carefully crafted to benefit our youngest pupils in both their academic progression and their wider development. Taking place on Saturday mornings, Omnia offers a whole range of activities to whet their appetite, from Robotics to Trashion and from Climbing to Upcycling.
Discover moreWe appreciate that every admissions journey will be slightly different, but the summary below details the key steps for those looking to join Oundle at 11+. A small number of 12+ boarding places are also normally available each year. Our Admissions team would be happy to discuss your options and explain the entry process for joining Oundle in our Second Form. For key Admissions dates for 2026 entry, please click here.
Laxton Junior School is our 4-11 day school and the vast majority of pupils progress from here to Oundle. The admissions process for LJS pupils is slightly different – please visit the LJS website to find out more.
Our tailored 11+ Open Days take place in September and June. Find out more about our upcoming Open Days or how to book an individual visit here.
Registration forms are available on request from the Admissions Office and a £300 non-refundable registration fee is also required at this stage.
For those applying outside of the UK, it would be advantageous for all applicants from overseas to provide us with a UKiset report prior to registration. UKiset is an adaptive cognitive test measuring underlying ability and language proficiency.
All applicants from mainland China should contact our official representative. Please see the link below for more information:
Assessments usually take place in mid-January.
Children sitting the 11+ Entrance Examination take papers in Mathematics, English and a Cognitive Ability Test. Those sitting the papers at Oundle have an informal interview, and prospective boarders enjoy an overnight stay in our junior boarding House.
All overseas applicants follow the same entrance procedure and sit the same entrance papers as UK candidates. Those not taking the examination at Oundle School should arrange to sit them at a British Council Office.
Past papers for 11+ entrance examinations can be found here.
Academic Exhibitions are available at this level of entry.
Families requiring financial assistance are encouraged to enquire about our means-tested bursaries as early in the process as possible.
Please explore the links below to find out more.
Offers are usually made, following assessments, towards the end of January. Upon acceptance of a place an acceptance fee and deposit are payable.
The application deadline for 11+ entry in September 2025 has now passed. Please contact Admissions to discuss your individual circumstance.
Enquiries, visits and registrations are welcome. Please contact Admissions if you would like to arrange a visit or for any further information we can help you with.
Throw yourself into things with energy and enthusiasm and you will get a great deal out of being part of this special place. You will also make some important and lasting friendships in the process.Junior Housemistress
Enquiries for both boarding and day places are made through the Admissions Office. Prospective families are warmly invited to contact the Admissions team to find out more and to explore a visiting option that works for you.
T: +44 (0)1832 277125
E: admissions@oundleschool.org.uk
