Boarding
Our boarding community plays a central role in the life of our school. In addition to daily school work and activities, our boarders have access to all the amazing facilities that Abingdon offers, as well as an enhanced activities programme - so there is always something to keep them busy. We have three boarding houses at Abingdon which are also shared with day pupils. This means that friendships extend beyond our boarding community, as well as age groups so everyone feels like they belong. Hello and a warm welcome to boarding at Abingdon. 1 Welcome I thought settling into boarding would be very hard, but I was wrong. I’ve been here for almost three years, and I wake up at home every day. A boarder
2 Our Boarding Principles At Abingdon, boarding is more than just a place to stay. Our goal is to create a warm, supportive home away from home where every student feels safe, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential as they move toward adulthood. We pride ourselves on being a kind and inclusive community. Here, relationships between students and staff are built on mutual respect and genuine friendship. We love celebrating what makes each of our boarders unique, helping them discover new passions and gain the confidence to be themselves. We also believe that the best support comes from a close-knit team. We view our relationship with you - the parents and guardians - as a true partnership. By staying in honest, open, and regular contact, we can work together to ensure your child truly thrives.
3 Guardians At Abingdon, the safety and wellbeing of all our students is our highest priority. For this reason, it is part of our school policy that all students whose parents reside abroad must appoint a UK-based guardian. This guardian acts as your local representative, providing a vital link between the School, the student, and your family back home. To ensure your child can be supported effectively, guardians should live within a 90-minute journey of the School. This proximity is essential for travel during weekends, half-term breaks, or any unexpected school closures. All guardians must be UK citizens or hold Settled Status (Indefinite Leave to Remain); the School will verify this status as part of our safeguarding procedures. Guardian requirements The role of a guardian is both practical and supportive. Their core responsibilities include: Travel and logistics: Managing transport to and from the airport and School, particularly bridging the gap between term dates and flight schedules. Accommodation: Providing a safe home during half-terms, bank holidays, and any necessary periods of illness or self-isolation (in co-ordination with our Medical Centre). Emergency support: Being available to collect and care for the student in the event of an emergency or school exclusion. Communication: Guardians opt in to receive communications (excluding fee invoices) so they can be fully informed of your child’s progress and school life. The Guardian’s role and responsibilities While the School does not recommend specific individuals, we advise parents to consult accredited organisations to ensure high standards of care. Detailed information can be found through: The BSA (Boarding Schools’ Association) Certified Guardians Scheme AEGIS (Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students) Choosing a Guardian A dedicated guardian does more than provide logistics; they provide a sense of stability. We warmly encourage guardians to play an active role in the Abingdon community by attending parents’ evenings, concerts, and sporting fixtures.
Visas and the right to study If your child is a citizen of a country outside the UK and Ireland and plans to study here for more than six months, they will need a Child Student Visa. This includes EEA students who arrived after 1 January 2021. We aim to make this as stress-free as possible. Abingdon School works closely with an immigration lawyer to manage the visa process from start to finish. Sponsorship: As a licensed sponsor, the school requires students on a Child Student Visa to remain full boarders throughout their time with us. Non-sponsored students: We will simply need to see evidence of the right to study (such as a parent’s visa or EU Settlement Status) before the first day of term. 4 The UK Home Office requires us to keep precise details of our international students' movements. Abingdon has its own online system for parents to log their child’s travel details, but Heads of House can always be contacted if there are any questions. Parents’ log-ins to the travel system are provided after a pupil joins the school and the first arrival details are reported through the Admissions department. For any student absence, will need: Confirmed flight details. The exact address and contact information for where they will be staying. Staying in touch and student safety Official UK Government Visa Information UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Helpful Links:
5 Health and Wellbeing Telephone: +44 (0)1235 849059 Duty mobile: +44 (0)7748 591057 Email: [email protected] Health Centre contact details and opening times 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm on Saturdays (Michaelmas and Lent terms) 10am - 2pm on Saturdays (Summer term) Out of hours - one of the Health Centre team is on call outside opening hours. The senior nurse, assistant nurse and four health care assistants. They work hand-in-hand with our House Managers, who are often the first point of contact for minor illnesses. House Managers provide vital support by escorting boarders to appointments or hospitals when necessary and acting as a helpful bridge between home and school. During the rugby and football seasons, you will also see our team - including a doctor, paramedic, and physiotherapist - providing pitch-side support to ensure our athletes are well looked after. The experienced Health Centre team is made up of: All boarders are registered with Dr Kundi at The Malthouse Surgery in Abingdon. For convenience, Dr Kundi holds a weekly surgery right here in our Health Centre every Tuesday at 8am. Shortly after arriving, new boarders will have a brief, friendly medical examination. This is an opportunity for them to meet the team and for us to ensure we have a clear picture of their health needs. Registering with a GP If your child requires a specialist, we will always keep you informed. Depending on what is most practical, boarders can attend these appointments with a parent, a guardian, or a member of school staff. We have easy access to the Abingdon Hospital (Minor Injuries Unit) and the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. Private referrals are typically made to The Manor Hospital, Oxford. If you are interested in the school’s private medical scheme, our Finance Department can provide details. GP Referrals and Hospitals Please ensure any significant medical conditions are communicated to both the Health Centre and your child’s Head of House before they join us.
