Home ● Pastoral care ● Our Houses
Junior day pupils in the First and Second Forms are accommodated in Scott House, sharing the generous grounds of The Berrystead, the junior boarding House for pupils aged eleven to thirteen. Together, the two Houses form a comfortable base for pupils to work, relax and socialise before they move up to the senior Houses.
Each of the senior boarding Houses are specifically designed to have family accommodation for a Housemaster or Housemistress and, aside from the smaller Berrystead, each houses approximately sixty pupils, with roughly twelve in each year group. Each House also has a live-in Matron who, in addition to managing the domestic affairs of the House, helps to look after the health and welfare of the boys and girls. There are eight boys’ Houses and five girls’ Houses.
Accommodation varies between Houses, with some pupils in bedsits in their first year, whereas others may share small dormitories and work in separate studies. All Sixth Form pupils are in bedsits, with Upper Sixth formers in single bedsits. Each boarding House has common recreation areas, a library, TV room and kitchens for pupil use.
Laxton House accommodates 160 day pupils from thirteen to eighteen years of age, and is situated at the heart of the School, using buildings which were part of the original Grammar School foundation of Sir William Laxton.
housemistress
Mme Sophie Fonteneau
housemistress
Mrs Fiona L Quiddington
housemistress
Mme Sophie Fonteneau
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Modern Languages
Sophie Fonteneau has taught Modern Languages at Oundle since 2001, and was formerly Head of Third Form and Deputy at The Berrystead. She and her partner Marc have one daughter. Her interests include theatre, cinema, reading and travel.
Overview
Built in the late seventeenth century as a gentleman’s town house, The Berrystead is a handsome Grade I listed building close to the centre of town. It is a co-educational House, accommodating all the boarders in the First and Second Forms (Years 7 and 8). It is an integral part of Oundle School, and Berrystead pupils participate fully in every aspect of School life.
The Berrystead houses around 40 pupils across the two year groups, with roughly equal numbers of boys and girls in each year. After the Second Form, Berrystead pupils move on automatically to the Senior House of their choice without taking Common Entrance.
The Berrystead aims to provide an introduction to boarding which is homely and welcoming, and which sets pupils on track to making the very most of their time at Oundle. During their time in The Berrystead, pupils are encouraged to work hard, to embrace all the opportunities on offer within the school, to contribute to the friendly and co-operative atmosphere within the House, and to develop their independence.
Deputy Housemaster
Mr Sudip Burman-Roy (Biology)
MATRON
Mrs Gietta Gueli
HOUSE ENTRANCE
Housemates
BEDROOM
Prep Room
Dining Hall
BOARDING LIFE
GARDEN
DINING ROOM
In the words of The Berrystead's Pupils...
housemistress
Mrs Fiona L Quiddington
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Economics
Fiona Quiddington has taught Economics at Oundle School since 2007, and was previously Head of Middle Years and Head of Sixth Form in Laxton House. She enjoys coaching tennis and runs in her spare time.
Overview
Scott House is the Junior Day House, located at the end of Duck Lane, adjacent to The Berrystead (the Junior Boarding House). Together, both Houses form a pastoral base where lower year pupils, day and boarding, can integrate both academically and socially. The House is named after an Old Oundelian, Sir Peter Markham Scott (Sc 27), co-founder of the World Wildlife Fund. The House was officially opened in September 2018 by Sir David Attenborough, also attended by Sir Peter Scott’s family.
Scott House is co-educational, with approximately 80 day pupils. The tutorial team focuses on enabling a smooth transition from junior school to Scott House and then to the Senior Day House, Laxton, or a boarding House for the Third Form.
Deputy Housemistress
Miss Katherine Morris (Biology)
HOUSE ADMINISTRATORS
Mrs Sarah Fraser & Mrs Tracey Richardson
SCOTT HOUSE ENTRANCE
Prep Room
Chess
House Reception
Outdoor Green Space
Outdoor Green Space
DAY LIFE
MRS QUIDDINGTON AND SIR DAVID AT THE OPENING OF SCOTT HOUSE
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH OPENING SCOTT HOUSE
Prep Room
GALE MILE
GALE MILE
In the words of Scott House's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr Peter A Liston
Housemaster
Major Andrew C Mansergh RM
Housemaster
Mr Alex J Brighton
Housemaster
Mr Nicholas Warden
Housemaster
Mr William Gunson
Housemaster
Mr Scott Jessop
Housemaster
Dr Laura MacKenzie
Housemaster
Mr Chris Bradnam
Housemaster
Mr Peter A Liston
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Classics
Peter Liston, joined Oundle to teach Classics in 2011, and was Deputy Housemaster in Laundimer for four years. Peter is an accomplished musician and sportsman, and is married with two children.
