Abingdon School

The Boat Club has been in existence at Abingdon School for 168 years and goes from strength to strength and never has it been more successful. Boys can row from the 3rd year upwards, in the Lent and Summer terms. Boys are expected to commit themselves for both terms since most of the regattas are in the summer. We have around 150 boys in the Club. Training takes place both in the school gym and at the Boathouse, on Wilsham Road - about a mile from the School. In the Lent term there would be 2/3 rowing sessions and 2 gym sessions per week. Boys are expected to participate on Saturdays as well.

We have a number of aims for the Club, at different levels. The 3rd year (J14) is an introductory year where we try to give everybody a fair chance to improve and to see if they like it. We compete in a number of ‘friendlies’ against other schools and later on in the year we compete at some regattas, including The National Schools Champtionships. The next few years through J15 and J16 are spent developing 1st and 2nd VIIIs which will compete at external regattas and National Schools championships. The 1st VIII always competes at Henley Royal Regatta. The School also participates in the Junior International scheme and boys have represented Great Britain every year since 1992.

We try to accommodate all abilities and levels of commitment to foster enjoyment of a great team sport. We have an excellent new timber boathouse, initiated and driven by parental support through the Friends of Abingdon School Boat Club. We hope to maintain, and build on, our reputation as one of the most successful school boat clubs in the UK and enjoy and benefit from the support of FASBC, one of the best parent support groups in the country.

Rowing subs are currently charged per term, as follows: J14 – £20; J15 – £30; J16/Open – £40. These pay predominantly for the entry fees to the various Regatta and Heads throughout the season.  In addition there is an annual £20 affiliation fee for British Rowing to which all rowers must subscribe to qualify for entry to the various events.