6 To help us manage your child’s health safely, please follow these guidelines: Packaging: All medication (including natural or herbal remedies) must be in its original packaging, labelled with your child’s name, and handed to the Senior Nurse or House Manager upon arrival. Language: We can only accept medications with instructions provided in English. Inhalers and Autoinjectors: The Senior Nurse or House Manager will provide specific guidance on how these should be managed within the House. Holidays: If a child falls ill during the holidays or a weekend (for weekly boarders), they will need to be cared for at home or by their guardian. If they receive treatment in the UK during the holidays, you can register them as a ‘Temporary Resident’- just please remember to update the Health Centre when they return to school. Medication and holiday care Medical consent Before your child starts at Abingdon, we ask you to complete a medical form. This allows our staff to administer first aid, routine vaccinations, and over-the-counter medicines like Paracetamol. It also grants the Head of House permission to act in loco parentis for emergency treatment in the rare event that you cannot be reached. Confidentiality We use a secure, independent medical record system to ensure your child’s privacy. While we encourage pupils to discuss their health with their parents, they are entitled to the same level of medical confidentiality as any patient. Students over 16 (and younger pupils deemed mature enough) may give their own consent for treatment. This may occasionally mean a child chooses not to share details of their treatment, though we always find it is best when staff and parents can work together for the child's wellbeing. Consent and confidentiality
Packing for Abingdon: What to bring Preparing for boarding is an exciting time, and we want to help you and your child ensure they have everything they need for a comfortable start. 7 With so many students living together, keeping track of laundry is much easier when everything is labelled. Label everything: Please ensure all clothing and all personal items are named before your child arrives. Spare labels: We ask that you order name tapes in good time and give a few spares to the House Manager for any new items bought during the term. The golden rule: name tapes Boarders wear school uniform until 5:00pm, after which they are welcome to change into their own clothes. Clothing and uniform Our official supplier is Stevensons. You can order online, and for new boarders, items can be shipped directly to the school at the Faringdon Lodge address. Buying uniform In addition to school uniform, we recommend the following: Underwear and socks: At least 10 pairs of each. Nightwear: Two changes of pyjamas/nightwear. Toiletries: A personal washbag with all the essentials. Home clothes: A selection of comfortable clothes for evenings and weekends. Footwear: Slippers or flip-flops for indoor use. Linens: Two bath towels, two duvet covers, and two pillowcases. Please note: duvets and pillows are provided. To help your child keep their room tidy and organised, we suggest aiming for a "less is more" approach. Ideally, all personal belongings should fit into one suitcase and one holdall. The Abingdon essentials checklist
Getting to and from Abingdon Abingdon is set within 35 acres of beautiful grounds. Surrounded by plenty of green space, our boarders are provided with a peaceful home environment. 8 Abingdon is ideally placed for access to the University City of Oxford, central London and for international travel. The closest railway stations are Oxford and Didcot. Travel Times (by road): Oxford: 20 minutes London Heathrow: 1 hour London Gatwick: 1 hour 30 mins We assume parental permission for pupils to travel in vehicles driven by our staff, all of whom are fully covered by the school’s insurance. A Note on Staff Transport We want to ensure every journey for our boarders is as smooth as possible. For international students, parents should coordinate directly with their child’s guardian to arrange transport between the airport and the school. Please note that the school does not book taxis on behalf of pupils. If you aren't driving your child to school yourself, please do keep your child's Head of House in the loop regarding their travel plans - whether they are using public transport or catching a lift with a friend. Travel arrangements Location Many of our boarders enjoy the independence of having a bicycle at school. We provide locked bicycle sheds for secure storage. While we encourage pupils to explore the local area, we do ask that helmets are worn at all times for their safety. Bicycles As a general rule, boarders are not permitted to keep cars at school. However, we understand that unique situations arise. In exceptional circumstances, you may request permission from the Head of House. If approved: Keys must be kept by the Head of House between journeys. The car should only be used for commuting between school and home. Only the designated driver may use the vehicle; for safety and insurance reasons, they may not give lifts to other pupils. Cars for Sixth Formers