Overview
Bramston House is a Queen Anne town house built by Stephen Bramston, a lawyer, in 1701. The House is situated in the heart of the Market Place, close to the academic centre of the School. A feature of the House is the fine garden area which includes a tennis court, as well as a substantial paddock with rugby posts, football goals and a new Astroturf cricket net.
Bramston is a happy, busy and outgoing House; a home from home. Guided by principles including honesty and openness, hard work, kindness and courage, Bramston pupils enjoy life in their busy boarding house.
Deputy Housemaster
Mr Didier Vincent (Design Technology)
MATRON
Miss Caroline Smith
HOUSE GARDEN
BEDROOM
Dining Hall
BATHROOM
Bedroom
COMMON ROOM
Boarding Life
Common Room
HOUSE GARDEN
Common Room
Bedroom
In the words of Bramston's Pupils...
Housemaster
Major Andrew C Mansergh RM
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Geography
Following a highly successful career in the Royal Marines, Andrew Mansergh joined Oundle in 2013 as a Geography teacher and Contingent Commander of the CCF. He is married and has three children.
Overview
Facing Milton Road to the front and the expanse of the playing fields at the rear, Crosby House derives its name from the Grocer and diplomat Sir John Crosby, and was first occupied by boarders in 1907.
Crosby is a home from home, a friendly, supportive and outgoing House where boys should always feel comfortable and confident. The House motto is ‘others first’: think about your neighbour and his needs, and then about your own. This motto creates a secure, enriching and happy community.
Deputy Housemaster
Mr Kevin Arnold (Computer Science)
MATRON
Ms Emma Johnston
COMMON ROOM
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
In the words of Crosby's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr Alex J Brighton
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
History
Alex Brighton has taught History at Oundle since 2005. His wife teaches Modern Languages and they have two children. Alex coaches cross country running and rock climbing, leads numerous school trips and is involved in the CCF.
Overview
As one of the four field Houses, Fisher House overlooks the playing fields to the rear, and is next door to the Sports Centre. Founded as Laxton House in 1869, the House was renamed in 2001 after the former Headmaster, Kenneth Fisher.
Fisher is a friendly, supportive and outgoing House where boys should always feel comfortable and confident. Fisher boys are happy, respectful of everyone and are expected to be honest at all times. The boys make the most of the opportunities available to them and are always keen to try new things.
Deputy Housemaster
Mr Chris Bradnam (Physics)
MATRON
Mrs Debbie Newstead
BEDROOM
Birthday Donuts
Yardie
BOARDING LIFE
Boarding Life
Library
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
In the words of Fisher's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr Nicholas Warden
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Music
Nicholas Warden is Head of Singing and Director of the Chapel Choir. Before coming to Oundle, he had a distinguished international career as an opera singer and held teaching posts at The Royal Academy of Music and Oxford University. He enjoys country walks with his two dogs, and has shared his cooking skills with pupils in House masterchef competitions. A love of travel often takes him to Italy with his wife Nicoletta and their daughter.
Overview
Grafton is one of four spacious purpose-built boys Houses collectively known as the Field Houses, situated off Milton Road, and backing on to the playing fields. Named after the sixteenth century Grocer and printer, Grafton House has been the home to Oundle boys for over 100 years.
Grafton is a happy House with a strong house spirit. The aim is to nurture and produce gentlemen of the highest calibre, and we value and expect good behaviour and manners. There is no desire to quell fun, lively spirits and boyish behaviour, but it is important that pupils minimise any negative impact such behaviour may produce and respond in the correct manner should things go wrong.
