Frank Oakes: Setting The Gold standard For Half A Century

Published by Strathallan School on Monday 28th of August 2023

nother new school year begins, and Frank Oakes is hard at work again, fulfilling the role he has performed at Strathallan for fifty years.

The signwriter, originally from Stockport, has meticulously painted the names of the school's Captains and Champions by hand since the 1970s - almost half of the school's entire history.

What began as a job in the army quickly became a passion for signwriting that took Frank's skills from the sides of tanks to cars, lorries, buildings, and the walls of the Perthshire boarding school for half a century.

Now 88 years old, Frank says he still loves every day of his job.

“I should be retired really but well, it makes me happy, I’d rather keep doing this than sit at home.”

Headmaster of Strathallan, Mark Lauder, said, "There are thousands of names in Gold on our walls thanks to Frank. What a fantastic contribution and service to the school, for many more years too I hope!"

Strathallan is about to enter this academic year with the largest school roll ever in its 102-year history. Well known for its academic and extra-curricular excellence, the school is proud to welcome five- and six-year-olds to the Prep School for the first time this September, meaning Frank could be kept busy for years to come keeping up with the names of the school's youngest ever pupils.

With plans to develop the school already with Perth and Kinross Council, Strathallan School offers game-changing education to girls and boys from 5 to 18 years old.