An Oppidan Scholar is a boy at Eton College who has distinguished himself academically.
Contents
Features
Oppidan scholarships 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
A boy who earns a distinction in three internal examinations qualifies for the award of the title Oppidan Scholar. He may also qualify by achieving a distinction four times in total without achieving three in succession.
The school also awards several Oppidan Scholarships annually to boys who perform extremely well in the scholarship examination but who, prior to the examination, opted not to compete for a King’s Scholarship. An Oppidan Scholarship may also be awarded to a boy who narrowly misses election as a King’s Scholar.