Term times and travel On the evening before the beginning of term and return to school after half-term breaks, boarders are welcome back to their Houses between 5pm and 9pm. To help you plan your travel and ensure your child is well-supported during transitions, please use the following guide for the start and end of our school terms. Start of term arrivals 9 Where a pupil's flight arrives early, it is the Guardian's responsibility to support their charges in getting to school from 5pm onwards. Am I able to arrive before 5pm? We understand that travel doesn’t always go to plan. If your child’s arrival will be later than the published window, simply notify their Head of House as soon as possible. What happens if I am delayed? When the holidays begin, we want to ensure every student has a smooth journey home. School officially ends at 1:00pm on the last day of term, and at 5pm on the day before a half-term break begins.Houses need to be vacated by 5pm at the end of term and by 6pm before a half-term break. Leaving at the end of term and at half-term Houses are not staffed during holidays, so students are unable to stay on-site or access the House once the holiday has begun. The only exception to this is if a boarder is going on a school excursion which departs the morning after term ends, when one House is kept open until 9am the following day. Can I access the House over the holidays? We do not have Exeat weekends, so full boarders may stay in school throughout the term. Over the May Day Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday – Monday) Third and Fourth Years need to join the organised activities or visit parents or guardians. Fifth Year and Sixth Formers may remain in the House for quiet study and revision. Exeats and Bank Holidays
Settling in If you feel a bit quiet or miss home, please know that almost everyone else does, too - even the people who look the most confident. At Abingdon, you aren’t just joining a school; you’re joining a family. Your support crew: from the very first day, you’ll be paired with a Sixth Form Mentor - an older student who has been exactly where you are and can show you the ropes. Someone to talk to: your Head of House, Tutors, and House Managers are always around for a chat, a bit of advice, or just to listen. Staying busy: We have an action packed induction programme designed to help you find your feet and make friends quickly. The more you dive into the Other Half and our enhanced activities programme, the faster Abingdon will start to feel like home. Starting a new chapter is an adventure, but we know it comes with a mix of big emotions. Whether you are a student feeling those first-day flutters or a parent watching from afar, it is completely normal to feel a bit of everything: excitement, nerves, or a touch of homesickness. For our students: we’ve got you Day One: Arrival Sunday Welcome reception for all new boarders and their families. After the reception, boarders begin their official induction and we ask parents to leave. The evening is dedicated to fun, supervised activities designed to help boarders get to know their new housemates and settle into their rooms. The first few weeks: Our induction programme covers timetables, weekend routines, school layout, and uniform standards. Students are introduced to our medical, spiritual, and pastoral support teams. We take a trip to Oxford so boarders become familiar with the local area. 10 We understand that entrusting your child to us is a significant step. We see ourselves as your partners in your child's growth. Global connection: even though you may be far away, we keep the lines of communication open. We encourage a healthy balance of contact, enough to stay connected, while giving your child the space to build their independence and bond with their new housemates. Peace of mind: our dedicated boarding team, alongside our Health Centre and counselling staff, provide 24/7 care to ensure your child feels safe, seen, and supported. For our parents: a partnership of care What will my first few weeks look like?
