Prospectus An independent day and boarding school for children aged 4 to 18 years Academic excellence is only half the story at Abingdon
Welcome to Abingdon Welcome to Abingdon, a school where challenge meets creativity and tradition fuels innovation. We believe in empowering students to think independently, follow their aspirations, and build a confident spirit of independence. Our academic curriculum is designed to spark curiosity with breadth of choice, alongside depth of study. Whilst academic standards are high, our commitment to our students’ wider personal development and wellbeing remains central to our approach. This is delivered through our Other Half co-curricular provision and underpinned both by our strong pastoral care and our House system, each of which ensures that your child is known, cared for and belongs. There is so much which sets an Abingdon education apart and I hope the following pages will give you a taste of all that is on offer here. Mike Windsor Head 1
Move to co-education From September 2026, Abingdon will welcome girls into Year 7 and Year 12 as the first step to becoming fully co-educational. We believe the best way to prepare young people for their future is to create a dynamic environment where girls and boys learn, collaborate, and grow together, so they are ready for a world in which they will work, study and live together side by side. We are very proud of our educational offering which focuses on the life of the mind and developing intellectual curiosity. Alongside this, our Other Half programme offers an enormous range of co-curricular activities, each designed to promote personal development. Both these elements are underpinned by our outstanding pastoral care, based around the House system, which ensures each and every one of our students feels they belong and is known, respected and supported as they make their way through the school. We look forward to welcoming our first girls to Abingdon in 2026. 2 Sixth Form (16+) Entry from September 2026 Third Year (13+) Entry from September 2028 First Year (11+) Entry from September 2026 From September 2030 Entry from September 2028 Sixth Form boarding Fully co-ed
" Academic Success isn’t just about hard work. Success stems from passion and curiosity - which is why it is a natural outcome of an Abingdon education. The breadth and depth of our subjects, together with our encouragement of independent thinking, means that each student can follow their own interests and strengths to thrive and succeed. Our academic offering combines a wide variety of traditional academic subjects with contemporary disciplines, practical classes, cultural trips and the arts - all taught by our enthusiastic, expert staff who love to spark creative thinking and passionate debate, making learning a challenging and compelling experience for every individual in the class. This means that our young people leave Abingdon with some of the best results in the country, well equipped to continue their learning at any of the world’s top universities and to enjoy fulfilling futures of exploration, discovery and accomplishment. 1:9 teacher student ratio 96 tutor groups - each student is known and cared for "We are extremely grateful to the school and all your staff for giving our son the opportunity to thrive over the last five years, and for guiding him through the challenging and always stimulating pathway of his secondary education!" A parent 3
" Pastoral School is a place of discovery, where young people learn about themselves and the world around them. It should be a hugely exhilarating, fun and rewarding time. We want our students to fully enjoy their time at school, to feel that they belong, and to help each other to do the same. This is one of the reasons we place such a strong emphasis on community. Each of our students belongs to a House, under the care of a Head of House and they also have a personal tutor, who they meet with on a daily basis. Our student peer mentoring system encourages all our young people to look out for one another and there is dedicated time in the timetable to think and talk about key issues including healthy living, rights and responsibilities, self-esteem and relationships. This creates a community centric learning environment which develops our students intellectually and emotionally, giving them a balanced perspective on life and encouraging them to grow in resilience, confidence, generosity and kindness. "We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the excellent education and care that Abingdon School has provided to our son over the past 2 years. It has been a truly rewarding experience for him, and we are sincerely thankful for the dedication and support from all the teachers and staff." A parent 4
150+ clubs The Other Half At Abingdon, we believe that academic excellence is only half the story, which is why we devote so much time to our co-curricular programme, aptly named The Other Half. Time for The Other Half is allocated within our timetable as well as during break times and after school - this ensures each of our students has access to the widest possible range of co-curricular opportunities each term from our list of over 150 activities. Whether drawn to the excitement and camaraderie of Duke of Edinburgh, the journalistic opportunities of newspaper and magazine writing, the development of a new skill such as ceramics, debating or computer science, the mental challenges of chess or the altruistic enjoyment of volunteering in the community, there is something to interest everyone. These two halves of an Abingdon education add up to a whole school experience which enables our students to become the best version of themselves. 5
