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HOUSE VALUES

Grafton has its aim set on nurturing and produce young gentlemen of the highest calibre. The House values and expects good behaviour and manners from its boys, with a strong House spirit driving plenty of successes in inter-House competitions. Grafton is a place where effort and success are celebrated in equal measure.

THE HOUSE TEAM

Grafton is led by Housemaster Will Judd, who teaches DET as well as coaching rugby and cricket and being involved in the CCF army section. He joined Oundle in September 2023 from Monkton Combe School in Bath, where he had been a boarding Houseparent for five years. He had previously been Head of Design Technology and a boarding Tutor in two different boarding Houses at Framlingham College. Will, his wife and and their three children have quickly become an important part of the Oundle community. Will is supported by Deputy Housemaster, Simon Whitmore, and Matron Iline Denny, along with a team of dedicated Tutors.

I encourage you to give everything a go – put aside any fear of failing and engage fully. Grafton is a place where we celebrate effort and success in equal measure.

Will Judd, Housemaster

LIFE IN GRAFTON

Front Lawn

Front Lawn

Daily life in Grafton 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 a outdoor areas that 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 GRAFTON

Common Room

Common Room

Boarding Life

Courtyard

Dining Hall

Common Room

Dining Hall

What our pupils think

Grafton places a strong emphasis on ‘esprit de corps’. We value teamwork, resilience, kindness and honesty. At the start, more than ever, it is important to remember these values. Our advice is to find friends, both in House and around the School, whilst throwing yourself into the extra-curricular activities that are on offer.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Grafton House was established in 1902, and was initially based in Cottesmore House on West Street, until it moved to one of the new Field Houses in 1906.

Grafton is named after Sir Richard Grafton, Grocer and Printer who was tasked with the job of printing the first authorised English translation of the Bible, Henry VIII’s Great Bible. His coat of arms inspired the use of the barrel for the House emblem.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOUSES AT OUNDLE

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

Visiting Oundle