When children join Oakham School in Year 10, they become part of a senior school full of ambition and purpose.
The academic focus is on the GCSE pathway, which enables pupils to tailor their timetable by choosing from a diverse range of optional subjects. Socially this is an exciting new chapter filled with opportunities for personal growth and exploration, whether through adventurous learning, the sports programme, the creative arts or one of a huge variety of other activities.
Pupils are welcomed into an inclusive, ambitious community where they can challenge themselves, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships.
14+ Entry Process
Children applying to join Oakham School at 14+ 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 during the spring term 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.
14+ Scholarships
Children who achieve particularly well in the entrance assessments will be invited to attend a separate 14+ Academic Scholarship assessment day in late January or early February.
Those applying to join Year 10 are also able to apply for a range of other Scholarships to recognise and reward exceptional talent. Scholarships are available for: All-Rounder, Art, Design and Technology, Drama, Music, and Sport.
14+ Scholarship candidates will be invited to attend separate scholarship assessments and auditions for each scholarship applied for.
Academic Pathway
Pupils joining the Middle School follow a diverse curriculum designed to inspire and encourage them to explore their passions. Alongside their taught subjects (typically 9 GCSEs), they also develop knowledge, skills and values through our Connected Curriculum, which teaches our pupils how to take their studies further and rise to intellectual challenges.
It is also possible for a pupil to adjust their timetable and study 8 GCSEs depending on his or her learning needs or co-curricular commitments.
During the admissions journey, your child will be able to ask questions, get advice and take guidance from our staff, helping them craft their own timetable and look forward to specialist enrichment activities.
Joining our Community
When joining Year 10 at Oakham School, children become part of an inclusive day and boarding community, right in the heart of our school campus. Our Middle School Housemasters/Housemistresses and house teams, along with personal tutors, provide tailored support and guidance throughout these crucial years, fostering both emotional and academic growth.
To ensure a purposeful and productive start to their Oakham School life, children attend a Familiarisation Day in June and an Induction Day in September. These events allow them to meet fellow pupils and key staff, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.