There are 21 sports on offer at participation, performance and elite level, each delivered by a combination of specialist teachers, sports professionals and academic staff. There are plenty of opportunities to compete throughout the year, and Abingdon students see great success at county, national and international level. Our extensive range of sports facilities supports both recreational and competitive activity. The School campus features state-of-the-art gym facilities, including a high performance centre for strength and conditioning and an athletic development centre for targeted athlete training. There is an eight-lane, 25-metre competition pool, seven pitches used for rugby, football, and cricket, a sports hall and dedicated spaces for climbing, fitness, and exercise science. A soon-to-be-built floodlit netball and tennis facility will complement the six existing tennis courts. Additional sports facilities are available at our Tilsley Park athletics ground and our boathouse on the Thames. Over Sport Our goal is to inspire every student to enjoy their sporting journey at Abingdon, to develop a lifelong enthusiasm for physical activity, and to receive the necessary support and resources to excel. 21 sports available to try 630 students represent the School in a typical Lent weekend across nine sports Over Over 60 acres of sports pitches 8-lane 25m indoor pool Boathouse on the River Thames 6
Creative arts Art, and Product Design and Engineering, both offer a significant opportunity for students to evaluate and express their thoughts, questions, feelings and observations. In both timetabled lessons and The Other Half activities, students are encouraged to develop their creativity and design ideas through a variety of media - from painting and printmaking to ceramics, digital design, sculpture and woodwork. Our Art Department houses a number of large studios, with our Product Design and Engineering Department having a number of dedicated workshops with a wide range of professional standard machinery. And, our highly skilled staff strike a balance between helping our students master key skills and techniques, and encouraging them to develop their imaginations and their ability to visually communicate ideas and meaning. Regardless of age or ability, we find that the creative arts helps to improve self-discipline, develop lateral thinking skills and spark creativity and innovation across their studies. 7
Drama Whether they prefer performing under the bright lights or managing them behind the scenes, our Drama programme offers all students a range of enjoyable and enriching new experiences. Throughout their time at Abingdon, students have the opportunity to learn theatre arts such as mime, stage combat, puppetry, sound and lighting techniques and set design, as well as familiarising themselves with a wide variety of writers and genres. To showcase these skills, we produce a bold and entertaining mix of classical plays, musical theatre and contemporary work across the school year, many staged in our 450 seat theatre. These creative endeavours not only improve confidence, cultural awareness and communication skills, but also provide a unique outlet for personal exploration and self-expression. 7 major drama productions a year 8
Music is a key part of both our curriculum and The Other Half programme with the philosophy of ‘music for all’ underpinning our offering, so that students of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to participate. The standard of our music education is high, with a number of students in most years going on to take scholarships at top universities and conservatoires. In addition to the availability of individual instrumental and vocal lessons, students can get involved with any number of orchestras, choirs and bands - from gospel to jazz, blues to classical. We regularly stage a wide range of concerts and musical theatre productions in our own impressive facilities, and many of the orchestras and choirs also have opportunities to tour and perform abroad. Wherever our students perform, the same skill, creativity and love of music shines through. Music Whatever the style of music and whether our students wish to pursue it as a future career or simply a hobby, the opportunities to explore and develop musical talent abound at Abingdon. 15large ensembles 9 formal concerts each year 78
Boarding Full and weekly boarding is available from the age of 13 (Third Year). Our boarding houses offer a home from home environment. From the moment they arrive at Abingdon our boarders become part of a warm and close-knit community, where they will forge lasting friendships, have access to a wide range of activities and experiences, and feel at home. Through our Enrichment Programme, boarders get valuable experience in organising their daily lives, learning skills to help prepare them to live independently after they finish school. Our three boarding houses, two of which were renovated in 2023, incorporate both day students and boarders and each has dedicated study areas and kitchenettes, as well as a variety of communal spaces for socialising and down time. Boarding is available from the age of 13. 10
By car: Oxford 6 miles Central London 60 miles By train: From Oxford from 52 minutes From Didcot from 38 minutes By plane: London Heathrow 48 miles London Gatwick 85 miles Abingdon School OX14 1DE Abingdon Prep School OX13 5NX Tilsley Park OX14 1PU Cox’s Fields OX13 6QL Abingdon Boathouse OX14 5NP Further information can be found on: abingdon.org.uk Facilities Situated in the heart of Abingdon, Abingdon School has extensive, leading, facilities. These include a 450 seat theatre, dining pavilion, a science centre housing 21 teaching laboratories, study areas, project rooms and preparatory rooms, a dedicated sixth form centre, library, arts centre, sports centre and pool, humanities centre and dedicated design workshop. In addition to our main 35 acre site, we have further facilities at Tilsley Park sports and athletics ground; our boat club; and Cox’s fields which is situated at our Prep school. 11 Newly renovated and extended boarding accommodation State-of-the-art dining pavilion Dedicated Computer Science, Economics and Business Studies centre Over 60 acres of sports pitches with all-weather surfaces for rugby, hockey, football, tennis and athletics. 8-lane indoor swimming pool.
