The Abbey School

The Abbey is an all-girls community focused on providing a liberal, practical, and general education that prioritises kindness, fellowship, and individual care. Its core values are courage, honesty, and kindness, which guide the school's approach to fostering academic excellence, confidence, and purpose. The school aims to provide a future-ready environment where students learn free from gender bias and are encouraged to take risks and explore their interests.

The school offers a continuous educational journey from Nursery (ages 3-4) through to Sixth Form (Year 13). The curriculum is designed to be flexible, offering significant student-led learning and choice. In the Sixth Form, students have the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme alongside other academic pathways. The school also provides a comprehensive PSHE programme and integrates digital learning into the curriculum for students in years 7–10.

The school is recognised for academic excellence, with students achieving high grades and securing places at competitive universities. In 2008, the school launched the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme, where students have maintained high average point scores, such as 40 points in 2020. The school was named Independent Girls' School of the Year 2024 and holds accreditation from NACE for its provision for gifted and talented children.

The school provides a tailored EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme using formative assessments to create personalised learning paths for students. For pupils aged nine to thirteen, the 'Fresh Start' phonics intervention is used to support reading and phonics acquisition. Additionally, the school offers specialist SEN (Special Educational Needs) tuition through a referral process, and maintains a foundation of Quality First Teaching across all classrooms.

The Abbey is an all-girls school catering to students from age 3 to 18. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open events or arrange individual tours by contacting the admissions office. The school operates a selective admissions process, with specific entrance points including the Nursery (Little Knellies), Junior School (Reception to Year 6), and Senior School/Sixth Form (Years 7-13). Bursaries are available for Senior School students based on financial need and academic potential, with applications due by late October for the following academic year.

The school operates on a three-term academic year (Autumn, Spring, and Summer). Terms typically begin in early September, January, and April, with half-term breaks in October, February, and May/June. The school year concludes in early July. Specific dates include staff inset days, induction days for new students in Upper III and Lower VI, and scheduled open mornings. Holiday provision, known as 'Little Knellies', is available during half-term breaks and summer holidays.

The Abbey operates across two main sites: the Junior School on Christchurch Road and the Senior School on Kendrick Road. Facilities include a 25m x 10m indoor swimming pool with diving boards, an all-weather astro pitch for hockey and football, and lacrosse nets. Indoor spaces feature a 180-seat lecture theatre, the Richards Hall and Hardcastle Hall (with capacities ranging from 100 to 500), and various conference and meeting rooms. The school also utilizes digital devices for students in years 7–10.

The school offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities designed to expand horizons and encourage the discovery of passions. Students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Silver and Gold levels, as the school is a Directly Licensed Centre. Other activities include music tuition in various instruments and singing, drama, and cross-curricular projects. The school also hosts various clubs and societies, and students are encouraged to engage in leadership and service opportunities.