Oundle School
Northamptonshire · PE8 4GH
Oundle School is one of England's leading co-educational boarding and day schools, set in the handsome market town of Oundle in Northamptonshire. Founded in 1556 by Sir William Laxton, it combines centuries of tradition with a genuinely forward-looking ethos, placing equal weight on intellectual rigour, character formation, and an exceptional breadth of co-curricular opportunity. The school's boarding culture — with around 840 of its 1,121 pupils in residence — creates a rich communal life that shapes confident, grounded young adults. Oundle is particularly distinguished by its engineering and science heritage, a world-class CCF, and a commitment to developing pupils who are ambitious without arrogance.
- →Outstanding breadth of co-curricular life including the largest school CCF in the country, elite sport, music, and drama
- →Strong academic outcomes with approximately 10% of pupils receiving Oxbridge offers and excellent Russell Group destinations
- →A genuine, immersive boarding community that develops independence and character alongside academic achievement
- →Historic strength in science, technology, and engineering — with a reputation as a top school for future engineers and scientists
- →Generous bursary programme funding 100+ awards annually, making an Oundle education accessible beyond the wealthy elite
Who thrives here
Curious, energetic pupils who want to be stretched academically while also committing wholeheartedly to sport, music, drama, or service — the school rewards those who throw themselves into community life rather than coasting on ability alone. Pupils who thrive tend to be socially confident, open to boarding culture, and genuinely interested in ideas beyond the classroom.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
The Great Hall, New Street, Oundle
Northamptonshire
PE8 4GH
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Arthur Marshall
Author and broadcaster
Peter Brooke
Conservative politician and Cabinet minister
Bruce Dickinson
Lead singer of Iron Maiden and entrepreneur
Richard Curtis
Screenwriter and director (Four Weddings, Notting Hill, Love Actually)
Felicity Kendal
Actress
Nick Park
Animator and creator of Wallace and Gromit
Clare Balding
Sports broadcaster and presenter
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Oundle School?
Day fees at Oundle School are approximately £39,900 per year (2026/27). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Oundle School?
Oundle School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Oundle School's exam results?
At Oundle School, 37.4% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 62.9% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Oundle School a boarding school?
Oundle School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Oundle School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Oundle School “Excellent” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional breadth of opportunity — pupils rarely find there is nothing for them to pursue
✓Strong house community creates genuine friendships and a real sense of belonging for boarders
✓High quality and accessibility of teaching staff, who are seen as genuinely enthusiastic about their subjects
✓The CCF and service programme are frequently cited as transformative for pupils' confidence and character
✓Pupils leave as mature, well-rounded individuals ready for university and adult life
Common concerns
!Fees are among the highest in the Midlands and continue to rise, with the bursary programme not always widely enough known to prospective parents
!The town-based campus means Oundle feels less self-contained than some boarding schools, which some families see as a positive but others find creates distractions
!Some parents of less academically driven pupils feel pressure can build in the run-up to public examinations
!Transport connections to the school are not straightforward for families without a car, despite proximity to Peterborough