As the Registrar for children joining Oundle in our First and Second Form (Year 7 and Year 8), I have the privilege of meeting many families considering entry for our youngest years. I also have the joy of being a Tutor at The Berrystead, our junior boarding House thoughtfully designed and resourced to provide the best possible start to boarding life. Spending time with the children, I really get to know them—sharing meals, hearing about their day and watching their interests evolve. I see first-hand how quickly they settle in and flourish.
Boarding is about so much more than just school; choosing the right place involves far more than looking at league tables or university destinations. Parents understandably want more than an excellent education for their child. They want a home during term time – a place where their child can thrive, explore and have the space to discover who they are and what they love, all within a safe and supportive community.
Often, it’s the small things that matter most: knowing they’ll have close friends to laugh with at the breakfast table and in dorms at night, that there will always be a familiar and caring adult to turn to and that they’ll be supported in managing their homework and everyday routines until they develop the independence to do so confidently by themselves. These early experiences lay the foundation so that, by the time they step into our senior Houses at age 13, they are not just ready but already thriving.
Our vision for Oundle’s junior boarding years is to offer the best of both worlds—an upper prep-school-style experience combined with access to the outstanding facilities, specialist teaching and exceptional co-curricular opportunities of a senior school. Starting boarding at 11 can feel like a big step, but The Berrystead ensures a smooth and well-supported transition.
Pupils quickly feel at home in this close-knit community, guided by our dedicated Housemistress, Deputy Housemaster, Matrons and Berrystead-specific tutors, who oversee small groups of children and provide individual care and support. Meanwhile, our sports fellows play a key role in House life, offering additional pastoral support and acting as energetic young role models for our youngest pupils—individuals whom they admire and often aspire to be!
Beyond the daily rhythms of House life, our Head of Boarding Adventure ensures that weekends and evenings are packed with fun activities, both on and off-site. From team-building challenges and adventure trips to film nights and spontaneous games in the garden, there is always something exciting to look forward to.
And, of course, no description of life in The Berrystead would be complete without mentioning Dali, our much-loved house cat, whose calming presence and affectionate nature make The Berrystead feel even more like home for everyone.
The Berrystead itself is picture-perfect—a beautiful Grade I listed building with gardens that echo with laughter as children play football and chat on the swings. The grounds are shared with our junior day House, Scott House, in a joint ‘junior campus’. This ensures that both day and boarding pupils learn, socialise and grow together. Whether they live in The Berrystead or return home at the end of the School day, all pupils benefit from the same vibrant community, forging friendships that extend beyond the classroom and into every aspect of School life.
One of the aspects I love most about Oundle is that our pupils remain children for longer. With no smartphones allowed in The Berrystead, they take a step away from screens and immerse themselves in real friendships, shared experiences and new hobbies. Downtime is spent outside playing games, enjoying impromptu pampering sessions or heading off on House trips to trampoline parks or bowling alleys. Film nights—complete with plenty of snacks—are a regular highlight. Free from the constant pull of screens, pupils have time to nurture their interests and discover new ones, forming bonds that last a lifetime.
I often catch up with older pupils who began their Oundle journey in The Berrystead. While they will have formed deep friendships in their senior Houses, the connections built in those early years remain incredibly strong.
At a time when true full boarding at 11+ is becoming increasingly rare, Oundle remains one of the few schools in the UK to offer a genuine full-boarding experience from this age, with most pupils in The Berrystead boarding full-time.
Equally, we recognise that not all children are quite ready for full boarding at this stage, so alongside full boarding we offer weekly and three-day options, ensuring a seamless transition to full boarding in our senior Houses at age 13. Graduated boarding allows us to meet the needs of each individual family and their own circumstances.
If you are considering Oundle for your child at 11 or 12 (Year 7 or Year 8 entry), I would love to welcome you for a visit. A tour of The Berrystead and the wider school will allow you to experience first-hand the warmth of our community and the exceptional opportunities on offer. I look forward to meeting you and sharing what makes Oundle such a special place for our youngest pupils.
