Oakham School (Charity Number 1131425)

Oakham School is a UK-based educational charity that provides co-educational day and boarding schooling for boys and girls aged between 10 and 18 years. Situated in the county of Rutland, the school serves students from the local area as well as from other parts of the United Kingdom and overseas. It has a long history of educational provision dating back over four centuries, and since 1971 it has operated as a fully co-educational institution[1][3][5].

Mission and Educational Offering

The primary objective of the charity is to deliver high-quality education to its pupils. Oakham School offers a broad and dynamic academic program, complemented by extensive co-curricular and pastoral learning opportunities designed to develop leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility. The school is committed to creating an environment that supports pupils’ success and well-being throughout their school journey and beyond[5].

History and Foundation

Oakham School traces its origins to 1584, when Archdeacon Robert Johnson founded a ‘free school’ to provide education to young boys in the Rutland area. This founding principle of offering educational access remains central to Oakham's ethos. The school was one of the first independent schools in England to admit girls in 1971, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and co-education[3].

Community Engagement and Charitable Activities

Oakham School actively encourages pupils to engage in charitable fundraising, volunteering, and community initiatives. The school supports an average of 18 charities annually, raising around £20,000 each year through student-led events such as bake sales, sponsored walks, and donations. These activities foster pupils’ awareness of global and local issues, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Charitable projects also include long-standing partnerships such as the Kenyan Schools Project, established in 2009, and supporting local organizations such as the Rutland Foodbank[2].

Partnerships and Outreach

As part of its charitable mission, Oakham School maintains strong connections with the local community. The school collaborates with nearby organizations and educational institutions, notably participating in the sponsorship of Harington School, a Sixth Form Free School in Rutland. It also runs community-oriented cultural activities, including the Oakham Choral Society and free musical events open to the public. The school’s Voluntary Action program supports social activities for disabled youth through partnerships with national charities like Phab[4].

Facilities and Fundraising

The Oakham School Foundation plays a critical role in supporting the school’s infrastructure and accessibility. It provides bursaries to enable attendance regardless of financial means and funds major capital projects that enhance the school's teaching and learning facilities. Noteworthy developments supported by the Foundation include the Memorial Chapel, Smallbone Library, Mehra Faculty of Science, Jerwood School of Design, and sports pavilions[3].

Oakham School represents a longstanding educational charity dedicated to academic excellence, inclusivity, community engagement, and the cultivation of socially responsible young people ready to contribute positively to society.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5003643 [2] https://www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk/co-curricular/charity-and-community/ [3] https://www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk/support-us/ [4] https://www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk/about-us/working-in-partnership/ [5] https://www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk