Experiences of academic support and catch-up sessions at Oundle School?

[QuaintJadeRobin]

Oundle School

Just wanted to get thoughts from other parents on Oundle School. Its on our shortlist of schools for my child and I've gathered as much info as I can from the website and our visits too.

I wanted to know from other parents, generally speaking what is the academic support like beyond the core timetable of lessons. I am aware they do offer drop in sessions as an optional (from what I've been told) if a child wishes to get some extra support, although does it become a priority for the teachers if they have concerns for a child's progress. Also, is this support from first form through to sixth form or is it more so something that the kids get more of during GCSEs and A-Levels.

I know they have an sports program as well so if my child were to attend this school, much like any other independent, their schedule would be packed with the core school timetable, sports, even music practice etc.

Just trying to weigh our options really, is weekend support typically offered too or is it a case of if my child for whatever reason cannot attend a catch up session through the week, its on them to catch up in their own time or I may just consider getting a private tutor to help as and when needed.

It is a school with a reasonable focus on academics, if you are this worried about falling behind it might not be the right school for your child. Do they have a provisional
place and are sitting exams for 27 entry?

My niece and nephew attend, and any academic concerns are quickly noted and rectified. I’d imagine they would be offered extra assistance if needed, but they would also be expected to seek it out. There is a certain degree of independence required. It’s also a school where it’s cool to be good at things / be clever, so there is a culture and ethos of attainment.

Thank you for the info, yes sitting for 27 entry. Is it common for the kids to have private tutors as well to supplement the support they receive in class or is not so much common at Oundle? I've had mixed responses when I visited the town, some told me yes others said not really. We really enjoyed our visit to the school and so did my child, its on her top 5 list. She is quite good academically although I have been told majority of the private schools are on average 2 years ahead of the national curriculum so it may seem fast paced with the teaching etc which is why I was slightly worried if she'd be able to keep up along with her sports program she may have too and other extracurriculars. She currently attends a state school and is exceeding in all areas but we want her to be in the right environment hence why we want to make the move to private.

I’m afraid I don’t have first hand info, only via my sister but she has never mentioned private tutors. My children are at another similar boarding school and there aren’t any private tutors there that I’m aware of. I’m paying extortionate fees, I don’t expect to have to tutor on top of this tbh. I also don’t know when they’d have time, every day is so busy.

If she passes the exam for Oundle they’ll be confident enough that she can keep up, they’d be unlikely to offer a place if they felt she wasn’t able.

All independent schools will offer catch up clinics, interventions, extra help etc as they are super motivated to keep the exam grades high if you want to know specifically ask the school.

From first hand experience, private schools tend to offer support to a certain degree. Some children find seeking the extra help embarrassing as it is usually during their breaks, lunch or after school. However, as long as seeking help if needed is encouraged at home, it shouldn't be a huge issue. Now because of the stigma that is attached with needing extra help, some children will opt for a private tutor, which tends to not be spoken about but is more common than you think. In terms of children being ahead, I would say on average yes, especially from selective private schools.