Oakham School Prospectus

PROSPECTUS

QUASI CURSORES VITAI LAMPADA TRADUNT

LIKE RUNNERS THEY PASS ON THE TORCH OF LIFE

WELCOME TO OAKHAM SCHOOL

Welcome to Oakham School and thank you for taking the time to read our Prospectus. I hope that through these pages we can show you what makes Oakham School such a special place for your child to live, learn and grow.

At Oakham, we aim to provide an education that not only acts as a preparation for life after school, but also recognises that these years are precious and should be joyful, memorable, and transformative. Pastoral care and pastoral learning lie at the heart of everything we do. By looking after your child and equipping them with the skills to know how to look after themselves, we will help them on their journey to become adults who are ambitious, confident, aspirational, and courageous, but who have their feet firmly on the ground.

We combine our exceptional pastoral care with academic excellence and outstanding co-curricular opportunities, underpinned by our core values, to enable your child to flourish at school and long into the future. Above all, Oakham is a welcoming community that values the deep connection of learning and human relationships, which are the bedrock of a successful and happy life.

I am proud to be the Headmaster of this great and grounded school and look forward to welcoming you here in person, so that you can see, hear and feel what makes Oakham so special.

“I hope you will visit us so that you can see, hear and feel what makes Oakham so special.”

OUR PURPOSE

Our purpose is to teach our pupils knowledge, skills and values to thrive, flourish and confidently contribute at Oakham School and beyond.

We provide exceptional, contemporary co-education with a global outlook and offer experiences to learn in a caring and inspiring boarding and day community.

OUR CORE VALUES

We wish to inspire Courage and Contribution

We want pupils to see and feel Connection in all aspects of their education and future lives

CARE C CONTRIB CON

Care lies at the heart of everything we do

OURAGE UTION NECTION

SHAPED BY OUR PAST, NOT DEFINED BY IT

The Oakham of today with its rich and balanced cosmopolitan community of 50:50 girls and boys, 50:50 boarders and day pupils has its roots in our past. Yet our 440-year heritage is only part of our story.

When Headmaster John Buchanan decided to introduce girls throughout the School in 1971, he transformed Oakham from a small regional boys’ school into one of the largest co-educational boarding and day schools in the country.

This spirit of innovation continues today as we embrace new technologies and ways of learning whilst respecting our traditions and remaining true to our core values.

In 2021 we received our official accreditation as an IB MYP World School to deliver international, interdisciplinary learning to pupils in Forms 1–3.

We were one of the first independent schools to introduce the IB Diploma in 2001 alongside A-levels.

Our crest and motto

Our motto perhaps sums up best how we view ourselves: we know what we owe to those who have gone before us, but we are constantly looking to the future and ways that we can pass on the light of human life and experience to those who will come after us.

AN EDUCATION, ROUNDED AND GROUNDED

One of the things that people frequently comment on when they visit Oakham School is how well-rounded our pupils are. By caring for all aspects of your child’s education, we help them develop into a grounded and responsible adult, well equipped for whatever life holds beyond our campus.

An Oakham education is built upon three fundamental pillars of learning: Academic, Pastoral and Co-curricular. For each pillar, we have created a specific curriculum in academic learning, co-curricular learning and pastoral learning, which come together to form the Connected Curriculum.

The Connected Curriculum ensures that by using a consistent and joined-up approach throughout each stage of their Oakham School journey, we teach your child knowledge, skills and values that will help them develop into the best version of themselves and flourish.

Knowledge

Experience. An Oakham Education

Skills Values

Pupils are self-aware, confident young people, fully prepared to be involved and supportive of one another as they live their daily lives together in boarding and as day pupils.”

“The best thing about Oakham is that there is so much to do. There are so many opportunities to help you find your passion.”

FREDDIE

A HOUSE AND A HOME

Every pupil at Oakham, whether boarding or day, belongs to a House. Their House is central to life at Oakham, providing a place of security, support and friendship. Most importantly, their House is your child’s home whilst they are at School.

Led by a Housemaster or Housemistress, and supported by a team of Tutors, Prefects and a Matron, each of our 16 Houses provides our pupils with the care and support they need to develop intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

We look after your child as you would expect; recognising each as a unique, talented and special individual.

OUR BALANCED COMMUNITY

8 Girls’ Houses 8 Boys’ Houses

HOUSE PRIDE

Over 60 interhouse competitions each year for pupils to contribute to their House, including sport, debating, singing and drama.

The houses feel like big happy families.”

Tatler Schools Guide

A COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORTS AND NURTURES

We place outstanding pastoral care at the heart of all we do, ensuring that Oakham School is a caring and courageous community and a great place to live and work.

Traditional values, good manners and care for others become second nature. We teach pupils to think for themselves and to establish their own strong moral compass. Pupils learn to support one another within and beyond their House communities. They develop the courage to stand up for what is right.

