All pupils entering Oakham aged 11-12 (Years 7 & 8) join one of our Lower School Houses, situated on the dedicated Lower School area of the campus. Each House contains a mix of day pupils and boarders, which helps children to integrate quickly into the School and socialise with one another.
Filled with lots of indoor and outdoor spaces for pupils to live, work and play, our Lower School area of the campus provides a safe home base from which pupils can explore the rest of the School.
Boarders stay in the comfortable and homely surroundings of Peterborough House, our Lower School Boarding House right in the heart of the campus with a mix of full and flexible boarders.
There is great integration between boarders and day pupils and the latter often take full advantage of the option to extend their day and take part in after-school activities and then join boarders for breakfast, supper and prep.
Sargants House
Sargants offers a busy and cheerful home base for boys aged 11–13 years.
There are three things that we seek to encourage in all Sargants boys: be courteous, considerate, and communicate with one another.
My experienced team of Tutors is sensitive to the needs of the boys in their care and we create a structure which allows the boys to become more independent in life and equips them to make good decisions. We encourage the boys to participate fully in all aspects of Oakham School life – sport, drama or music, as well as academic pursuits. We’re on a journey to make the boys become outstanding young men.
Named after a former Headmaster and great benefactor to the School, Sargants House was opened in 1974 as part of the new Lower School campus.
Ancaster
With a mixture of day and boarding girls aged 11–13 years, Ancaster is a home from home in which the girls can relax in a comfortable and cosy environment throughout the day.
Supported by my Senior Tutor and tutor team, our aim is for each girl to be a well-rounded individual who is kind and who enjoys exploring different opportunities to find their own individual talents and interests, whilst also working together as a family within the House to support each other and the wider community. Ancaster is a safe haven and stimulating environment which gives the girls a base from which they can develop academically. A strong working ethic and intellectual curiosity mark the House approach to academic work. Having a go and taking part is celebrated as well as achievement and awards, whether it is in the arts or competing in sports or any of the wide range of activities available to the girls.
Peterborough House (Boarding)
Boarding in Peterborough House, at the heart of our dedicated Lower School area of the campus offers a home from home environment for our youngest boarders.
Pupils are cared for by the Matron for Lower School Boarding, Rosie Wakefield, and a strong and supportive resident staff team of Assistant Houseparents and Resident Tutors.
Lower School flexible and weekly boarding
The first step into boarding can feel a big one for parents as well as children, so our Lower School pupils can choose to stay from just 2 to 5 nights a week as flexible boarders, or up to 6 nights a week as weekly boarders, with fees graded accordingly. On those nights, pupils enjoy all the benefits of boarding and they also have the option to join fellow boarders in their weekend activities. They can also stay on non-boarding nights for prep, supper and activities until school bedtime. For busy parents flexible boarding offers the ideal combination of flexibility and peace of mind.
When pupils move into the Middle School at age 13 , they can then choose between full boarding, weekly boarding (up to 6 nights a week) or being a day pupil.
