The largest school CCF in England, with over 400 cadets across Army, RAF, and Navy.
Leading co-educational boarding school in Northamptonshire for ages 11–18
Why this school
The largest school CCF in England, with over 400 cadets across Army, RAF, and Navy.
Over 170 bursaries funded each year, averaging 70% fee remission per award.
Seven modern languages taught in the Adamson Centre, including Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
Oundle School was founded in 1556 by Sir William Laxton under the stewardship of the Worshipful Company of Grocers, an institutional connection it retains to this day. The school sits in the market town of Oundle, Northamptonshire, its campus woven into the town’s streets and historic architecture. With around 1,107 pupils aged 11 to 18, it ranks among England’s largest boarding schools and holds membership of HMC, ISC, IAPS, and BSA. The school is co-educational, with approximately 840 boarders and 320 day pupils across Years 7 to 13. Annual boarding fees for overseas pupils in Years 9–13 start at £59,400 (2025/26).
Oundle teaches GCSEs and A-Levels across a broad curriculum. The Adamson Centre supports seven modern languages — French, Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Italian — through dedicated immersive classrooms and webinar facilities. Science and engineering carry particular institutional weight. The SciTec Centre provides laser equipment, wind tunnels, 3D printing suites, and robotics workshops. In 2024, 74% of (I)GCSE grades were ranked 9–7, with 30% at grade 9 and an average grade of 7.4. At A-Level, 67% of grades achieved A*–A and 88% A*–B. Around 10% of pupils receive Oxbridge offers annually, and over 75% secure places at Russell Group universities, with a further 5% progressing to institutions abroad.
Sixth form pupils follow A-Level programmes. The school also offers the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside A-Levels, supporting independent research and university preparation. Day boarding fees for sixth form pupils (Years 12–13) are £38,085 per year (2025/26).
Oundle has 15 boarding and day houses: 8 for one gender, 5 for the other, plus day and junior provisions. Each house is led by resident house staff who oversee academic mentorship and daily routine. Approximately 75% of pupils board, and the weekly schedule combines structured activities with open recreation. The bursary programme is substantial — over 170 bursaries funded annually, with an average fee remission of 70%. Pastoral support includes mental health services embedded into house life, and the school’s stated mission centres on developing decent, open-minded individuals.
Oundle’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is the largest of any school in England, with more than 400 cadets across Army, RAF, and Navy sections. Over 100 clubs and activities run across the school, spanning academic societies, debating, Model UN, and STEM groups. Sport includes rugby, cricket, hockey, rowing, athletics, squash, fives, swimming, and sailing through Rutland Sailing Club. The music programme runs 50-plus ensembles, with performances in the Great Hall and at local festivals. Drama productions run throughout the year. The school hosts the Oundle Festival of Literature and the Oundle Fringe Festival. Duke of Edinburgh and community action programmes run alongside a community society that delivers holiday programmes for people with learning disabilities.
Oundle’s campus extends across the historic market town, mixing 17th-century buildings with purpose-built modern facilities. The Great Hall, built in 1909, retains its oak-panelled interior and serves as the main assembly and events space. The SciTec Centre houses science and engineering laboratories; the Adamson Centre hosts modern languages teaching. Sports facilities include a swimming pool, athletics track, sports halls, squash and fives courts, and multiple pitches. In 2025, the school was named Independent Secondary School of the Year for the East Midlands.
Oundle is in Northamptonshire, approximately one hour from London and close to Peterborough. The nearest major airport for international arrivals is London Heathrow, around 90 minutes by road. London Stansted and East Midlands Airport are also accessible within 60–75 minutes. Peterborough railway station provides direct services to London King’s Cross in under an hour.
Annual tuition
£59,400 per year · full boarding · Senior · Years 9-13
Other tier breakdowns shown below.
| Stage | Year groups | Type | Audience | Fee / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | Years 9-13 | Full boarding | UK / EEA | £58,380 |
| Junior | Year 8 | Full boarding | UK / EEA | £51,465 |
| Junior | Year 8 | Flexi boarding | UK / EEA | £41,175 |
| Junior | Year 7 | Full boarding | UK / EEA | £44,340 |
| Junior | Year 7 | Flexi boarding | UK / EEA | £35,505 |
| Senior | Years 9-13 | Full boarding | International | £59,400 |
| Junior | Year 8 | Full boarding | International | £52,500 |
| Junior | Year 7 | Full boarding | International | £45,375 |
| Senior | Years 9-13 | Day | — | £38,085 |
| Junior | Year 8 | Day | — | £33,600 |
| Junior | Year 7 | Day | — | £28,980 |
London Heathrow, approx. 90 min by road; East Midlands Airport approx. 60 min; Peterborough rail to London King's Cross under 1 hour.
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For overseas pupils in Years 9–13 (senior boarding), the fee is £59,400 per year (2025/26), charged at £19,800 per term including VAT. Year 8 international boarders pay £52,500 per year, and Year 7 international boarders pay £45,375 per year.
Yes. Oundle operates as both a boarding and day school. Day fees for senior pupils in Years 9–13 are £38,085 per year (2025/26). Day places are also available in Years 7 and 8.
Oundle offers GCSEs and A-Levels. Sixth form pupils can also take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A-Level programme.
The school admits pupils from age 11 (Year 7, First Form) through to age 18 (Year 13). Entry points include Year 7, Year 8, Year 9 (Third Form), and the sixth form. Admissions information is available through the school’s website or via EDVISION’s free consultation service.
The school has around 1,107 pupils in total. Approximately 840 are boarders and 320 are day pupils, meaning roughly 75% of the pupil body boards full-time or weekly.
Oundle funds over 170 bursaries each year, with an average fee remission of 70%. Bursaries are means-tested and available across year groups.
The school runs over 100 clubs and activities. These include the UK’s largest school CCF (400-plus cadets), 50-plus music ensembles, drama productions, Duke of Edinburgh, Rutland Sailing Club, debating, Model UN, and STEM societies. The school also hosts the Oundle Festival of Literature and Oundle Fringe Festival annually.
Oundle is approximately one hour from London by road. London Heathrow is around 90 minutes by car. Peterborough station, about 12 miles away, has direct trains to London King’s Cross in under an hour, making weekend travel straightforward for boarding pupils.
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