Oakham students leave School ready to take many different paths. They progress to universities, degree apprenticeships, employment and gap years in the UK and overseas.
Our leavers’ destinations reflect the breadth of their interests and ambitions. They also demonstrate the value of helping each student find the route that is right for them.
2026 destination highlights:
- 90% of applicants secured a place at a university of their choice.
- 10% chose a gap year involving travel, volunteering or work experience.
- Two students began degree apprenticeships, and one began a Level 3 apprenticeship.
- Students progressed to universities across the UK, Europe and the United States.
Popular university destinations
The most popular UK destinations for Oakham’s 2026 leavers were:
1 = Exeter
2 = Newcastle
3 = Durham
4 = Nottingham
5 = Edinburgh and York
7 = Loughborough and Northumbira
9 = Bristol and Southampton
Other popular destinations included King’s College London, Leeds and UCL.
Courses and subjects
Oakham leavers chose courses across a broad range of subject areas. The most popular choices included:
- Economics and business-related subjects
- Geography
- History, Ancient History and classics
- Politics and international relations
- Natural sciences, Biochemistry and Environmental Sciences
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Sports Science and related studies
- English and Literary Studies
- Psychology
- Languages
- Clinical Courses
- Law
International destinations
Oakham students also progress to universities around the world. Recent destinations have included:
- University of Pennsylvania, USA
- Arizona State University, USA
- IE University, Madrid
- ESADE, Madrid
- Bocconi University, Milan
- Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Apprenticeships and other routes
Not every student chooses to move directly to university. Some pursue degree apprenticeships or employment. Others take a gap year to travel, volunteer, gain work experience or consider their next step.
Whatever path they choose, the Futures Department helps students research their options and prepare for the transition beyond Oakham.
Individual Journeys, Inspiring Futures
Destination statistics only tell part of the story. Every Oakham student follows their own path, shaped by their interests, ambitions and strengths. Behind every university place, apprenticeship or career choice is a unique personal journey.
Recent success stories highlight the breadth of opportunities available to Oakhamians. Seb secured a highly competitive degree apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce, combining university study with hands-on industry experience. Harry’s International Baccalaureate success opened doors to exciting opportunities beyond school. Elsa progressed to Oxford University, while Shonali is pursuing Medicine at University College London, reflecting the dedication and resilience needed to enter one of the UK’s most competitive professions.
These stories demonstrate that there is no single route to success. Whether students choose university, a degree apprenticeship, employment, a gap year or another pathway, our Futures Department supports them in finding the option that is right for them.
Many more individual stories can be found in our series of ‘After Oakham’ blogs, where former students share their experiences, offer advice and provide inspiration for the next generation of Oakhamians.
