Oundle School: 11 plus entry guide

About Oundle School

Oundle School is a private day and boarding school in Northamptonshire for boys and girls aged 11–18. Around three-quarters of students board at the school and come from all over the UK and overseas, with 36 different nationalities represented in the student population.

Students experience lessons and activities in a range of buildings across the market town of Oundle. There is a considerable breadth of subjects and academic opportunities, including 'Trivium and Quadrivium' (independent study of personal choice in Years 9 and 12 respectively), 7 timetabled languages, and over 40 academic societies. Students achieve excellent results in public exams and achieve places at the world's best universities, art and music colleges each year.

The house system is at the heart of life at Oundle School. Both day and boarding houses have their own sense of identity and loyalty and provide pupils with plenty of opportunities for social and co-curricular activities. Students are encouraged to become global contributors to society, with activities based in leadership, adventure, and service helping to provide a broad life experience.

• Headteacher: Sarah Kerr-Dineen

• Address: The Great Hall, New Street, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4GH

• County: Northamptonshire

• Age range and gender: boys and girls aged 11–18

• Number of pupils: 1,100+

• National league table rank (Sunday Times Parent Power): 86

• A level results: 87.6 A*–B

• GCSE results: 84.9% 9–7

Key info for 11+ admissions

• Admissions contact: [email protected], 01832 277125

• Open day: 10th June 2023. Contact the admissions office to reserve a place

• Overview of selection procedure: written papers, cognitive ability test and interview

• Registration closes: registration by September in Year 6 is encouraged

• Assessment date: January in Year 6

Fees at Oundle School

The fees at Oundle School vary depending on the year group and whether your child is a day or boarding pupil. The 2022–2023 fees for day pupils range from £20,595 (Year 7) to £27,075 (Years 9–13). Annual fees for baording pupils range from £32,115 (Year 7) to £42,270 (Years 9–13). Fees are payable termly, and are set in June for the following academic year.

Oundle School is able to support any family whose child has the potential, but not the financial means, to take up a place at the school. Bursaries – means-tested financial assistance – are available on a sliding scale, with some places fully funded. Find out more on the school website.

Oundle School admissions process

Over 50 pupils join Oundle at 11+ entry each year. Day pupils join Scott House and boarding pupils join The Berrystead – the junior boarding house.

If you are considering Oundle School, it's a good idea to visit the school first to make sure that it's the right fit for your child. Attending an open day is a great opportunity, as you'll be able to talk to current staff and pupils, tour the school facilities, and ultimately get a feel for what the school can offer.

1. Register for 11+ entry

To start your child's application process, you will need to complete a registration form (available by request from the admissions office). This should be returned as soon as possible, but ideally before September in Year 6. A non-refundable registration fee of £250 applies.

If you are applying from outside the UK, it's recommended that you provide the school with your child's UKiset report before applying.

2. Assessments

Your child will be invited to take the Oundle School 11 plus entrance exam in January when they are in Year 6. Children who are taking the exam on-site at Oundle School will also have an informal interview, and prospective boarders will experience an overnight stay in the junior boarding house.

Children applying from overseas will follow the same entrance procedure and take the same papers. You will need to arrange for your child to take the exam at a registered British Council Office.

We've included more details about the Oundle School 11 plus entrance exam below.

3. Offers

If your child is successful in the assessment and interview, you will receive an offer in late January. To accept a place, you will need to pay an acceptance fee and deposit.

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