Abingdon School

The school aims to develop the resources, skills, and resilience students need to embrace their future, encouraging them to seize opportunities and appreciate their responsibilities to society. It promotes a culture of mutual respect, equality, and diversity, combining over 750 years of history with a modern outlook. The school emphasizes a 'stretch and challenge' academic approach, prioritizing deep subject understanding over early exam acceleration.

The school is divided into the Lower School (ages 11-13), Middle School (ages 13-16), and Sixth Form (ages 16-18). The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects including Ancient History, Sciences, Modern Foreign Languages, Economics, and Product Design. In the Sixth Form, students may undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and are encouraged to participate in various academic competitions and Olympiads.

Abingdon students consistently achieve strong results at GCSE and A Level, with a significant number of leavers securing places at Oxbridge and other top-tier universities. Over the last three years, students have secured 40 Oxbridge places, and 89% of students are typically offered their firm choice university. The school emphasizes preparing students for the challenges of the world beyond school, focusing on both academic and personal development.

The school provides academic support, including English as an Additional Language (EAL) services. Pastoral care is a central pillar, with a system organized into small tutor groups of 10 to 12 pupils, overseen by a tutor and a Head of House to ensure every student is known and supported. The school also maintains a dedicated counselling team and health centre.

Abingdon is a selective independent school with main entry points at 11+ (First Year), 13+ (Third Year), and 16+ (Lower Sixth). The school welcomes applications from both state and independent sectors, as well as international students. Following a decision to move to co-education, the school will welcome girls into the First Year and Sixth Form from September 2026, and into the Third Year from September 2028. Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school through open events or private tours.

The school operates on a termly basis, with the academic year typically concluding in early July. The school day begins at 8:35 am and ends at 3:40 pm, with school buses departing at 5:20 pm. Wednesday afternoons and daily time slots between 3:40 pm and 5:20 pm are dedicated to the 'Other Half' extracurricular programme.

The school is situated on a 35-acre campus in the centre of Abingdon, featuring a 446-seat Amey Theatre, the Yang Science Centre with 21 laboratories, and a library in Beech Court. Sports facilities include an 8-lane 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a multi-activity sports hall, squash courts, a climbing wall, and a boathouse on the River Thames. Additional extensive sports facilities, including all-weather pitches and an athletics track, are managed at the nearby Tilsley Park.

The 'Other Half' programme offers over 150 extracurricular activities designed to broaden horizons and build workplace skills. Options include art, design and technology, discussion and debate, drama, film and media, expeditions, finance and business, music, science and computing, and service and partnerships. Sport is a significant component, with numerous disciplines available for students to represent the school.