Prospectus An independent day and boarding school for children aged 4 to 18 years Simply extraordinary
Welcome to Abingdon Welcome to Abingdon. We are an inspirational school founded on a culture of challenge and enterprise. We embrace change and innovation whilst respecting traditional values, and we encourage our students to think for themselves, pursue their aspirations, have confidence in their abilities and develop a spirit of independence. Our forward thinking approach is reflected in our academic curriculum where there is breadth of choice and depth of study. Whilst academic standards are high, our commitment to students’ wider personal development and wellbeing remains central to our approach. This is delivered through our formidable Other Half co-curricular provision and underpinned by our House system and strong Pastoral care - both of which ensure each individual is known and cared for. I hope that the following pages will further endorse what makes an Abingdon education simply extraordinary. Mike Windsor Head 1
Move to co-education From September 2026, Abingdon will welcome girls into our First Year and Lower Sixth Form as the first step to becoming fully co-educational. Our key task as educators is to prepare our young people for life after school. We believe the best preparation is to educate boys and girls alongside one another in the classroom so they are ready for a world in which men and women work, study and live together side by side. We also want to be able to offer the strength of an Abingdon education to both girls and boys. We are very proud of our educational offering with our focus on the life of the mind and developing the intellectual curiosity of our pupils. Our Other Half programme provides a huge range of co-curricular activities, each designed to promote the personal development of our pupils. Both these elements are underpinned by an outstanding pastoral system, based on our Houses, which ensures every pupil is known, valued and supported as they make their way through the school. We look forward to welcoming the first girls to Abingdon in 2026. Sixth Form Entry from September 2026 Third Year Entry from September 2028 First Year Entry from September 2026 Abingdon School will be fully co-educational from September 2030 2
" Academic Success isn’t just about hard work. Success stems from passion and curiosity - which is why it is a natural outcome of an Abingdon education. The breadth and depth of our subjects, together with our encouragement of independent thinking, mean that each student can follow their own interests and strengths to thrive and succeed. Our academic offering combines a wide variety of traditional academic subjects with contemporary disciplines, practical classes, cultural trips and the arts - all taught by our enthusiastic, expert staff who love to spark creative thinking and passionate debate, making learning a challenging and compelling experience for every individual in the class. This means that our young people leave Abingdon with some of the best results in the country, well equipped to continue their learning at any of the world’s top universities and to enjoy fulfilling futures of exploration, discovery and accomplishment. 1:9 teacher student ratio 96 tutor groups - each student is known and cared for “Pupils demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding across all subjects.” ISI Inspection 3
" Pastoral School is a place of discovery, where individuals learn about themselves and the world around them and, at its best, it is a hugely exhilarating, fun and rewarding time. We want our young people to be emotionally and mentally healthy so they are able to fully enjoy their school experience - and to help each other do the same. This is one of the reasons we have such a strong emphasis on community. Every student belongs to a House throughout their time at Abingdon, creating a sense of family and putting them in the care of a dedicated Head of House. Each student also has a personal tutor, who they meet with every day. Our peer mentoring system encourages our students to look out for one another. We also have dedicated time within our timetable to think and talk about key issues including healthy living, rights and responsibilities, self-esteem and relationships. This creates a learning environment which develops our students intellectually and emotionally, giving them a balanced perspective on life and encouraging them to grow in resilience, confidence, generosity and kindness. “A strong culture of pastoral care, provided through an effective house system, which means that pupils are known by teachers.” ISI Inspection 4
150+ clubs Other Half At Abingdon, we believe that classroom learning should only be one half of a students’ educational journey, which is why we devote so much time to our co-curricular programme, aptly named ‘The Other Half’. Time for the Other Half is allocated within the weekly timetable as well as during break times and after school to enable our students to choose a wide range of co-curricular opportunities each term from our range of over 150 activities. They might be drawn to the excitement and camaraderie of Duke of Edinburgh, the journalistic opportunities of newspaper and magazine writing, the development of a new skill such as ceramics, debating or computer science, the mental challenges of chess or the altruistic enjoyment of volunteering in the community. Whichever activities a pupil pursues, the two halves of an Abingdon education add up to a whole school experience that enables our students to become well-rounded, resourceful and ambitious learners. 5
Our sports centre is equipped with an eight-lane swimming pool, squash courts, a climbing wall and a series of fitness suites, as well as a martial arts, fencing and dance studio. We also have 60 acres of sports pitches, including all-weather surfaces for hockey, football, rugby and athletics. Our boathouse is situated on the River Thames within easy reach of the School. Both individual and team achievement is important and every student is expertly coached to reach their full potential. There are frequent opportunities to compete and our students have enjoyed great success at regional, national and international level. We value sport for its health and fitness benefits and for the camaraderie, teamwork and self-motivation it inspires. We have a long tradition of sport at Abingdon and are proud of the dedication and good-sportsmanship of all our teams. Over Sport Sport is good for both the body and mind, so from beginners to international athletes we offer every individual the opportunity to get involved and to develop in a wide range of sporting activities. 630 students represent the School in a typical Lent weekend across nine sports 31 sports available to try Over Over 60 acres of sports pitches 8-lane 25m indoor pool Boathouse on the River Thames Over 6