Deputy Housemaster
Simon Eldridge (Sports)
MATRON
Mrs Iline Denny
HOUSE ENTRANCE
DINING ROOM
U6th bedsit
Common Room
BOARDING LIFE
Front Lawn
Comfortable House Library
Dining Hall
In the words of Grafton's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr William Gunson
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Modern Foreign Languages
William Gunson has taught French at Oundle since 2013, and was Head of Trivium/Quadrivium. He is Lay Chaplain, conducts the compline choir and coaches cricket, hockey and trains RAF cadets. He and his wife live with an excitable beagle.
Overview
At the heart of Laundimer House is a late Georgian town house, once the residence of Robert (later Baron) Vernon Smith, who was MP for Northamptonshire in the mid-nineteenth century. The House stands on North Street in the town centre and a short walk to most of the School’s teaching areas. The enclosed garden includes a football pitch and tennis court.
The environment created within the House is easily one of Laundimer’s greatest strengths. It is a house where year groups mix well and where those entrusted with positions of responsibility carry out their duties fairly. The House values are honesty and integrity; living by these values creates a civilised and unique community.
Deputy Housemaster
Dr Robert Macdonald (Mathematics)
MATRON
Mrs Fiona Greaves
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BEDROOM
Common Room
Bedroom
Boarding Life
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
In the words of Laundimer's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr Scott Jessop
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Modern Languages
Scott Jessop came to teaching after a decade in the City and joined Oundle in 2010 to teach Modern Languages. He is Head of Life of Learning, the school-wide programme of Scholarship, and looks after the Academic Scholars. A keen sportsman, he coaches rugby and cricket and also enjoys reading and the outdoors. Scott is married to Louise, a lawyer, and they have two daughters and a border terrier called Ginny.
Overview
In the centre of the School, facing the Cloisters across New Street and adjacent to the Great Hall, School House began life as a boarding House in 1887, although by tradition School House was originally the residence of the Headmaster, and there has been a School House at Oundle since 1556.
School House is a home from home where boys work, socialise, relax and can be themselves. The excellent house spirit stems from the boys throwing themselves enthusiastically into a wide range of academic and extra-curricular activities and we prize values such as integrity, mutual respect, friendliness, camaraderie and trying your best in whatever you do.
Deputy Housemistress
Dr Laura C O MacKenzie (Politics)
MATRON
Mme Francoise Barron
Front view from New Street
School House paddock
Third Form dorm
TV/games room
TV/games room
Bathroom
Boarding life
Dining room
Bathroom
In the words of School House's Pupils...
Housemaster
Dr Laura MacKenzie
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Government and Politics
Laura 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. She is Head of Trivium and is involved in the Debating Society. In her spare time, Laura plays in a progressive rock band and enjoys reading and creative writing, as well as following the many lows (and a few highs) of Hibernian FC. She is married to Jon, a Digital Consultant in the City, and they are looking forward to joining the Sidney family along with their spaniel, Sprock. Laura is excited about ‘doing life’ with the Sidney boys and supporting them throughout their Oundle journey.
Overview
Since taking in its first boarders in 1882, Sidney House now comprises one of four Field Houses situated along Milton Road, and facing the School playing fields to the rear.
Above all, Sidney is a home, a place where pupils can relax and be themselves. It is a close and supportive community, where courtesy, consideration and communication form the foundation of relationships with peers and staff at Oundle and in the House.
Deputy Housemaster
Mr Nathan de Garis
MATRON
Mrs Lilian Penlington
HOUSE ENTRANCE
Dining Room
Common Room
DINING ROOM
Private Reading
COMMON ROOM
Front Lawn
House Entrance
BATHROOM
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
In the words of Sidney's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr Chris Bradnam
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Physics and Computing
Chris Bradnam teaches Physics and Computing, is the Head of Football and was the Deputy Housemaster at Fisher for two years. Prior to joining Oundle School, Chris worked at Spratton Hall for ten years. He is married to Julie, a French teacher, and has two children who both attend Oundle School. Chris enjoys playing football, cricket and golf, as well as reading, watching science fiction films and live sporting events.
Overview
St Anthony House stands on Milton Road, well positioned between games fields and academic departments, facing the School Chapel with which it shares its patron saint. Its copper-domed tower is a local landmark clearly visible as one approaches Oundle from the west. The extensive outside space includes a walled garden where Paddock football is regularly enjoyed, as well as a grass tennis court and an enclosed yard for ‘Yardy’ cricket.
