The Corporation of Oundle School is a UK nonprofit organization responsible for governing and operating Oundle School, an independent educational institution with a history dating back to the 16th century. The charity is registered under number 309921.

History

Oundle School traces its origins to 1556 when Sir William Laxton, Lord Mayor of London and Master of the Worshipful Company of Grocers, endowed a "Free Grammar School" in Oundle, Northamptonshire. This followed an earlier foundation, the original Gild School, established in 1506. The school’s governance is based on a Royal Charter granted in 1930 and supplemented in 1999. The charter mandates that the corporation’s object is to provide education of the highest class at the school[1][5].

Governance and Support

The Corporation of Oundle School has a close historical association with the Worshipful Company of Grocers, one of the Great Twelve livery companies of the City of London. The Grocers’ Company has supported the school since its foundation, providing bursaries, scholarships, and grants. This historic relationship originates from Sir William Laxton’s will and continues to be an integral part of the school’s identity and operation[1].

Educational Role and Achievements

The Corporation oversees the provision of a comprehensive education at Oundle School, recognized for academic and co-curricular excellence. The school has been acknowledged in the wider public school sector, including winning the Tatler Public School of the Year Award in 2018[2].

Archives and Heritage

Oundle School maintains an extensive archive that documents the school’s long history from 1556 to the present. The archive holds a variety of records including registers dating back to 1626, official documents, publications, letters, and artifacts. This archive serves as an educational and historical resource for the school community, alumni, and the public, with many materials digitized for preservation and broader access[3][5].

Summary

The Corporation of Oundle School, under charity number 309921, remains a key institution in the governance and preservation of one of England’s historic independent schools. Rooted in a 16th-century foundation and supported by longstanding links with the Worshipful Company of Grocers, it continues to provide education of high standing while maintaining a rich heritage.

[1] https://www.oundleschool.org.uk/about-us/our-story/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oundle_School [3] https://www.oundleschool.org.uk/about-us/the-school-archive/ [4] https://oundle-heritage.daisy.websds.net/authenticated/Browse.aspx?SectionID=85&tableName=ta_publications [5] https://www.northamptonshireheritageforum.co.uk/heritage-sites-and-archives/oundle-school-archive