Oundle School
Name: Polly
Secondary School: Oundle School, 4 years.
University destination + subject studied: Oxford, Classics
- What is your first memory starting your school?
Arriving at my boarding house and unpacking in my first dorm with four other girls, and then going on a tour of the school, which seemed huge!
- What is your best memory from your school?
Summer Sunday afternoons taking a picnic down to the river, or hot chocolate at afternoon tea, chatting in the boarding house common room on a winter afternoon.
- What is one thing you would like to change about your school?
I think it would be good to have more exeats as Oundle is strict on allowing you to go home for a night.
- Any fancy traditions?
There are lots of fancy end of term and sixth form black tie dinners which are always fun, and singing Jerusalem before the First XV play Uppingham at rugby is always very special.
- How was the academic support?
It was good – they have slots on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 where you can go and talk to teachers about any work that you are struggling with etc.
- Is your school a religious school?
It is Church of England.
- What was your favourite co-curricular achievement while at your school?
There are so many different co-curricular activities – from making soap from scratch to rock climbing – but I loved the sports, especially hockey, and the drama, in which I particularly enjoyed my house play.
- How much emphasis is placed on Oxbridge as a university destination?
There is good Oxbridge support – if you are in top sets teachers will speak to you about it and invite you to Oxbridge preparation sessions throughout 6th form.
- Do you keep in touch with the school, now you have left?
I am part of an alumni network.
- Did you ever have a detention at your school?
Once.
- What are the pastoral support options?
Within your boarding house there is lots of pastoral support, from the housemistress, matron, and your tutor, as well as your peers.