In a wider School community where there is roughly one adult for every two pupils, support comes from many directions: from our Medical Centre staff, our Chaplain, our catering team, our counsellor, mental health practitioner and many others. Appointments with a doctor, dentist, optometrist or physiotherapist can be arranged for boarders.

Our full-time Chaplain provides a variety of formal and informal support for the School community, giving pupils and staff – whatever their religious beliefs – opportunities for quiet, personal reflection within the busy life of the School.

Our Medical and Pastoral Centre is staffed by a team of senior nurses with the support of a local doctor’s surgery who provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our catering team in the Barraclough serve over 2,500 delicious, nutritious meals every day – 15 hours a day, 7 days a week providing for all dietary requirements.

Built in 1924 as a memorial to the 70 Old Oakhamians who died in the First World War, our beautiful Chapel is the focal point of community worship at School.

Pupils develop increasingly high levels of self-confidence, self-esteem and awareness of others.”

ISI Inspection Report

A CURRICULUM OF ACTIVITY AND ACHIEVEMENT

We aim to provide the highest standards of teaching and learning so that all pupils can fulfil their academic potential.

We offer a broad and engaging academic curriculum and by always encouraging academic excellence and intellectual curiosity, we help our pupils to learn effectively and independently, to cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Oakham’s rich and extensive academic offering is also mirrored in a dynamic co-curriculum, with a range of opportunities for pupils to develop and pursue interests of a physical, cultural or creative nature.

For full details of all our academic courses and examination results, please see our Academic Information brochure.

University-standard library with 20,000 non-fiction and 10,000 fiction titles

Full-time Head of Careers providing an in-house specialist careers programme

Choice of IB Diploma and A-levels and BTECs at 16+

26 different subjects at GCSE

Small class sizes to enable one-to-one attention and pupil-teacher interaction

Over 20 academic societies and clubs

SPACES TO INNOVATE AND CREATE

We have a reputation for excellence in the Creative and Performing Arts, which are fully integrated into the curriculum.

There are many exciting opportunities to explore individual talent, creative expression and imagination.

Our Art, DT, Music and Drama Departments consistently produce outstanding work, from breathtaking stage productions to impressive art exhibitions. Thanks to our exceptional facilities and specialist staff, pupils can give full rein to their imagination.

6 dedicated art studios, including sculpture and textiles

Wheelhouse Gallery displays work by students and visiting artists

6 DT studios with 3D printer and CREO 3.0 CAD Software

“The thing I most enjoy about DT at Oakham is the breadth of equipment available, letting you turn any idea into a tangible product.”

CHARLES

PLACES TO INSPIRE AND PERFORM

Around half of our pupils play in musical ensembles, choirs, bands, and orchestras. They develop their skills and passion for music by performing locally, UK-wide and overseas.

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre, known as the QET, hosts an eclectic line-up of productions, students’ own experimental pieces, cutting-edge drama, full-scale musicals, and house plays each year. Students learn all aspects of theatre work including design, lighting, sound, stage management, wardrobe, make-up and front of house.

Dance is part of the curriculum up to Form 3, with free weekly evening classes for all in our dedicated dance studio.

5 major drama productions each year 40 full-time and visiting musicians teach over 400 music lessons each week

80 music concerts each year 200-seat professional theatre

ENVIRONMENTS TO TRAIN AND COMPETE

Physical activity and sport are an integral part of life at Oakham School and opportunities abound, whether for fitness and enjoyment, or for the pursuit of excellence.

Oakhamians learn that by looking after their physical health, it is possible to experience greater mental and emotional well-being.

Oakham has an enviable reputation for excellent coaching and mentoring. Amongst our sports staff we boast several internationally renowned coaches who are talented athletes in their own right.

We are proud to be a well-recognised training ground for national squads. A typical year will see over 100 pupils progress to the national finals in more than 10 different sports.

Our full-time Strength and Conditioning coaches ensure our top performing athletes are in peak physical condition.

40 acres of sports pitches

County Cricket is hosted at Oakham

30 different sports

Strong links with professional clubs: Leicester Tigers, Beeston Hockey Club, Loughborough Lightning

216 sports teams

We boast several Olympians and internationally honoured sports players amongst our alumni

The best thing about sport at Oakham is the high standard we are required to play at. No matter what team or skill level, you’re always striving for the best.”

“The leadership skills you acquire within CCF will help you throughout life, no matter what you do.” CHLOE

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AND EXPLORE

Personal development through service and action has always been an integral part of Oakham’s co-curriculum.

Extending beyond the traditional classroom, our Service and Action Programme provides pupils with a range of opportunities to exercise teamwork, innovation and leadership skills and contribute to the wider community. From the earliest years, our pupils are encouraged to give time and thought to others in a variety of ways: from learning camps to charity initiatives and community days.

From Form 4 onwards pupils decide which of our three Service Options they will commit to: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, CCF or Voluntary Action. These activities give our pupils the opportunity to develop new and existing skills, build confidence and make a real difference to the lives of others, often building lasting memories.