Creative arts Art and Product Design and Engineering both offer a significant opportunity for students to evaluate and express their thoughts, questions, feelings and observations. In both timetabled lessons and Other Half activities, students are encouraged to develop their creativity and design ideas through a variety of media - from painting and printmaking to ceramics, digital design, sculpture and woodwork. Our Art Department houses a number of large studios, with our Product Design and Engineering Department having a number of dedicated workshops with a wide range of professional standard machinery. And, our highly skilled staff strike a balance between helping the students to master key skills and techniques and encouraging them to develop their imaginations and their ability to visually communicate ideas and meaning. Regardless of age or ability, we find that the creative arts improve self-discipline, help to develop lateral thinking skills and spark creativity and innovation across their studies. 7
Drama Whether they prefer performing under the bright lights or managing them behind the scenes, our Drama programme offers all students a range of enjoyable and enriching new experiences. Throughout their time at Abingdon, students have the opportunity to learn theatre arts such as mime, stage combat, puppetry, sound and lighting techniques and set design, as well as familiarising themselves with a wide variety of writers and genres. To showcase these skills, we produce a bold and entertaining mix of classical plays, musical theatre and contemporary work across the school year, many staged in our 450 seat theatre. We also have our own award winning film unit, through which students can create their own short films, under the guidance of industry professionals. These creative endeavours not only improve confidence, cultural awareness and communication skills, but also provide a unique outlet for personal exploration and self-expression. 7 major drama productions a year 120+ films made by the Abingdon Film Unit 8
Music is a key part of both our curriculum and our Other Half programme with the philosophy of ‘music for all’ underpinning our offering, so that students of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to participate. That said, the standard of our music education is high, with a number of students in most years going on to take scholarships at top universities and conservatoires. In addition to the availability of individual instrumental and vocal lessons, students can get involved with any number of orchestras, choirs and bands - from gospel to jazz, blues to classical. We regularly stage a variety of concerts and musical theatre productions in our own impressive facilities, and many of the orchestras and choirs also have opportunities to tour and perform abroad. Wherever our students perform, the same skill, creativity and love of music shines through. Music Whatever the style of music and whether our students wish to pursue it as a future career or simply a hobby, the opportunities to explore and develop musical talent abound at Abingdon. 22 musical instruments available to learn 9
Boarding Full and weekly boarding is available from the age of 13 (Third Year). Our boarding houses offer a home from home environment. Day students also belong to our boarding houses, ensuring a good mix, and the friendships formed provide a stable and supportive environment for academic exploration and learning. The houses encourage an active, fun and friendly community life. The recent renovation and extension of two of our boarding houses in 2023 has significantly enhanced our offering. Bedrooms sleep between two and three boarders as standard, with sixth formers having single bedrooms. In addition to dedicated study areas and kitchenettes, our boarding community has access to a variety of communal spaces with sociable activities. We have a wonderful mix of local and international boarders, creating a vibrant and culturally diverse environment. A great variety of activities is available outside school hours including paintballing, sailing, punting, bowling, socials with other schools and a wide range of trips. Through our Enrichment Programme, boarders get valuable experience in organising their daily lives, learning about tasks such as cooking and laundry, as well as personal administration and money management, preparing them for independent life beyond school. 10
By car: Oxford 6 miles Central London 60 miles By train: From Oxford from 52 minutes From Didcot from 38 minutes By plane: London Heathrow 48 miles London Gatwick 85 miles Abingdon School OX14 1DE Abingdon Prep School OX13 5NX Tilsley Park OX14 1PU Cox’s Fields OX13 6QL Abingdon Boathouse OX14 5NP Further information can be found on: abingdon.org.uk Facilities Situated on 35 acres in the heart of Abingdon, only 6 miles from the city of Oxford, Abingdon School is fortunate to have extensive facilities. These include a 450 seat theatre, dining pavilion, a science centre housing 21 teaching laboratories, study areas, project rooms and preparatory rooms, a dedicated sixth form centre, library, arts centre, sports centre and swimming pool, humanities centre and dedicated Product Design and Engineering workshop. In addition to our main 35 acre site, we have further facilities at Tilsley Park sports and athletics ground; our boat club; and Cox’s fields which is situated at our Prep school. 11 Newly renovated and extended boarding accommodation State-of-the-art dining pavilion Dedicated Computer Science, Economics and Business Studies Centre Over 60 acres of sports pitches with all-weather surfaces for rugby, hockey, football, tennis and athletics. 8-lane indoor swimming pool.
