Oundle School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Oundle School
• Location: Oundle, Northamptonshire
• Founded: 1556
• Type: Coeducational independent boarding and day school
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Pupils: Approximately 1,121 (835 boarders, 235 day pupils)
• Head: Mrs Sarah Kerr-Dineen
• Fees: Boarding £11,505-£15,411 per term; Day £7,450-£9,760 per term

About Oundle School

Established in 1556, Oundle School is a distinguished independent school nestled in the historic market town of Oundle, Northamptonshire. With over 450 years of educational heritage, the school has evolved into a modern institution whilst preserving its traditional values and academic rigour.

The school's unique character is defined by its integration with the town itself - pupils live and study across various historic buildings throughout Oundle, creating an authentic community atmosphere. This town-school model fosters independence and maturity amongst students whilst maintaining strong pastoral care through the house system.

Oundle welcomes a diverse international community, with approximately 25% of pupils representing over 30 countries. The school's ethos centres on developing curious, ambitious yet humble individuals who are prepared for leadership roles in their chosen fields.

Academic Excellence: Recent results demonstrate exceptional performance with A Level achievements of 35% A*, 65% A*-A, and 87% A*-B grades. At GCSE level, 42% of grades achieved grade 9, with 68% at grades 9-8 and 94% at grades 9-6.

The curriculum encompasses a broad range of subjects complemented by extensive co-curricular opportunities including the renowned Design & Technology department, performing arts programmes, and competitive sports across multiple disciplines.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Oundle School publishes day fees of £8,433 (£10,120 incl. VAT) per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £12,900 per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on Monday 2 November 2026 (for 2027 entry). The assessment takes place on Friday 8 January 2027 (9am, 6.30pm), plus overnight stay for boarding candidates. Entrance examinations in Mathematics, English and a Cognitive Ability Test, plus an informal interview, held at the Great Hall. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Oundle School employs a comprehensive assessment process for 11+ entry, designed to identify pupils who will thrive within their academic and pastoral environment.

Assessment Components

• Mathematics: Problem-solving abilities and numerical reasoning
• English: Reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills
• Verbal Reasoning: Logical thinking and vocabulary application
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition and spatial awareness

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews designed to assess character qualities that align with Oundle's values. The school seeks pupils who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, collaborative spirit, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the school community.

Interviews explore the candidate's interests, motivations, and how they might engage with Oundle's distinctive educational philosophy and extensive co-curricular programme.

How to Apply

The application process for Oundle School follows a structured timeline with specific deadlines for 11+ entry.

Application Steps

1. Registration: Complete the online registration form via the school's admissions portal
2. School Report: Current school provides academic references and character assessment
3. Entrance Assessment: Candidates sit the 11+ examination covering core subjects and reasoning
4. Interview: Shortlisted applicants attend interview sessions
5. Decision: Offers are communicated following assessment completion

Key Dates

Applications typically open in the spring term for entry the following September. Assessment days usually occur in the autumn term of Year 6, with interviews following shortly after.

Parents should register their interest early as places are highly competitive, particularly for day pupil positions given the school's prestigious reputation and excellent transport links to surrounding areas.

Preparing for the Oundle School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Oundle School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.