Through the Abingdon School in Partnership (ASiP) initiative, and as founding members of the OX14 Learning Partnership, Abingdon School plays a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and promoting civic pride. The ASiP programme provides students with a myriad of opportunities to develop their academic and co-curricular skills while actively contributing to the wider community. These opportunities include participating in primary science workshops, engaging in creative endeavors such as film production, and collaborative projects like building and racing an electric go-kart. Beyond skill development, the ASiP initiative nurtures meaningful friendships, cultivates teamwork, and enhances leadership abilities, ensuring that all students are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of the world beyond the school. The programme thus reinforces Abingdon School's commitment to fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the community, underscoring its positive role in shaping well-rounded and civically engaged individuals. Partnerships The aim of Abingdon School in Partnership, ASiP, is to build relationships with the local community, and in particular our partner schools, to the benefit of all staff and students across the town. 12 Over Community We build on the positive role the School plays in the local community. Collaboration Students and staff collaborate effectively and positively with members of the local community. Challenge Students and staff stretch and challenge themselves via collaboration.
E-U D C B A A* 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Ancient History Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computer Science Drama Product Design and Engineering Economics English Literature French Geography German Greek History Latin Maths Further Maths Music Philosophy Physics Politics Psychology Religious Studies Spanish 0 10 20 30 40 Extended Project Qualifcation A Level Results 2025 Number of Abingdon students sitting A Levels: 180) For latest results visit abingdon.org.uk/academic/gcse-a-level-results B A A* 13 D C
Leavers’ Destinations Leavers progress to a wide range of courses at UK and international universities. This list, correct as of September 2025, shows places secured in the 2024/25 application cycle. Numbers in brackets indicate Abingdon students per course. OXFORD Chemistry (2) Classics Computer Science Engineering English Language and Literature French and Beginners' Italian Medicine Philosophy and French Physics OXFORD BROOKES Geography Mechanical Engineering PLYMOUTH Mechanical Engineering PORTSMOUTH Physics READING Business and Management ROYAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY Rural Land Management ROYAL HOLLOWAY Music and Sound Design for Film, Television, and Interactive Media SHEFFIELD Business Management SOUTHAMPTON Aeronautics and Astronautics Environmental Geoscience Mechanical Engineering Philosophy Politics and International Relations ST ANDREWS Mathematics and Physics SURREY Economics and Finance SWANSEA Biochemistry UNIVERSITY ARTS LONDON Foundation Art and Design (Fashion) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Architecture (2) Bachelor of Laws Biochemistry Chemistry Creative Arts and Humanities Economics (2) Global Humanitarian Studies History of Art WARWICK Philosophy, Politics and Economics YORK Accounting, Business Finance & Management Chemistry Economics INTERNATIONAL Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China) University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong) Baylor University (USA) Emory University (USA) University of California, Berkeley (USA) University of California, San Diego (USA) University of Chicago (USA) University of Illinois (USA) 14 Economics with Finance Geography History History and Economics Medicine Philosophy Philosophy and Theology EXETER Business and Management Economics and Finance Economics and Politics Geography International Relations Mechanical Engineering (2) Media and Communications Neuroscience GLASGOW Software Engineering IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON Biochemistry Biomedical Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Medical Biosciences with Management KING’S COLLEGE LONDON Digital Media and Culture International Relations Medicine Political Economy LEEDS Computer Science Economics History Sustainability and Environmental Management LEICESTER Economics Finance Medicine LIVERPOOL Economics LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS & POLITICAL SCIENCE Law Politics and Economics LOUGHBOROUGH Architecture (2) Chemistry Foundation Art and Design Management Mathematics and Sport Science MANCHESTER Economics History Management (Accounting and Finance) Management Physics Religions, Theology and Ethics Sociology MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN Philosophy NEWCASTLE Civil Engineering NORTHUMBRIA Geography and Environmental Sciences NOTTINGHAM Agriculture Architecture Liberal Arts ABERDEEN Medicine BATH Aerospace Engineering Business Chemical Engineering Economics (3) Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Politics and International Relations Robotics Engineering BIRMINGHAM Chemical Engineering Economics Medicine BOURNEMOUTH Marketing Communications with PR BRISTOL Biochemistry Chemistry Criminology Design Engineering Economics and Finance (3) Economics and Politics (2) Geography (2) History of Art Mathematics and Physics Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (2) Mechanical Engineering BRUNEL Design CAMBRIDGE Economics Mathematics Modern and Medieval Languages (2) Natural Sciences (2) CARDIFF Accounting and Finance Ancient History and History Architectural Studies Business Management International Relations and Politics (2) Law Mathematics CHICHESTER Psychology DURHAM Ancient, Medieval and Modern History Business and Management Chemistry (4) Combined Honours in Social Sciences Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Economics General Engineering (4) Geography History (3) Mathematics and Physics Modern Languages and Cultures Natural Sciences Philosophy and Theology Philosophy, Politics and Economics EDINBURGH Ancient History Archaeology and Ancient History Architecture Biologial Sciences
