How does Oundle encourage learning beyond the academic curriculum?

Our Life of Learning programme is central to Oundle’s academic ethos. It reflects our belief that education should inspire, challenge and nourish curiosity — not just prepare for exams.

Alongside tailored provision for Academic Scholars, the programme includes a broad range of cultural and intellectual opportunities, such as Electives, Academic Societies, Debating, Lectures and Voluntaries. These activities stretch pupils beyond the classroom and sit alongside the wider co-curricular life of the School.

We’ve also developed three distinctive non-examined courses, created by Oundle staff to support independent thinking and intellectual curiosity at different stages of a pupil’s journey through the School:

Omnia (Years 7 and 8) explores character and values — helping pupils understand themselves and the world around them.
Trivium (Year 9) encourages pupils to engage with ‘interestingness’ — asking questions, spotting connections and thinking creatively.
Quadrivium (Lower Sixth) allows pupils to pursue niche interest areas in greater depth, purely for the love of learning.

These courses are not assessed. They exist to inspire — encouraging pupils to be curious, self-starting and confident in their own ideas. In doing so, they reflect something at the heart of an Oundle education: that learning is valuable in and of itself.