Founded in 1584 by Robert Johnson, Archdeacon of Leicester and, until 1960, it remained a small, local boys' school. Over the next 10 years numbers almost doubled and girls were admitted in 1971; the numbers of boys and girls have been broadly equal for over 30 years. The houses are scattered in the attractive, small country town of Oakham and into the countryside; there are fine gardens and playing fields. Facilities include an excellent library, science laboratories, an ICT centre, art and design centre, a theatre and a music school. There are extensive sports facilities including two all-weather pitches (one floodlit), and a sports complex with swimming pool, fitness centre and squash and fives courts. The school deliberately maintains relatively equal numbers of day and boarding pupils and there are many siblings amongst pupils. It aims to provide a happy, friendly environment; a school that is both forward-looking and down-to-earth, underpinned by Christian principles. The large staff allows a staff:pupil ratio of about 1:7 and a lot of attention is given to the individual. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. The International Baccalaureate is now offered alongside the traditional A-levels in the sixth form. It is also strong in music, art and drama. There is a very high standard in sports and games (a large number of county and national representatives). There are numerous other extra-curricular activities (chess is traditionally very strong), a flourishing CCF, an outstanding record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, and a substantial commitment to volunteering both locally and overseas.
Pupils: Age range 10-18; 1079 pupils, 484 day (252 boys, 232 girls), 595 boarding (303 boys, 292 girls), of whom 167 day board (75 boys, 92 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used at 10, 11 and 13, plus Common Entrance at 13; for sixth-form entry, references and report, plus 7 GCSEs at least grade B (including maths and English). Skills in sciences, music, art and design welcomed; no particular religious requirements. Feeder schools include Spratton Hall, Witham Hall, Stoneygate School, St Hugh's Woodhall Spa, St John's College School, Bilton Grange, Great Houghton Prep, Old Buckenham Hall and S Anselm's, Brooke Priory and Copthill.
Variable number of scholarships awarded: academic and music at 11, 13 and 16; all-rounder, art, design & technology and sport at 13 and 16; science & engineering and drama at 16. Means-tested bursaries for those whose families would not otherwise be able to afford an Oakham education (also available to supplement scholarships). Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
Headmaster: Nigel M Lashbrook, appointed 2009. Educated at King's Heath Grammar School, Birmingham, and Oxford University (chemistry). Previously Headmaster at King's School, Bruton, Second Master at Tonbridge and taught at Manchester Grammar School. Teaching staff: 146 full time, 22 part time. Annual turnover 3%. Average age 42.
GCSE/IGCSE: 157 pupils in Year 11, 96% gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects (96% of pupils included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language). A-levels/IB: 194 in Year 13. Some two thirds take AS/A-levels, passing an average of 3.1 subjects, with a final point score of 385. One third take IB Diploma, achieving an average IB score of 35.
Almost all sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (some 30% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 6% take courses in medicine, veterinary science and dentistry, 13% in science and engineering, 23% in humanities and social sciences, 15% in business and management related courses; sports, art and land-based courses are also popular.
GCSE/IGCSE, AS and A-levels, IB Diploma. 25 subjects offered (including classical civilisation, theatre studies, sport science). Sixth form: 33% of sixth formers take the IB Diploma. Most of the remainder take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3+ at A-level; on average 20% take science A-levels, 20% arts/humanities and 60% both; general studies not taught, but critical and contextual studies offered. Vocational: Work experience available. Special needs provision: Learning support may be offered where needed (small-group teaching, individual or paired lessons or in class support). Languages: French, German, Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level and IB; Latin and Greek also available. Over 80% take GCSE in more than 1 language. Regular exchanges and frequent cultural visits to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Some 960 computers for pupil use; those age 13+ have own laptops.
Music: Over 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. At least 50% involved in musical groups including orchestras, big band, concert band, choirs (chamber choir recently premiered works in London and featured on Classic FM), numerous chamber ensembles. Some members of National Youth ensembles; choral and organ awards to Oxbridge. Drama: GCSE drama, A-level theatre studies and LAMDA exams may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and other productions; some productions tour to USA and Edinburgh Fringe. Typically 3 pa go on to study drama at university. Art and design: On average, 80 take GCSE, 50 A-level, also IB. Design, 3D-studies, textiles, print-making, sculpture, computer aided design, home economics and photography available.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics (boys' major games); hockey, netball, tennis, athletics (girls' major games); boys and girls soccer, tennis and golf also strong. Some 30 sports available across a year; participation strong and teams for all abilities. National success by both individuals and teams. 10 U18 boy and girl internationals since 2000 (cricket, football, rugby, hockey, golf), plus many regional and county representatives across a range of sports. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (1000+ golds awarded since 1976); also CCF and Voluntary Action. Numerous clubs and activities, eg computers and role playing, to cooking and chess.
Uniform: School uniform worn; dress code in upper sixth. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, head of house and house prefects - elected. School Council. Religion: Christian principles. Social: Debating in local and national competitions. Trips abroad include to Morocco (to support Ecole Nomade), sports, classics and music tours; regular German, Spanish and French school exchanges. Meals self-service. School shop.
Aims to encourage general good conduct and to target specific behaviour. Most punishments are given out by either Housemasters or the Deputy. Examples include: chewing gum results in a £5 fine; skipping a lesson or activity results in an automatic detention; pupils leaving the school campus during timetabled lessons would be gated in House. For more serious breaches, the school operates an internal suspension, in which pupils are usually kept in school but are suspended from activities and games; for possession of spirits or drugs, pupils are sent home; the supply of drugs results in automatic expulsion
15% have own room; 70% share a study bedroom with 1-2, 15% in with 3-4. Single-sex houses of approximately 60, divided by age; separate houses for Year 13. Day boarding (3 nights each week) available from age 13, transitional boarding (1-4 nights a week) for younger pupils. Resident qualified nurse. 2 central dining rooms. Pupils can provide and cook own snacks in houses. 1 termly exeat (7 days). Visits to local town allowed in free time with permission.
Old Oakhamians, is run by Mr Jon Wills, c/o the school.
Thomas Merton (religious philosopher); The Rt Hon Sir Anthony Clarke (Master of the Rolls); Stuart Broad and Lucy Pearson (England cricketers); A P F (Percy) Chapman (former England cricketer); Ron Jacobs (former England rugby player, RFU president); Lewis Moody (England rugby player); Crista Cullen (GB hockey); Matthew Manning (psychic); Sir John Cope (Paymaster General); Prof Robert Stevens (Master, Pembroke College Oxford); Sir Peter North (Vice-Chancellor, Oxford University); Greg Hicks (actor and director); Matthew Macfadyen (actor); Katie Mitchell (theatre director); Kwamé Ryan (conductor); Graham Hoyland (explorer and BBC producer); Charlotte Uhlenbroek (naturalist and TV presenter); Sacha Newley (artist); Charles Bairsto (transatlantic rower).
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