We hope that the FAQs below will answer some of your queries but we are always on hand to help should you want to know more. You can contact our admissions team by phone +44 (0)1865 392303 or email [email protected]

What are the points of entry at Abingdon Prep School?

Children can join Abingdon Prep from the age of 4 (Reception) and there is flexibility to join in other year groups, where space is available. To find out what places are available please contact the Admissions Manager by telephone on +44 (0)1865 392303 or by email to [email protected]

How soon after my child is four can he come to Abingdon Prep School?

We take pupils in the September following their fourth birthday.

When new pupils join Year 3, how are they integrated with the pupils that have been at the School since Reception?

From Reception to Year 2 there is one form in the year group. In Year 3 we have a further intake and in most years we will divide the year group into two forms. There are approximately equal numbers of existing and new pupils placed in both forms. Pupils are encouraged to form new friendships and teachers ensure that the integration happens smoothly. Each new pupil is assigned a ‘buddy’ who will help them to settle in and find their way around the school and our routines. Our parents’ association also arrange informal gatherings for parents to mix and get to know each other. Every effort is made to ensure every pupil settles happily into the new environment.

What age do pupils start at Abingdon, the senior school?

Abingdon takes pupils from primary schools and prep schools that finish at age 11 into Year 7 and pupils from prep schools at Year 9 (age 13). Pupils from Abingdon Prep School transfer to the senior school at Year 9.

Some children moving from a primary school at year 7 may be better suited to the Abingdon Prep School environment for Years 7 and 8 rather than entering the senior school in year 7.

Do Abingdon Prep School pupils automatically have a place at Abingdon?

Our aim is to ensure that pupils transfer to the school that will suit them best and develop their qualities and self confidence the most. Although the vast majority of our pupils do transfer to Abingdon there are occasions when this will not be appropriate. Further information on the transfer process to Abingdon School.

What percentage of the pupils transfer to Abingdon each year?

In most years between 85% and 90% of pupils will transfer to Abingdon.

Can I keep my options open for my son's senior school?

This is completely understandable and Abingdon Prep pupils regularly win places at a range of excellent senior schools.

What is the process for being accepted for a place at Abingdon Prep School?

After you have had a look at our website and prospectus please get in touch to arrange to visit the school and meet the Head and staff. Full details of our admissions procedures by year group can be found here.

What does the admissions process involve?

Our admissions process is designed to give your son a ‘taste’ of life at Abingdon Prep, to make friends, meet staff and get a feel for the School. Children spend time with their potential class or with reception teachers and older children join in a typical school day. We feel this is the best way to get to know the school. The admissions process does involve some informal assessment for younger pupils and more formal testing higher up the school.

What type of assessment is it?

Assessments depend on the age of the child. We have no formal academic testing at age four. For entry to Pre-Prep year groups we have found that videos taken in a child’s home setting are useful. We are looking for personal independence and some social maturity, for example the ability to share and take turns.

Pupils who join after the age of four are given some informal testing to ensure that they will fit comfortably into the academic and social range of the class that has been established. Older pupils will have more extensive testing in English and Mathematics as well as CAT tests.

What is Abingdon Prep School looking for in a child?

There is no typical ‘Abingdon Prep pupil’. We offer a wide range of activities and opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, to suit the very diverse range of children that flourish at Abingdon Prep.

What foreign languages are taught and to which age groups?

French is taught from Year 1. In the first two years the lessons are mainly oral with more formal teaching starting in Year 3. Participation and enjoying the language is paramount with trips to French bistros and performing French plays in these early years. In Year 7 pupils spend a week in Normandy. Languages can also be explored through the wide range of Other Half activities available.

When do children start to learn Latin?

Latin is taught from Year 6.

Are pupils streamed, according to ability, for any lessons?

Pupils are streamed in mathematics, the sciences and languages from Year 6 upwards. Streaming takes place when the relevant teachers consider it to be educationally beneficial to the specific year group.

What extra-curricular activities do you offer?

We provide an extensive range of over 100 extra-curricular activities know as the Other Half. There is a huge range on offer from coding to golf and art clubs to jazz band.