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 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
ADDRESS
The Berrystead
North Street
Oundle PE8 4AW
HOUSE ENTRANCE
BOARDING LIFE
BEDROOM
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
GARDEN
BEDROOM
DINING ROOM
COMMON ROOM
GARDEN
COMMON ROOM
In the words of The Berrystead's Pupils...
housemistress
Mrs Fiona L Quiddington
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Economics
Mrs 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. She is married to the Housemaster of Sidney House, and has two daughters at Laxton Junior School.
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
Mrs Morwenna Chapman (Head of Geography)
HOUSE ADMINISTATORS
Mrs Lisa Jinks & Mrs Tracey Richardson
ADDRESS
Scott House
Duck Lane
Oundle PE8 4DY
SCOTT HOUSE ENTRANCE
COMMON ROOM
SCOTT HOUSE CHESS
SNACK TIME
BREAK TIME AT SCOTT HOUSE
SCOTT HOUSE BREAK TIME
DAY LIFE
MRS QUIDDINGTON AND SIR DAVID AT THE OPENING OF SCOTT HOUSE
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH OPENING SCOTT HOUSE
STUDY 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 William Gough
Housemaster
Mr William Gunson
Housemaster
Mr Scott Jessop
Housemaster
Dr. Chris J Quiddington
Housemaster
Mr Peter J Kemp
Housemaster
Mr Peter A Liston
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Classics
Mr Liston, joined Oundle to teach Classics in 2011, and was Deputy Housemaster in Laundimer for four years. Mr Liston 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
ADDRESS
Bramston House
Market Place
Oundle PE8 4BJ
HOUSE GARDEN
BEDROOM
DINING ROOM
BATHROOM
BEDROOM
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
COMMON ROOM
HOUSE GARDEN
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
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, Mr 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
ADDRESS
Crosby House
Milton Road
Oundle PE8 4AG
HOUSE ENTRANCE
COMMON ROOM
GARDEN
COMMON ROOM
GARDEN
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
In the words of Crosby's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr Alex J Brighton
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
History
Mr Brighton has taught History at Oundle since 2005. His wife teaches Modern Languages and they have two children. Mr Brighton 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
ADDRESS
Fisher House
Milton Road
Oundle PE8 4AQ
HOUSE ENTRANCE
BEDROOM
Birthday Donuts
Yardie
BOARDING LIFE
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
House Library
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
In the words of Fisher's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr William Gough
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Biology
Mr Gough joined Oundle in 2003 to teach Biology and Chemistry, having previously taught for six years at QEGS Wakefield. He is married with two children. Mr Gough ran the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award at Oundle for five years, and is now involved with rugby and cricket.
After 12 years in the House, Mr Gough will be succeeded by Deputy Housemaster Mr Nicholas Warden from September 2021. Mr 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
Mr Nicholas Warden - Housemaster Elect (Head of Singing)
MATRON
Mrs Iline Denny
ADDRESS
Grafton House
Milton Road
Oundle PE8 4AF
HOUSE ENTRANCE
DINING ROOM
U6th bedsit
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
GARDEN
Comfortable House Library
DINING ROOM
In the words of Grafton's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr William Gunson
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Modern Foreign Languages
Mr William Gunson has taught French at Oundle since 2013, and was Head of Trivium/Quadrivium from its inception. 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 fine Victorian 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
Mr Christian Capell (Geography)
MATRON
Mrs Fiona Greaves
ADDRESS
Laundimer House
North Street
Oundle PE8 4AP
HOUSE GARDEN
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BEDROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BEDROOM
BOARDING LIFE
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
In the words of Laundimer's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr Scott Jessop
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Modern Languages
Mr 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. Mr Jessop 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
ADDRESS
School House
New Street
Oundle PE8 4EN
Front view from New Street
School House paddock
Third Form dorm
Senior boys’ common room
TV/games room
TV/games room
Bathroom
Boarding life
Dining room
Library
Bathroom
Dining Room
In the words of School House's Pupils...
Housemaster
Dr. Chris J Quiddington
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Chemistry
Dr Quiddington joined Oundle in 2007 and is Head of the CCF Royal Navy Section. He was Head of Chemistry for four years and also coaches Rugby. His interests include swimming, foreign travel and music. His wife teaches Economics and is Head of Scott House. They have two daughters at Laxton Junior School.