4-2 5 6 7 8 9 0 50 100 150 200 Ancient History Art Biology Chemistry Chinese Computer Science Double Science Drama DT Electronics English English Literature French Geography German Greek History Latin Maths Music Physics Religious Studies Spanish 0 10203040506070 Additional Maths FSMQ § GCSE Results 2025 § The FSMQ is a free-standing Maths Qualification and does not count as a GCSE. The A* grade is not applicable to this exam. For latest results visit abingdon.org.uk/academic/gcse-a-level-results D-U C B A 15 Number of Fifth Year students sitting GCSEs: 195
The school day Below is an example of timings for the school day. We shape the timetable to get the right balance. Timings do vary across year groups and from day to day. 8.35am 8.45am 9.00 - 9.50am 10.00 - 10.50am 10.50 - 11.10am 11.15am - 12.10pm 12.20 - 1.10pm 1.10 - 2.00pm 2.00 - 2.55pm 3.05 - 4.00pm 4.00 - 5.05pm 5.20pm Buses arrive - students in school and meet with tutors Assembly or Chapel Period 1: Lessons for all Period 2: Lessons for all Break - an opportunity to relax with friends, visit the Café, houseroom, library etc Period 3: Lessons for all Period 4: Lunch / The Other Half activities / tutorial / assembly for some, lessons for others Period 5: Lunch / The Other Half activities / tutorial / assembly for all on some days Period 6: Lunch / The Other Half activities / assembly for some, lessons for others Period 7: Lessons for all (except Wednesdays when The Other Half activities take place for all) Period 8: The Other Half activities Buses depart 16
There are Old Abingdonians in 59 countries An international perspective Our students travel the world, broadening their minds and gaining invaluable experience of cultures and countries. We currently have students from 58countries around the world 17
Over 7100 Old Abingdonians stay in touch with the school Steeped in history but with a modern approach to learning, we continually evaluate our education to ensure each student can fulfil their potential. We are over Middle School Sixth Form 96 Tutor groups 1:9 Teacher student ratio Each student is known and cared for Lower School Over 1000 students Boarding from 13+ 1256 1375 1563 1743 1870 1977 2025 Just a few of the famous names who have enjoyed success in their chosen careers Facts Alumni Mike Bartlett Robin Bourne-Taylor Sir Kim Darroch KCMG Simon Evans Foals Tom Hollander Max Hutchinson Jonny and the Baptists Toby Jones Sir Nicholas Kay KCMG Ben Macintyre Francis Maude MP David Mitchell Huw Parmenter Radiohead Sir Vivian Ramsey Sir David Tanner CBE 18 750 years old of A Level passes were awarded A* to B grades 89% of GCSE passes were awarded grades 9 to 7 87% A Level and GCSE Results 2025:
Fees for the 2025/26 academic year are below. An acceptance deposit is required to secure a place. Day (including lunch) £9,225* Weekly boarding £15,350* Full boarding £18,810* Joining us Admissions Lower School (aged 11-13) Entry at age 11 is mainly from primary schools and independent schools that teach to the age of 11. Co-ed from September 2026. Middle School (aged 13-16) Entry at age 13 is from a range of UK and international schools. Co-ed from September 2028. Sixth Form (aged 16-18) Entry at age 16 is from a range of UK and international schools. Co-ed from September 2026. Entry at other ages may be considered if places are available. References from a student’s current school, interviews and entrance examinations are required at all entry points. For the Sixth Form, admission is dependent on examinations and interviews, school references and, where appropriate, performance in GCSEs. Scholarships and awards There are a range of scholarships and awards available at ages 11, 13, 14 and 16. Free and subsidised places Priority for free and subsidised places is given to those who perform best overall in our entrance process; to those it is felt will be likely to gain most from an Abingdon education; and to UK families who live locally. Currently approximately 7% of the school roll receive financial help. What next? Please get in touch with us to find out more. You can... Call for further information +44 (0)1235 849041 Browse our website abingdon.org.uk Book a visit at abingdon.org.uk/ admissions/visit-abingdon Complete the online registration form Fees 19 *including applicable VAT
Bus routes Our Joint Bus Service (JBS), shared with other independent schools in Abingdon, safely transports students to and from our school site. Managed by specialist school transport company, Vectare, the service offers families great flexibility, allowing travel to be booked up to midnight before the day of travel and 24/7 from any location. The map below is an example of the routes available. For up to date routes, timings and costs, please visit jbs.vectare.co.uk 20
Abingdon School, Park Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE +44 (0)1235 521563 [email protected] abingdon.org.uk Last updated: September 2025
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