The House spirit emphasis is on giving things a go, supporting and respecting each other and allowing everyone to be themselves. House values include enthusiasm, tolerance, respect, kindness, responsibility, integrity, humility and camaraderie.
Deputy Housemaster
Mr Philip H Meadows (Chemistry)
MATRON
Ms Sharon Werdmuller
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
House Library
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
BEDROOM
BOARDING LIFE
SIXTH FORM BEDROOM
BOARDING LIFE
TV ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
MUSIC ROOM
PENTANQUE
In the words of St Anthony's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr Adam E Langsdale
Housemaster
Mr Adam E Langsdale
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Biology
Adam Langsdale came to Oundle in 2000 as Head of Biology and became Housemaster of School House in 2009. His wife is the School Archivist and their two sons are former Laxtonians.
Overview
Day pupils currently make up approximately one-quarter of the School’s total numbers, with boys and girls in almost equal proportion. Laxton pupils play an equal part in the academic, sporting and cultural life of the School, and the facilities on offer enable every pupil to follow a wide range of interests.
Every day (including Saturday) starts with registration in Laxton Cloisters between 8:00am and 8:25am. A cafeteria style lunch is taken in the Laxton Dining Room. The end of the day is variable, depending upon the age of the pupil and season of the year. Collection time is normally between 4:00pm and 6:00pm, but may be much later if there is a late afternoon rehearsal, evening lecture or theatre event to attend.
Laxton’s buildings occupy the attractive churchyard site of the original ‘gild’ school, which Oundle’s founder, Sir William Laxton, attended. They consist of the Cloisters, used for daily registration and other functions, the Long Room, used for additional assemblies, concerts and lectures, social areas, changing facilities and common rooms.
Laxton parents are invited to participate in the Friends of Laxton and Scott, which organises regular social events for parents, Staff and pupils. FOLS organises the sale of second hand uniform, and offers travel bursaries to pupils for educational activities.
Deputy Housemaster
Mr Mark Sanderson
MATRON
Mrs Helen Shair
HOUSE ENTRANCE
DINING
DAY LIFE
COMMON ROOM
Outdoor Green Space
DAY LIFE
COMMON ROOM
DAY LIFE
LAXTON CLOISTERS
GARDEN
DAY LIFE
In the words of Laxton's Pupils...
housemistress
Mrs Amelia Barker
housemistress
Mrs Charlotte Deane
housemistress
Ms Caroline A Rees
housemistress
Miss Sarah L Johnson
housemistress
Mrs Ellie Talbot
housemistress
Mrs Amelia Barker
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Psychology
Amelia Barker joined Oundle in September 2018 as a teacher of Psychology. Her previous position was Assistant Principal at Jumeirah College in Dubai, where she was also Head of Psychology. She is currently Charities Coordinator, overseeing the pupils’ charity work and a trustee of Oundle Mencap Holidays. She is married to Mike and they have a young son and daughter. Amelia enjoys running, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Overview
Built in 1938, Dryden is situated just north of the centre of Oundle, overlooking Home Close and SciTec. The house is named after the seventeenth century poet John Dryden, who was born in the local village of Aldwincle.
Above all else, Dryden is a home where girls belong and can be themselves. Kind and considerate behaviour is expected at all times. Honesty, integrity, common sense and clear communication are qualities to strive for.
Deputy Housemaster
Mr Joe Allen
MATRON
Mrs Elaine Richardson
House Entrance
COMMON ROOM
Dining Room
BEDROOM
Boarding Life
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BATHROOM
GARDEN
Common Room
House Fitness Equipment
Bedroom
Dining Hall
In the words of Dryden's Pupils...
housemistress
Mrs Charlotte Deane
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Theology, Philosophy and Religion
Charlotte Deane has taught Theology, Philosophy and Religion at Oundle since 2011, having previously taught at Uppingham. She is currently Head of Academic Projects and has also been a Child Protection Officer. She is married to Brendan, who is Head of TPR, and they have two children. Charlotte coaches tennis at the School and takes pupils to volunteer at the soup kitchen in Peterborough as part of Oundle’s CA programme. She is a keen scuba diver and runner in her leisure time.
