About Oundle School
Oundle School is a co-educational independent day school in Cambridgeshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Oundle School is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #106 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 77.6%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Oundle School
Oundle School Admissions Criteria
Oundle School is a co-educational independent day school in Cambridgeshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Oundle School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Oundle School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — ISEB Common Pre-Test: Your child will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test online — the standardised, adaptive assessment used by Oundle School and over 90 other UK independent senior schools. The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes in total. It is age-standardised to allow fair comparison across applicants.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at Oundle School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Oundle School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Oundle School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Oundle School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Oundle School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Oundle School
Step 1 — Attend an 11+ Open Day at Oundle
Attend an 11+ Open Day at Oundle — tailored 11+ Open Days take place in September and June
Step 2 — Request registration forms from the Admissions Office
Request registration forms from the Admissions Office (registration is recommended 1-2 years prior to entry, ideally by Year 5)
Step 3 — Submit the completed registration form
Submit the completed registration form and pay the £300 non-refundable registration fee
Step 4 — Overseas applicants should provide a UKiset report prior
Overseas applicants should provide a UKiset report prior to registration
Step 5 — Your child sits the 11+ Entrance Examination in mid-January of Year 6
Your child sits the 11+ Entrance Examination in mid-January of Year 6 — papers in Mathematics, English, Science and a Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4)
Step 6 — Candidates sitting papers at Oundle have an interview
Candidates sitting papers at Oundle have an interview, with prospective boarders staying overnight
Step 7 — The strongest performing candidates are invited to sit
The strongest performing candidates are invited to sit the Academic Scholarship paper the following day
Step 8 — Offers are made following assessment in late January
Offers are made following assessment in late January; on acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Oundle School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Oundle School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic Scholarships (top exam performers), Music Scholarships (audition + interview), plus Art, Drama and Sport. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Academic, Music Scholarships announced with offers in late January
Additional notes: Oundle is one of the largest co-ed boarding schools in the UK with ~1,120 pupils (820 boarders, 310 day). Over 50 pupils join at 11+. Approximately 25% of pupils are international from over 30 countries. Pupils live in the town of Oundle, Northamptonshire.
Independent Practice Papers for Oundle School
Oundle School uses ISEB Common Pre-Test format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Oundle School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Oundle School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Oundle is one of Britain’s leading co-educational boarding schools, with outstanding results across (I)GCSE and A-Level driven by deep, independent learning rather than exam drilling.
- GCSE: a very strong record (in 2024, 74% of grades at 9–7, including 30% at grade 9).
- A-Level: excellent results (67% A*–A and 88% A*–B in 2024).
- Progression: strong progression to leading universities in the UK and abroad.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Oundle School
Oundle School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As one of England’s largest boarding schools (around three-quarters of pupils board), it draws pupils from across the UK and more than 30 countries, with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
Its buildings are woven through the market town of Oundle in Northamptonshire, about an hour from London; boarding begins at 11+, with the main entry at 13+ and further entry to the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1556 by Sir William Laxton and governed ever since by the Worshipful Company of Grocers, Oundle School is a co-educational independent boarding and day school (ages 11–18) set throughout the market town of Oundle in Northamptonshire, with the motto ‘Deus Det Gratiam’ (God grant grace). One of the largest boarding schools in the country and a Church of England foundation, it has a strong seven-day full-boarding culture organised around fifteen houses, each with resident house staff, tutors and a matron providing close pastoral care.
It has a long tradition of strength in science and engineering alongside a vast co-curricular programme across sport, music, drama and the arts. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oundle School
How do I get into Oundle School?
To gain entry to Oundle School Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
Does Oundle School use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
Yes. Oundle School uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test as part of its 11+ admissions process. The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, adaptive assessment commissioned by ISEB and developed by GL Assessment, used by over 90 leading UK independent senior schools. It covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. Results are age-standardised and shared with all senior schools the candidate has registered with.
What is the 11+ exam at Oundle School?
Oundle School uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Oundle School?
Yes. Oundle School offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Oundle School?
Most independent schools including Oundle School accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Oundle School?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Oundle School. No registration required.
When is the Oundle School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Oundle School is Recommended 1-2 years prior to entry (ideally Year 5). The registration fee is £300 non-refundable. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Oundle School 11+ results announced?
At Oundle School, 11+ assessment results are Late January. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.