An Oppidan Scholar is a boy at

Eton College Eton College () is a public school in Eton, Berkshire, England. It was founded in 1440 by Henry VI under the name ''Kynge's College of Our Ladye of Eton besyde Windesore'',Nevill, p. 3 ff. intended as a sister institution to King's College, ...

who has distinguished himself academically.

Features

Oppidan

scholarships A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students for further education. Generally, scholarships are awarded based on a set of criteria such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, and financial need. Scholarsh ...

are honorary awards which provide no financial benefit. Oppidan Scholars have the letters "OS" written after their surname in school lists.

Etymology

The expression ''Oppidan Scholar'' derives from the Latin word ''oppidum'' meaning ‘town’.

Award of title

Oppidan Scholarships are currently awarded based upon receiving ''Distinction'' in a certain number of ''Trials'' (the internal examinations held twice a year): a boy will be considered for the scholarship after receiving four Distinctions (or three consecutively). Since 2018, Oppidan Scholarships have not been awarded on entry on the basis of the King’s Scholarship examination.

References

Eton College {{UK-edu-stub