Overview
Kirkeby was built in 1990 to accommodate Oundle’s first girl boarders. The House takes its name from Joan Kirkeby, the wife of Sir William Laxton who endowed and re-founded the School in 1556. It is situated on Pavilion Drive, surrounded by playing fields, and linked to Wyatt House and the Health Centre. The accommodation includes studies and dormitories for the Third and Fourth Forms and bedsits for the senior year groups. There are also a number of spacious common areas.
A boarding House is a community, where kindness and courtesy ensure it is a home where everyone is happy, confident and content.
Deputy Housemistress
Miss Charlotte Hignett (Modern Foreign Languages)
MATRON
Mrs Anita Dunn
House Courtyard
Visitors’ Room
Dining Hall
BOARDING LIFE
House Library
HOUSE FITNESS EQUIPMENT
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BEDROOM
Common Room
BATHROOM
Visitors’ Room
BOARDING LIFE
In the words of Kirkeby's Pupils...
housemistress
Ms Caroline A Rees
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Physics
Caroline Rees has a first class degree in mechanical engineering and an MSc from Loughborough University. Before becoming a teacher, Caroline worked in industry, including for Rolls Royce. In her previous school, she was Deputy Head of Science and Head of Fourth and Fifth Form. She trained with the Northern Ballet and has a black belt in karate. She and her partner have two children.
Overview
New House was converted to a girls House in 1997, but was first used as a boarding house in 1907. Despite its name, the original building is one of the oldest that the School owns. Although much extended and modernised over the years, New House still retains its more ancient charm. With a large paddock which runs down to the Nene River, and views over adjacent pastures, New House holds a unique position in the town.
New House is a home, a place where you can be yourself, where you belong. It is also a place to flourish, both academically and in the wider sense, to make the most of what Oundle has to offer.
Deputy Housemaster
Mr Matthew Burlington (Drama)
MATRON
Gardens
Gardens
Gardens
Dining Room
Dining Room
Dining Room
Fitness Gym
Bathroom
Bedroom
Common Room
Bedroom
Study
New House
New House
In the words of New House's Pupils...
housemistress
Miss Sarah L Johnson
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Music
Sarah Johnson has taught Music at Oundle since 1999, was formerly Assistant Director of Music, and Deputy Housemistress at Wyatt House. A former trustee of Oundle School Mencap Holiday, she continues to assist as a volunteer each summer on this project. Sarah has three children.
Overview
Sanderson was designed by the distinguished architect WA Forsyth and built in 1938. It is named after FW Sanderson who was Headmaster from 1901-22, and described by HG Wells as ‘the greatest Headmaster the world has ever seen’. Located to the north of the town, it overlooks Home Close.
The girls in Sanderson are well known for their House spirit and for always trying their hardest in everything, especially inter-House competitions.
Deputy Housemistress
Ms Emma Byatt (Biology)
MATRON
Ms Vanessa Rayner
DINING ROOM
BEDROOM
BOARDING LIFE
Boarding Life
GARDEN
BOARDING LIFE
DINING ROOMS
SIXTH FORM BEDROOM
Exercise Room
BATHROOM
BOARDING LIFE
COMMON ROOM
In the words of Sanderson's Pupils...
housemistress
Mrs Ellie Talbot
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
English
Ellie Talbot is a teacher of English and a Child Protection Officer. Before joining Oundle, Ellie worked at Oakham School and Eastbourne College. The Talbot family are all part of the Oundle community: her husband, David, is Head of Physics and Assistant Director of Sport and they have two children. Ellie enjoys reading, theatre-going, running and eating her husband’s cooking.
Overview
With her husband Robert, Joan Wyatt co-founded the Guild of Our Lady of Oundle in the early part of the sixteenth century, and gave her name to one of a pair of houses built in 1990 for the first girl boarders. Wyatt was purpose-built with many spacious common rooms, and is surrounded by the School playing fields from its position on Pavilion Drive
Wyatt is a thriving, energetic community, built upon mutual respect. Wyatt girls develop the key virtues of honesty, integrity, common sense and consideration. It is a happy house, filled with brave, sporty, talented and caring girls
Deputy Housemistress
MATRON
Mrs Sarah Wood
HOUSE ENTRANCE
DINING ROOM
Courtyard
BEDROOM
Bedroom
BATHROOM
COMMON ROOM
DINING ROOM
Pool Room
Library
GARDEN
Dining Hall
In the words of Wyatt's Pupils...