Through the Abingdon School in Partnership (ASiP) initiative, and as founding members of the OX14 Learning Partnership, Abingdon School plays a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and promoting civic pride. The ASiP programme provides students with a myriad of opportunities to develop their academic and co-curricular skills while actively contributing to the broader community. These opportunities include participating in primary science workshops, engaging in creative endeavors such as film production, and collaborative projects like building and racing an electric go-kart. Beyond skill development, the ASiP initiative nurtures meaningful friendships, cultivates teamwork, and enhances leadership abilities, ensuring that all students are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of the world beyond the school. The programme thus reinforces Abingdon School's commitment to fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the community, underscoring its positive role in shaping well-rounded and civically engaged individuals. Partnerships The aim of Abingdon School in Partnership, ASiP, is to build relationships with the local community, and in particular our partner schools, to the benefit of and to challenge all staff and students across the town. 12 Over Community We will build on the positive role the School plays in the local community. Collaboration Students and staff collaborate effectively and positively with members of the local community. Challenge Students and staff stretch and challenge themselves via collaboration.
E-U D C B A A* 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Ancient History Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computer Science Drama (jointly with SHSK) DT (including SHSK) Economics (including SHSK) English Literature French Geography German (including SHSK) Greek History Latin Maths Further Maths Music Philosophy Physics Politics (at SHSK) Psychology (jointly with SHSK) Religious Studies Spanish 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Extended Project Qualifcation A Level Results 2024 Number of Abingdon students sitting A Levels: 174 + students from St Helen and St Katharine (SHSK) For latest results visit abingdon.org.uk/academic/gcse-a-level-results B A A* 13 D C
Leavers’ Destinations Leavers go on to attend a diverse range of courses at a wide selection of British and international universities. This list is correct as of September 2024 and refers to the university places secured by those who applied in the 2023/24 application cycle. Where a number is shown in brackets, this refers to the number of Abingdon students taking the course. 14 EDINBURGH Chinese and French Economics (2) History and Politics Physics Social Anthropology with Development ESSEX Psychology EXETER Accounting and Finance Economics Economics and Finance Economics and Politics (2) Finance: Investment Banking Flexible Combined Honours History Law (3) Mathematics with Economics Mechanical Engineering Physics Politics and International Relations (2) GLASGOW Computing Science Finance Medicine IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON Computing Physics KING’S COLLEGE LONDON Computer Science (2) Economics International Relations Natural Sciences LEEDS History Medicine LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS & POLITICAL SCIENCE Geography Law LOUGHBOROUGH Finance and Management History Mechanical Engineering Product Design and Technology (2) Psychology Robotics, Mechatronics and Control Engineering MANCHESTER Mathematics Medical Biochemistry Modern Language and Business & Management Pharmacology Physics NEWCASTLE Chemistry (2) Mathematics and Economics Mathematics with Finance NORWICH UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS Games Art & Design ABERDEEN Philosophy, Politics and Economics ABERYSTWYTH Criminology and Criminal Psychology BATH Accounting and Finance Architecture International Management (2) Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Natural Sciences (2) Physics Politics and International Relations BIRMINGHAM Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Economics Economics and Politics Environmental Science Geography (2) International Relations with Economics BRIGHTON Aerospace Engineering BRISTOL Accounting and Management Biochemistry (2) Business and Management Computer Science Economics and Accounting Economics and Management English and History History with Innovation Liberal Arts Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Modern Languages Physics Politics and International Relations Zoology BRUNEL Economics and Business Finance BUCKINGHAM Medicine CAMBRIDGE English Linguistics Modern and Medieval Languages Natural Sciences (2) CARDIFF Business Economics Business Management (Marketing) Medicine DURHAM Classics Combined Honours in Social Sciences Engineering (Aeronautical) Engineering (Mechanical) Geography Health and Human Sciences History (2) Music Natural Sciences (2) NOTTINGHAM International Management Liberal Arts Product Design and Manufacture NOTTINGHAM TRENT Architecture OXFORD Classics (3) Engineering History Law with German Law OXFORD BROOKES Geography PLYMOUTH Architecture PORTSMOUTH Psychology ROYAL HOLLOWAY Biology SHEFFIELD Aerospace Engineering Geography Mechanical Engineering SOUTHAMPTON Aeronautics and Astronautics (2) Computer Science (3) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Geography (2) Marine Biology Music UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Applied Medical Sciences Classics and the Ancient World Electronic and Electrical Engineering History Medicine Philosophy Psychology with Education WARWICK Accounting and Finance English Literature and Creative Writing Politics and International Studies WEST OF ENGLAND Automotive Engineering (2) YORK Molecular Cell Biology Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance INTERNATIONAL Hong Kong University (3) Chinese University of Hong Kong Vanderbilt University, USA University of California at San Diego, USA