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 Housemistress
Ms Lina Man (Mathematics)
MATRON
Ms Suzanne Hill
ADDRESS
Sidney House
Milton Road
Oundle PE8 4AE
HOUSE ENTRANCE
DINNING ROOM
COMMON ROOM
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
COMMON ROOM
GARDEN
BOARDING LIFE
BATHROOM
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
In the words of Sidney's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr Peter J Kemp
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
History
Mr Kemp joined the History department in 2009, having previously taught for twelve years at Cranleigh, and was deputy of Grafton for three years. He coaches hockey and cricket and assists with the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. He is married with two children and a cocker spaniel called Bumble. He is a keen golfer and enjoys music, travel, skiing and surfing.
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
ADDRESS
St Anthony House
Milton Road
Oundle PE8 4AD
HOUSE ENTRANCE
BOARDING LIFE
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
House Library
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
BEDROOM
BOARDING LIFE
SIXTH FORM BEDROOM
BOARDING LIFE
Yard
TV ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
MUSIC ROOM
PADDOCK
PENTANQUE
In the words of St Anthony's Pupils...
Housemaster
Mr Adam E Langsdale
Housemaster
Mr Adam E Langsdale
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Biology
Mr 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
ADDRESS
Laxton House
North Street
Oundle PE8 4AR
HOUSE ENTRANCE
DINING
DAY LIFE
COMMON ROOM
GARDEN
DAY LIFE
COMMON ROOM
DAY LIFE
LAXTON CLOISTERS
GARDEN
DAY LIFE
COMMON ROOM
DINING
In the words of Laxton's Pupils...
housemistress
Ms Kathryn Francis
housemistress
Mrs Louise Banerjee
housemistress
Ms Caroline A Rees
housemistress
Miss Sarah L Johnson
housemistress
Dr. Nicola M Mola
housemistress
Ms Kathryn Francis
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Drama
Ms Francis has been at Oundle since 2002, where she has been Head of Lower Years in Laxton House, Head of PSHE and Head of Drama. Ms Francis is married to Mark Rogers, has a cat, Piglet, and enjoys reading, travel and the theatre.
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 Housemistress
Miss Elizabeth Furber (Chemistry)
MATRON
Mrs Lilian Penlington
ADDRESS
Dryden House
Glapthorn Road
Oundle PE8 4JB
HOUSE ENTRANCE
COMMON ROOM
DINING ROOM
BEDROOM
BOARDING LIFE
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BATHROOM
GARDEN
BOARDING LIFE
HOUSE FITNESS EQUIPMENT
BEDROOM
DINING ROOM
In the words of Dryden's Pupils...
housemistress
Mrs Louise Banerjee
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Geography
Mrs Banerjee has a first class degree from Loughborough University and an MEd from the University of Cambridge. She has been with Oundle School for thirteen years, where she has held a number of posts, including Head of Geography, Head of Girls’ Games and Deputy Housemistress of Dryden House. Louise is married to Robin, who taught Psychology and Maths at Oundle for eight years and was Deputy Housemaster in Sidney House before changing careers. They have two children.
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
Miss Claire Caruth
ADDRESS
Kirkeby House
Pavilion Drive
Oundle PE8 4JJ
House Courtyard
Visitors’ Room
DINING ROOM
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 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
Ms Petra McCabe
ADDRESS
New House
Stoke Hill
Oundle PE8 4BL
HOUSE GARDEN
BOARDING LIFE
COMMOM ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
COMMON ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
GARDEN
BOARDING LIFE
BATHROOM
SIXTH FORM BEDROOM
BOARDING LIFE
In the words of New House's Pupils...
housemistress
Miss Sarah L Johnson
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Music
Miss 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. Miss Johnson 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
Miss Maria I Bitschanau (German)
MATRON
Ms Denise Martin
ADDRESS
Sanderson House
Glapthorn Road
Oundle PE8 4JD
HOUSE ENTRANCE
DINING ROOM
BEDROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
GARDEN
BOARDING LIFE
DINING ROOMS
SIXTH FORM BEDROOM
HOUSE FITNESS EQUIPMENT
BATHROOM
BOARDING LIFE
COMMON ROOM
In the words of Sanderson's Pupils...
housemistress
Dr. Nicola M Mola
SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Spanish
Nicola has taught Modern Languages at Oundle since 1991 and was formerly Head of Spanish. She is married and has two sons. She coaches netball and enjoys skiing, travel and the performing arts.
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
Miss Rachel L Hodgson (Classics)
MATRON
Mrs Sarah Wood
ADDRESS
Wyatt House
Pavilion Drive
Oundle PE8 4JJ
HOUSE ENTRANCE
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BEDROOM
BATHROOM
COMMON ROOM
DINING ROOM
BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE
GARDEN
DINING ROOM
In the words of Wyatt's Pupils...