About Us

Welcome to OSCAR Radio, a vibrant school radio station based in Oundle School, Northamptonshire, England. We are proud to be one of the longest-running school radio stations in the UK, and we have a rich history that dates back to our first broadcast in September 1997.

Our History

OSCAR Radio began with enthusiastic campaigning from pupils and staff, happily resulting in funds being raised by the Oundle School Foundation to set up the project. By January 1998, a contract was arranged with a radio installation company to provide a radio control room, a newsroom, and a recording studio. Our first broadcast aired in November 1997 – over 25 years ago!

The name OSCAR Radio was chosen by Fleur Swaney, the first female Head of School. Originally an acronym for "Oundle School Community and Action Radio", OSCAR is now accepted as a stand-alone identity.

Who We Are

OSCAR Radio is pupil led. Since we started broadcasting, over 8000 young people from within the School and surrounding area have been involved.
We have had 39 short-term FM licences to broadcast, with all the shows being generated from within Oundle School. Our transmitted broadcasts reached 30 square miles from the centre of Oundle, but now we have global reach via internet broadcasting.

Today

Around 200 pupils take part in OSCAR Radio in various roles during any single broadcast period: technician, presenter, newsreader, manager, director, administrator, marketing, and many other contributory roles. Pupils are responsible for both the day-to-day running of the station and the quality of the broadcasts, giving them the opportunity to take part in a 'real world' project while at School. Our current Managing Director is Hector James from St Anthony House.
OSCAR runs two broadcasts, one in Michaelmas Term, another in Lent Term.

Contact Us

For more information about OSCAR Radio, please email james.hl@oundleschool.org.uk. Follow us on Instagram @oscar_radio_official