Scholarship Spotlight

Jeremy Farmer (‘67) Rugby Scholarship

I was at Oakham in the 1960s, a time of change in the School and indeed in the country. Looking back, I don’t think I have ever laughed as much as I did during those five years. The camaraderie was exceptional and taught me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and respect on and off the playing field. I would single out critical thinking skills and a competitive spirit as two things that I learned and have kept with me throughout my career in Banking and HR Management.

My reason for committing to support rugby scholarships at Oakham is that as I reflect back on my life, rugby has been hugely important both as a player and the social aspects that surround it. All that started on Doncaster Close in Oakham.

I would say to anyone thinking of supporting a scholarship or bursary that it is a wonderful opportunity to give something back to the school that has given many of us so much. My scholarship goes to a talented rugby player that can help the School retain its excellent rugby reputation but equally important it opens up an Oakham education to a player who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to experience it. My objective is to help to support that individual in the school wherever their rugby career eventually takes them. Of course, I want the very best for them in rugby, but it is equally important that the education along with the people they are exposed to shape their life after Oakham in a very positive way.

Oakham rugby has come a very long way from the time in the 1960s when winning a fixture against Uppingham was a big deal to being National Cup winners and one of the best teams in the country. That has been great to watch. Helping to aid that a little through rugby scholarships is just a small way of giving back to a school and a game that has been such an important part of my life.

Read more about Jeremy and his Scholarship support in our upcoming Old Oakhamian Magazine.