When children join Oakham School in Year 7, they embark on an exciting and enriching adventure that continues throughout senior school. They are welcomed into a supportive, ambitious community where every day brings new opportunities to explore, grow, and make lifelong friends.
Entry Process
Children applying to join Oakham School at 11+ will be invited to sit entrance assessments and have an interview. These assessments allow us to get to know each child as an individual and understand their personal strengths. Assessments take place at Oakham School each year in the January prior to joining in September. We welcome applications later in the year if spaces are available.
The assessment process consists of an online CAT4 reasoning test in addition to written papers in Maths and English (or an English as an Additional Language (EAL) paper for those whose first language is not English).
We don’t issue past papers, and there is nothing in particular that your child needs to prepare for the day. If your child does wish to familiarise themselves with the online CAT4 test, there are lots of sample questions available online for free or practice booklets for verbal and non-verbal reasoning that can be bought from bookshops.
We provide tailored support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to enable them to show their potential in these entrance assessments.
We will also request a confidential reference from your child’s current school, which gives us an insight into their day-to-day capabilities.
11+ Scholarships
Candidates who achieve particularly well in the entrance assessments will be invited to attend a separate 11+ Academic Scholarship assessment day in late January or early February.
Talented musicians who have applied for an 11+ Music Scholarship will also be invited to attend a separate scholarship audition with the Director of Music.
After joining the School in Year 7, children may choose to join our Sporting Development Programme and push themselves to the next level in preparation for applying for a 13+ Sports Scholarship.
Joining our Community
When joining Year 7 at Oakham School pupils become part of a vibrant day and boarding community, enjoying specialised facilities, experienced teachers, and engaging activities with older peers. Year 7 pupils start to develop lasting friendships, whilst exploring opportunities to build confidence and leadership. Our dedicated Lower School Housemaster/Housemistress and house teams, along with personal tutors, provide individual support, fostering social and academic growth.
To prepare for all this, children attend a Familiarisation Day in June and an Induction Day in September to meet fellow pupils and key staff. These events ensure a smooth transition to senior school and create excitement for the year ahead.
