Interactive map

HOUSE VALUES

Every pupil’s behaviour, attitude and conduct within House is fundamental to bonding the community together and making it thrive. The Sidney House motto is “Your need is greater than mine”, epitomising the spirit of brotherhood and care and support of others.

THE HOUSE TEAM

Housemaster, Dr Laura MacKenzie, was born and educated in Scotland, but has made England her home since 2011. Having previously taught at the University of Leicester and Leicester High School for Girls, Laura joined Oundle in 2018 as a teacher of Government and Politics. Laura is Head of Trivium and is involved in the Debating Society. Making up the team at Sidney are Deputy Housemaster, Mr Carlos Botana (Arabic), Matron, Mrs Lilian Penlington, and a team of dedicated Tutors.

Sidney will be your home away from home. We pride ourselves on being a warm, supportive community, and the House is a place you should be able to relax and enjoy yourself.

Dr Laura MacKenzie, Housemaster

LIFE IN SIDNEY

Daily life in Sidney reflects the rhythm and richness of Oundle’s full-boarding ethos. Boys live, learn and grow together in a community that is both busy and balanced – shaped by shared routines, strong relationships and a deep sense of belonging.

  • There are plenty of House activities, trips, competitions, sporting events, plays, and dinners to get involved in, ensuring camaraderie and friendship across year groups
  • Shared spaces including common rooms, the games room, prep rooms and outdoor spaces bring everyone together in a relaxed and informal way
  • Mealtimes are taken together as a House, offering daily moments for laughter and connection
  • There’s quiet time scheduled after supper each day for prep and House tutors are on hand to provide steady academic and pastoral support across School life
  • Older pupils take the lead in guiding the younger ones, helping new boys settle quickly and feel part of the House from day one.

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE SIDNEY

Playing Pool

TV Room

Library

Meal Time

Games Room

TV Room

Bedroom

Dinner Time

Library

Piano Playing

What our pupils think

This House is a great example of unity and so you feel right at home with everyone in it. Sidney enjoys a great location near the sports pitches and the new Sports Centre whilst remaining a brief walk from classes, which is hugely beneficial not just in moving around the School but also in how you spend your free time. Throughout the year you get to be a part of many activities at Sidney such as cinema trips, barbeques and House events, all of which are extremely popular.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Sidney House was established in 1881 when eight boys moved from School House into Jericho House off the Market Place. It was named after Sir Philip Sidney who was a poet, diplomat, MP and Grocer.

Find out more about Houses at Oundle

Want to find out more and arrange a visit in person?

Visiting Oundle