4-2 5 6 7 8 9 0 50 100 150 200 Ancient History Art Biology Chemistry Chinese Computer Science Double Science Drama DT Electronics English English Literature French Geography German Greek History Latin Maths Music Physics Religious Studies Spanish 0 20 40 60 80 Additional Maths FSMQ § GCSE Results 2024 § The FSMQ is a free-standing Maths Qualification and does not count as a GCSE. The A* grade is not applicable to this exam. For latest results visit abingdon.org.uk/academic/gcse-a-level-results D-U C B A 15 Number of Fifth Year students sitting GCSEs: 196
The school day Below is an example of timings for the school day. We shape the timetable to get the right balance. Timings do vary across year groups and from day to day. 8.35am 8.45am 9.00 - 9.50am 10.00 - 10.50am 10.50 - 11.10am 11.15am - 12.10pm 12.20 - 1.10pm 1.10 - 2.00pm 2.00 - 2.55pm 3.05 - 4.00pm 4.00 - 5.05pm 5.20pm Buses arrive - students in school and meet with tutors Assembly or Chapel Period 1: Lessons for all Period 2: Lessons for all Break - an opportunity to relax with friends, visit the Café, houseroom, library etc Period 3: Lessons for all Period 4: Lunch / Other Half activities / tutorial / assembly for some, lessons for others Period 5: Lunch / Other Half activities / tutorial / assembly for all on some days Period 6: Lunch / Other Half activities / assembly for some, lessons for others Period 7: Lessons for all (except Wednesdays when Other Half activities take place for all) Period 8: Other Half activities Buses depart 16
There are Old Abingdonians in 60 countries An international perspective Our students travel the world, broadening their minds and gaining invaluable experience of cultures and countries. We currently have students from 45countries around the world 17
Over 7100 Old Abingdonians stay in touch with the school Steeped in history but with a modern approach to learning, we continually evaluate our education to ensure each student can fulfil their potential. We are over 1256 1375 1563 1743 1870 1977 2024 Middle School Sixth Form 96 Tutor groups 1:9 Teacher student ratio Each student is known and cared for Lower School Over 1000 students Boarding from 13+ Just a few of the famous names who have enjoyed success in their chosen careers Facts Alumni Mike Bartlett Robin Bourne-Taylor Sir Kim Darroch KCMG Simon Evans Foals Tom Hollander Max Hutchinson Jonny and the Baptists Toby Jones Sir Nicholas Kay KCMG Ben Macintyre Francis Maude MP David Mitchell Huw Parmenter Radiohead Sir Vivian Ramsey Sir David Tanner CBE 18 750 years old of A Level passes were awarded A* to B grades 90% of GCSE passes were awarded grades 9 to 7 86% A Level and GCSE Results 2024:
From 1 January 2025, the fees for the Lent and Summer Terms 2025 are below. An acceptance deposit is required to secure a place. Day (including lunch) £8,955* Weekly boarding £14,900* Full boarding £18,260* Joining us Admissions Lower School (aged 11-13) Entry at age 11 is mainly from primary schools and independent schools that teach to the age of 11. Girls from September 2026. Middle School (aged 13-16) Entry at age 13 is from a range of UK and international schools. Girls from September 2028. Sixth Form (aged 16-18) Entry at age 16 is from a range of UK and international schools. Girls from September 2026. Entry at other ages may be considered if places are available. References from a student’s current school, interviews and entrance examinations are required at all entry points. For the Sixth Form, admission is dependent on examinations and interviews, school references and, where appropriate, performance in GCSEs. Scholarships and awards There are a range of scholarships and awards available at ages 11, 13, 14 and 16. Free and subsidised places Abingdon also offers a number of free and subsidised places which are awarded to the highest performing candidates with the level of need determined on a case by case basis, but can be worth up to 100% of day fees. 74 students currently receive free and subsidised places. What next? Please get in touch with us to find out more. You can... Call for further information +44 (0)1235 849041 Browse our website abingdon.org.uk Book a visit at abingdon.org.uk/ admissions/visit-abingdon Complete the online registration form Fees 19 *including applicable VAT
Bus routes Our Joint Bus Service (JBS) is run in conjunction with St Helen and St Katharine School. It safely transports students to and from our school site. Managed by specialist school transport company, Vectare, the service offers families great flexibility, allowing travel to be booked up to midnight before the day of travel and 24/7 from any location. The map below is an example of the routes available. For up to date routes, timings and costs, please visit jbs.vectare.co.uk 20
Abingdon School A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company No. 3625063 Registered Charity No. 1071298 Registered office: Abingdon School, Park Road, Abingdon, OX14 1DE The school’s aims and ethos, policies and inspection reports are available on the school website. Abingdon School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. To contact the governors, please email: [email protected] abingdon.org.uk Simply extraordinary
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