The OBH Journey: Opening Doors to the Future

For over 160 years, Old Buckenham Hall has prepared young people for entry into some of the world’s most prestigious senior schools. We believe that a great education is about more than just the next step; it is about finding the right step for every individual.

We pride ourselves on a bespoke senior school selection process, working closely with families to ensure every child transitions to an environment where they will continue to flourish. To support this, we host our regular 'Next Steps' Assemblies, where Headteachers from the UK’s leading senior schools frequently visit OBH to meet our parents and inspire our pupils.

A Proven Pathway (Past 5 Years)

Our reach is truly national. OBH pupils consistently secure places at the country's top senior schools, including:

• Co-educational: Rugby School, Marlborough College, Wellington College, Oundle School, Stowe School, and Brighton College.

• Single-Sex: Eton College, Harrow School, Winchester College, Radley College, Benenden School, and Wycombe Abbey.

• Regional Leaders: Framlingham College, Ipswich School, Woodbridge School, and Culford School.

• National Reach: From Sedbergh School and Ampleforth College in the North to Sherborne School and Cheltenham College in the West.

Expert Preparation & Scholarship Success

To achieve these results, we provide a level of preparation that goes far beyond the standard curriculum. While we ensure all pupils are thoroughly prepared for the rigours of Common Entrance and bespoke senior school testing, we also offer a specialised pathway for those showing exceptional potential.

Our Bespoke Scholarship Programmes begin in Year 7, providing tailored extension sessions for selected pupils. We have an outstanding record of success across a diverse range of disciplines, including:

• Academic

• Sport

• Music, Dance & Drama

• Art & Design Technology

• Leadership & All-Rounder Awards

In the past six years alone, OBH pupils have been awarded a total of 83 full scholarships, alongside numerous exhibitions and prestigious awards, to the leading schools in the country.

Our Record of Excellence

The Class of 2026

Our current Year 8 cohort is maintaining the school's long-standing reputation for scholarship success. This year, our pupils have already secured an impressive array of awards from a diverse range of leading senior schools, reflecting the high academic and co-curricular standards at OBH.

From prestigious national boarding schools to the region's top-tier day and boarding schools, our 2026 scholars are being recognised for their talent, character, and potential.

Please follow our Instagram and Facebook pages for Scholarship updates. 

The Class of 2025

The 2024–2025 academic year was one of the most successful in our school's history. From a cohort of 41 pupils, an incredible 32 full scholarships were secured across a wide range of disciplines.

These prestigious awards and exhibitions were achieved in the following areas:

• Academic Excellence (including the Queen’s Academic Scholarship to Ipswich School)

• Art

• Drama

• Music & Music Production

• Sport & Sport Exhibitions

• All-Rounder Awards (including an Oundle Scholarship to Oundle School and Thring Scholarships to Uppingham School)

• Leadership

This achievement highlights the depth of talent at OBH, with many pupils being recognised in multiple fields. 

2025 Destination Schools included:

Ampleforth College, Charterhouse School, Culford School, Felsted School, Framlingham College, Gresham’s School, Haileybury, Ipswich School, King’s Ely, The Leys School, Oundle School, Radley College, The Royal Hospital School, Rugby School, Sedbergh School, Sherborne Boys, St Mary’s School Ascot, Stowe School, and Uppingham School.

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OBH Senior School Destinations