Faith
Oakham School is a Christian foundation. Those who are Christians are able to nurture their faith through the varied and stimulating regular worship that is at the heart of school life, both formally and informally. Our chaplains are also happy to arrange for those of other faiths to receive the spiritual support they need.
The School's two full-time chaplains, the Revd Alex Aldous and the Revd John Taylor, are a source of support to all within the school community, both pupils and staff. For anyone with something on their mind, the chaplains offer a confidential, caring and accepting listening ear. Pupils are welcome, whether they are Christian, or of other faiths or have no religious conviction at all.
Oakham encourages intellectual curiosity and the spiritual dimension is a part of that, so pupils are more than welcome to discuss their thoughts, feelings or faith.
Daily Worship
Each week, Chapel has a different theme which may deal with issues and situations or celebrate significant anniversaries. Although the context is unashamedly Christian, the aim is to explore values and challenges that are shared by everyone in the community. Themes covered have ranged from green issues to justice, from relationships to favourite hymns. Individual Houses offer services and presentations on issues of particular interest, and members of other traditions are encouraged to share insights from different faith perspectives.The intention is to provide breadth and variety in chapel, and to this end, members of staff and guest speakers are invited to address the School. For example, these have included representatives of charities, supported by the School, who bring presentations born of experience in the field.
Each house in turn takes responsibility for running the morning service, providing prefects, readers and pupils to lead prayers. The chapel choir sings an anthem appropriate to the theme on alternate Wednesdays and Fridays.
Sundays
There are generally two services each Sunday; one for the Jerwoods boarders and the other for Middle and Upper School boarders. The chapel choir regularly leads the worship, and guest speakers are invited. Day pupils, parents and friends are also most welcome.
Worship takes various forms: Morning Service, Morning Service with Holy Communion, Sung Eucharist or Evening Prayer. In addition there are more informal services which range from a Decem presentation to a gospel choir. The aim is to offer pupils the experience of a variety of services and liturgies.