“Oundle is often described as highly academic but we are no hot house. Our pupils are intellectually curious, energetic and resourceful: they are able young people who love school and who love learning. They want to succeed but equally they take things in their stride and enjoy academic study for what it is rather than feeling pressured to perform.”
Dr Adam Baragwanath
Deputy Head Academic
The breadth of subjects and opportunities available at Oundle is what excites both our pupils and teachers. Oundelians are encouraged to look beyond their current strengths and interests, to harness their natural intellectual curiosity and explore new avenues for learning. Our aim is to expose our pupils to as many different subjects and ideas as possible from a young age and to experience a cohesive journey all the way up to A level. It is important to ensure that the curriculum is continually balanced between content, concepts and skills.
As pupils move up through Oundle they enjoy a greater depth to their learning so that when they do go on to the next stage of education at university or elsewhere, they will always have that foundation that will support them.
“Oundelians perform exceptionally well, progressing to the most competitive universities and often to read the most competitive courses, because they make the most of all the academic help and support on offer here. The culture of learning they create among their peers is highly distinctive.”Dr Adam Baragwanath, Deputy Head Academic
We value success in public examinations as an important educational aim and it forms the basis of our examined curriculum, but it is only part of our academic approach. A love of scholarship is an aspiration for every one of our pupils and staff, nourished by intellectual activity beyond the classroom and pursuits beyond the confines of Oundle. We celebrate and reward involvement as well as achievement, believing that academic fulfilment should never be limited to the brightest of pupils.
Across the disciplines of Literature, Art, Design, History, Science and Language, we share a common pedagogical culture. Beyond that base, the School’s academic departments have considerable scope for independence. It is this independence and diversity that colours the curriculum, motivates our teachers and invites pupils to explore, read, reflect, debate, create and innovate.
“Pupils explore ideas fearlessly and care deeply about what they do and how they do it. They are not driven by pressure, but by a motivation that comes from within. That gives Oundle its distinctive character: ambitious, thoughtful and quietly assured.”Dominic Oliver, Head
Digital technology has an important place in our classrooms, helping to create engaging lessons and equipping pupils with the skills they will need for university and beyond. But we are equally mindful of the value of focus, handwriting and genuine human interaction.
Every pupil has a dedicated Lenovo device and uses Microsoft 365 and Teams to support learning and organisation, ensuring a consistent digital experience across the School. This sits within our wider Digital Wellbeing Framework, which encourages pupils to use technology thoughtfully and to separate work from relaxation, helping them to make the most of the social and intellectual life that comes from living in a boarding community.
Our approach is intentionally balanced: We use digital tools where they genuinely enhance learning, while maintaining the academic depth, discussion and critical thinking that flourish best away from a screen.
Every pupil arrives at Oundle with individual learning requirements. A screening programme for pupils new to the School helps to identify those who may need some additional support and ensures that we are aware early on of any possible underlying difficulties.
The Learning Support department has six specialist members of staff. The department offers help through the School’s programme of Voluntaries, either on a one-to-one basis or in small groups, to develop skills such as essay planning, revision skills, exam technique, mind-mapping and spelling.
A love of scholarship is an aspiration for every one of our pupils and staff, nourished by intellectual activity beyond the classroom and the confines of formal examinations. Our overriding aim is to instil in all Oundelians a love of learning for its own sake and an intellectual curiosity and restlessness that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Much of our academic enrichment comes under Our Life of Learning programme, the ethos of which extends across all departments and year groups. It introduces Oundelians to cultural experiences and ideas that have the potential to shape their lives and encouraging them to consider varying views on critical world issues of political, ethical and spiritual importance. From academic societies and voluntaries to bespoke Oundle courses such as Trivium and Quadrivium, the programme is as inclusive as it is broad.
In the midst of a busy day, the Cripps Library is a quiet place for pupils to collect their thoughts, focus on work or browse the shelves. Our open shelves spark excitement for the serendipity of discovery, while the scale and variety of our collection supports the research that is required for our pupils to complete their academic projects and essays.
The Cripps Library is also instrumental in ensuring that pupils understand how to select and evaluate information, and how to use it effectively and responsibly, not just for academic success, but for personal well-being and good citizenship. Within the Cripps Library is The Rare Book Room, containing the School’s special collections, including a 15th century Book of Hours and many significant 16th and 17th century books.
"The broad, ambitious curriculum promotes intellectual curiosity and enables pupils to develop knowledge, skills and understanding across a wide range of areas."ISI Inspection 2024
Timetabled languages offered
A level options
GCSE/IGCSE subject options
Academic societies
Oxbridge destination
Russell Group destination
29%
A*
67%
A*-A
88%
A*-B
30%
grade 9
53%
grade 9/8
74%
grade 9-7
“Take advantage of the extensive opportunities Oundle offers you and learn your subjects with an open mind. Make good impressions with your teachers and with your peers as trust and reputation go a long way. Be fearless - Oundle has so much on offer! And have patience. What isn't happening for you now may well end up doing so in the future. Just keep working at it.”Upper Sixth Pupils
