Life in Scott House goes well beyond the classroom. We value kindness, good manners, initiative, and the willingness to step into new experiences. We encourage pupils not only to build skills but also to discover more about themselves along the way.
Conservation and care for the environment remain close to our identity proudly honouring our connection to OO and conservationist Sir Peter Scott after whom the House is named. We we embrace Scott’s passion for nature through archive displays, our own wildflower garden, and the development of a GroZone, a pupil-led vegetable, fruit, and flower patch.
The House is led by Housemistress Fiona Quiddington, who has taught Economics at Oundle School since 2007 and previously led both the Middle Years and Sixth Form in Laxton House. Fiona brings a wealth of experience to Scott House and understands how crucial the foundation years are at senior school. Supporting her at Scott House is Deputy Housemistress Katherine Morris (Teacher of Biology), along with two House administrators and a dedicated team of Tutors.
Fiona Quiddington, HousemistressI find this stage of childhood particularly fascinating. These years are rich with growth, exploration, and transformation. Breadth of experience is crucial here; a narrow path too soon can limit potential. The First and Second Forms are about fresh starts, open possibilities, and exciting discoveries. So much happens in just two years at Scott House, and it is a privilege to watch our pupils’ step into young adulthood with confidence and joy.
I like how supportive it is in Scott House. I was nervous when I started, because I thought I would get lost as Oundle is a very big School. But Scott is a place you can always come back to. There’s a cafe area, a quiet room with sofas and desks, an area for prep and a locker room for your things as well as the Berrystead House gardens to play in. It all means that you can meet lots of new friends here. Some highlights of my time at Scott House include a tug-of-war challenge with The Berrystead and our full House team building afternoon which was really fun. I also love the fact that Scott House really tries to help the environment as much as we can, having eco-friendly rules such as no plastic water bottles.
The House is named after Sir Peter Markham Scott (Sc 1923), distinguished Old Oundelian and son of the famed Scott of the Antarctic. Sir Peter was a pioneering conservationist, co-founding the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), establishing wetland centres such as Slimbridge, and excelling as a wildlife artist, illustrator, and Olympic sportsman. In recognition of his remarkable legacy, Scott House was formally opened in September 2018 by Sir David Attenborough, who counted Sir Peter among his greatest heroes.
