Ages 
A genuinely co-ed, forward-thinking, well-run school that benefits from its historic roots and close local connections with the town. Taking a hint from the school motto, ‘Et quasi cursores vitai lampada tradunt’ (‘And, like runners, they pass on the torch of life’), this is a place best suited to those who want to be involved and active all day long, on the sports field and off.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 974 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 375 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Anglican
- Fees
- Day £27,900 – £32,904; Boarding £40,356 – £55,710 pa
- Local authority
- Rutland County Council
Headteacher
Headmaster
Henry Price MA (Oxon)
Since 2019, Henry Price, previously head of Wellington School in Somerset. After a degree in classics from Oxford, he began teaching at Sydney Grammar, Australia, returning to England for a post at Sherborne. Thirteen years at Rugby followed where
Entrance
At age 10 and 11 around 90 pupils join from over 30 different prep and primary schools – assessments in maths, English and underlying ability plus an interview. For entry at 13+ and 14+, when another 60 join, there is a pre-test interview and either
- Open days
- For information about forthcoming Open Events, please see website
Exit
Around 15 per cent leave after GCSEs. Around 60 per cent of sixth form leavers to Russell Group universities. The most popular destinations in 2025 were Durham, Newcastle, Exeter, Northumbria, Nottingham, Leeds, King’s College London, Oxford Brookes,
Latest results
In 2025, 55 per cent 9-7 at I/GCSE; 45 per cent A*/A at A level (70 per cent A*-B). Average point score of 34 at IB.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Working hard is seen as natural by pupils – ‘It’s what you do here’ – and a parent commented, ‘It seems to be accepted and normal to do your best but it’s not pushy.’ Setting for maths and languages begins in the lower school, in year 9 for sciences
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- IB
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
On the top floor, in lovely light premises, an experienced team work with small groups and individuals providing support in any particular subject a pupil has difficulty with. Mild dyslexia and dyscalculia crop up, but ‘anxiety, especially over
Arts & extracurricular
Music and drama run through the life of Oakham with many opportunities to learn and perform. Drama is taught at every stage and is a popular GCSE choice. Several major productions are staged in the impressive Queen Elizabeth Theatre each year – some
Sport
Top-notch facilities and training and coaching programmes, often run by ex-international and former club players. All the team sports are played to a high standard, teams regularly reaching national finals – both girls and boys. As a parent
Boarders
Overall, roughly half the school boards, a proportion on a weekly basis, but as the school day can extend into the evening and there is Saturday school and sports, ‘The term is really full on for everyone, whether boarding or day,’ a parent
Ethos & heritage
Hard to imagine a more charming town to wander in, with its castle and cobbled market place, the school just beside it. Oakham, the county town of Rutland, is home to the Cottesmore hunt and a foodie’s paradise with hostelries such as the Whipper-In
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Parents speak highly of the pastoral care: ‘They seem to be switched on; one email is all it takes and they are straight on the case.’ Everyone spoke of the excellent communication between home and school and the feeling that no issues are too small
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review At Oakham School, we believe in teaching pupils how to use mobile phones responsibly, with age-appropriate rules that evolve as they grow older. Pupils may bring phones to school, but usage is carefully regulated. Younger pupils hand in their devices during the school day, while older pupils follow stricter visibility and usage guidelines. Mobile phones are permitted in Houses under HM supervision and may be used in lessons only with staff permission. Boarders follow additional routines to ensure phones do not disrupt prep or sleep. Misuse leads to clear sanctions, reinforcing our commitment to digital wellbeing and respectful communication.
Pupils & parents
Solidly middle class; many parents drawn from professional or business backgrounds. Lots of staff offspring attend the school, as do the head’s children. With 50 per cent day pupils (and indeed, many boarders from the locality), the school reflects
Money matters
A wide variety of scholarships offered at 11+ and 13+ and in the sixth form with means-tested bursaries available on an individual basis. Ten per cent discount for Forces families.
- Fee information
- Day £27,900 – £32,904; Boarding £40,356 – £55,710 pa
The last word
A genuinely co-ed, forward-thinking, well-run school that benefits from its historic roots and close local connections with the town. Taking a hint from the school motto, ‘Et quasi cursores vitai lampada tradunt’ (‘And, like runners, they pass on the