Army and RAF sections in the CCF

250 pupils take part in DofE

• Gold: sailing, walking, cycling

• Silver: canoeing, walking, cycling

• Bronze: canoeing, walking, cycling

Voluntary Action activities include helping the elderly, doing conservation work and organising activities for the disabled

We fundraise for around 20 charities each year, raising £20,000 a year on average

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, INTO THE WORLD

With over 90 trips on offer each year, we provide pupils with a wealth of opportunities to broaden their horizons and extend their learning. Recent trips have included:

• Volunteering in primary schools in Kenya

• Exploring the rich cultural history of Krakow and Berlin

• Exploring glaciers and geysers in Iceland

• Performing in a host of venues on European music tours to Italy and Latvia

• Participating in challenging Gold DofE expeditions to Norway, Italy and Spain

• Competing in rugby, hockey and netball on a sports tour to South Africa

• Debating at Model United Nations conferences in Manchester, Dublin, and The Netherlands

• Visiting the World War I battlefields in northern France

• Assessing the impact of tourism in Stratford-upon-Avon

• Immersing themselves in the language and culture of Spain’s great cities

• Talking to curators and exploring art exhibitions in galleries in Birmingham, Oxford and London

• Analysing scientific data on a Biology field trip to Wales

• Exploring the politically and historically significant cities of New York and Washington

• Expanding their understanding of Design and Technology in northern Italy

• Furthering their knowledge of computers and coding at Bletchley Park

• Exploring our political seats of power in Westminster and Downing Street

• Conducting research into flood damage in North Yorkshire

• Learning about Tudor history at Burghley House

• Improving their language fluency doing work experience in France and Spain

OVER 125 ACTIVITIES, EVERY WEEK

Pupils can develop their interests and try something new – there is something for everyone. Included are:

• Archery

• Art

• Basketball

• Chess

• Choir

• Composition and Music Technology

• Cooking

• Craft

• Creative Writing Cafe

• Cricket

• Croquet

• Dance

• Debating

• Design Technology Projects

• Dissection Club

• Dodgeball

• Drama Production

• Drawing Skills

• Dungeons & Dragons

• Escape Rooms

• Engineering in Education Scheme (EES)

• Environmental Impact

• Film Appreciation

• Fitness Fun

• Fives

• Football Skills

• Golf

• Hockey

• Kick-boxing

• Lacrosse

• Law Club

• Life-saving

• Model United Nations

• Netball

• Oakhamian Magazine

• Pétanque

• Photography

• Robotics

• Rugby 7s

• Sailing

• Sculpture

• Self-defence

• Shooting

• Sign Language

• Spanish Business Communication

• SpOken Magazine

• Squash

• Synchronised Swimming

• Tennis

• Warhammer

• Yoga

Opportunities are a given at Oakham School; it’s what you choose to excel in that counts.”

WITH FAMILIES, IN PARTNERSHIP

We pride ourselves on the strength of our relationships between staff and pupils and we are equally keen to foster a healthy and open relationship between School and home.

By working in partnership, parents and staff can ensure the continuity of support that allows each pupil to feel secure, valued and understood.

Our small tutor groups enable pupils to receive individual support to keep on top of their work and your child’s Tutor will keep in regular touch to discuss academic matters or pastoral concerns. Your child’s Housemaster or Housemistress is also a key point of contact, whether to discuss academic matters, pastoral concerns, or just catch up on news.

We are delighted to welcome parents to the many regular sporting fixtures, concerts and dramatic performances that take place each term, as well as our annual Prize Giving and Speech Days.

All the teachers encourage my children to be the best they can be.”

Current parent

CONNECTIONS FOR LIFE

Your Oakham journey doesn’t end when you leave Oakham School. Our Careers Department and OO Club with its 6,000-strong alumni network ensures that this connection is lifelong.

Our OO Club hosts regular social events, keeps OOs abreast of developments and enables them to keep in touch with each other, developing valuable contacts both socially and professionally.

It’s not just about the amazing education you get at Oakham School; it’s about who you are when you leave.”

Leicester (20 miles)

M1 Motorway (28 miles)

Golf

Sailing

Oakham

Railway (Direct to Cambridge, Peterborough, Leicester and Birmingham)

Nature Reserve

Hambleton Peninsula

Windsurfing

Cycling

East Midlands Airport (33 miles)

Nottingham (30 miles)

Rutland Water

A1 (10 miles)

Rutland features regularly in national publications as one of the best places to live in the UK

IN THE HEART OF THE COUNTRY

Our location close to Rutland Water, in the heart of rural England, gives us the best of both worlds: an idyllic countryside setting that is easily accessible by road, rail and air.

Within a five-minute walk of Oakham’s railway station, our central location means pupils enjoy the safety of living and working in a beautifully green campus just a short distance from Oakham’s historic town centre and amenities.

Oakham, the county town of Rutland, is a classic English market town, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086

CARE COURAGE CONTRIBUTION CONNECTION