High Performance Programme

"My time at Abingdon played a huge part in shaping me into the rugby player I am today. Mr Gold and Mr Broadbent were huge influences; their knowledge, encouragement, and ability to bring the best out of people on the pitch were key to developing my skills and understanding of the game. Other sports encouraged by the school also played a big role in my overall development. Guidance in hockey, football, and the opportunity to compete in tennis all helped me become a more well-rounded athlete. Each sport challenged me in different ways, improving my fitness, decision-making, and competitiveness, all of which have fed directly into my progress as a professional rugby player. I’m very grateful for the foundation Abingdon provided me."

Ten years on from winning Gold for Abingdon at the National Schools Regatta, OA Tom Digby becomes Olympic Champion in Paris. Tom says of his time at Abingdon: "Abingdon, even given its jam-packed days and tight bus timetable gave me the ability to pursue sport to the highest level. I found a sense of purpose, I found role models, and I learned what delayed gratification and hard-earned results are. It was the foundation of a long career in rowing, but not only that it was a big part of my personal development that has led me to being able to face life challenges as the person I am proud to be."

“Fencing isn’t the most common sport to grow up doing, and it came with its fair share of tough choices. But at Abingdon, I never felt I had to justify that path. The school backed me — whether that meant time away for international trips, missed lessons, or simply needing space to train. Herman and Alan were a constant throughout, offering support that went far beyond coaching. Over time, that consistency made a difference. I’ve been fortunate to represent Great Britain in 17 countries over just a few intense school years, alongside my A Levels — but much of the groundwork was laid quietly, week in, week out, in the Sports Centre after school. Winning national and Commonwealth titles didn’t come from one breakthrough moment — it came from structure, flexibility, and belief, all of which I found at Abingdon.”

"Good people make good athletes. If you apply the same effort and intention you do within your sport to your relationships, studies, nutrition, and other hobbies - you'll see yourself improve on the pitch as well as off it."

"Abingdon has done nothing but encourage and support me. Despite the school not offering shotgun shooting as a sport, they’ve provided amazing support in other ways. From accommodating time off to attend International Competitions to one on one support from teachers to help me catch up on topics that I may have missed and then the amazing pastoral support from my tutor helping me navigate the challenges of how to juggle a very hectic and demanding schedule. It’s never been one or the other, Abingdon has always encouraged me to reach my potential in both."

Tilsley Park Sports and Athletics Ground offers top regional facilities, including a 7-a-side floodlit all-weather pitch, 5-a-side floodlit 3G all-weather pitches, a full-size floodlit 3G pitch, two full-size artificial hockey pitches, and an 8-lane floodlit athletics track with a 500-seat covered grandstand.

A comprehensive workout space overlooking the grounds, featuring free weights, resistance machines, and cardio equipment for all fitness levels.

A 25 metre, 8-lane heated gala pool.

Ideal for basketball, badminton (4 courts), netball and indoor cricket training.

Ideal for dance, martial arts, fencing and a wide range of activities.

Two glass-backed squash courts.

Multi-difficulty ‘Walltopia’ climbing wall.