11 Weekday timetable During the week, the school day follows the timetable below: Before School School Day Evening Wake up Breakfast Boarding registration 7.30am 7.30am - 8am 8.25am - 8.35 am Tutor period / Chapel / assembly Lessons Break Lessons Lesson / lunch / activity Lunch Lessons Lessons / Other Half activities on Wednesdays Other Half activities 8.35am - 8.55am 9.00am - 10.45am 10.45am - 11.05am 11.10am - 12.05pm 12.10pm - 1.05pm 1.05pm - 1.55pm 2.00pm - 2.55pm 3.00pm - 3.55pm 4.00pm - 5pm 5.00pm - 5.15pm 5.05pm - 6.30pm 6.15pm - 6.45pm 7.00pm - 8.30pm 8.30pm - Bed Registration and tea Free time / activities Dinner, followed by registration Prep In-house activities / Free time Lights Out Third Year Fourth Year Fifth Year Lower Sixth Upper Sixth (in room) 9.45pm 10.00pm 10.15pm 10.45pm 11.00pm
12 Registration The safety of our students is our top priority. To ensure a secure environment, our House staff maintain a clear understanding of every boarder's whereabouts throughout the term. We view Registration as a key moment in the day to check in with each student and ensure they are well. We encourage our boarders to enjoy their downtime, but it is essential that we know where they are. Going off-site: Whether heading out in the evening or over the weekend, boarders must sign out in person with the Duty Tutor. They simply need to share where they are going, who they are with, and when they plan to return. Returning to the House: As soon as a boarder returns to the House, they must check back in with the member of staff on duty. Signing in and out Regular registrations are held throughout the week to provide structure and security. Daily registration times Weekdays 8.25am House Registration Registered in lessons / tutor periods 5.00pm House Registration 7.00pm House Registration Lights out (Registered in person) Morning Midday Afternoon Evening Bedtime Weekends 9.45am Saturday only 1.00pm Saturday and Sunday N/A 7.00pm Saturday and Sunday Lights out (Registered in person) Sunday check-in: On Sunday evenings, the Tutor on duty begins their shift with a "House Walk," visiting students in their rooms to take the Register and catch up before the school week begins.
13 The Weekend experience Weekends at Abingdon are far from quiet with a vibrant and varied activity programme designed to help our boarders relax, try new things, and bond with their housemates. We want to make our trips as accessible as possible. Most weekend activities and events are included within your school fees but there may be some excursions - such as meals out, theme park visits, or paintballing - where we may apply a small charge to help subsidise the cost. Consent: At the start of each academic year, we will ask you to complete an electronic consent form. This covers your child’s participation in the full activity programme for the year. Preferences: We will not seek separate permission for the individual charges mentioned above; however, if you would prefer your child not to take part in the paid activities, please just let us know. Activity costs and consent Every weekend (and occasionally on Friday evenings), we arrange a wide range of trips and events. Getting involved: To help our younger boarders settle in and experience everything on offer, we ask them to sign up for a range of activities. Our Sixth Formers are also strongly encouraged to join in - they often find these trips are a great way to unwind after a busy week of study. School-wide events: Beyond the boardingspecific trips, there are weekly sports fixtures, fascinating lectures, and high-quality music and drama performances. These are open to the whole school community, and we really encourage our boarders to make the most of these wonderful opportunities. Our Activity Programme We know you love to see what your children are getting up to and you can follow all their weekend adventures and stay connected with boarding life by following our Boarding Instagram account. Keep up with the fun @abingdonboarding
14 Weekend routine Wake up Breakfast followed by registration Saturday morning programme Lunch followed by registration Sports fixtures or free time Dinner followed by registration Free time / Trip / Social / Activity 15 minutes later than a weekday for Third to Fifth Year students. All Sixth Form students in rooms by 11.00pm 8.30am 8.45am - 9.30am 10.00am - 11.30am 12:30pm - 1pm 1.15pm - 6.15pm 6.15pm - 7.00pm 7.00pm - 11.00pm Lights out Saturday Sleep-in with continental breakfast in house for those who want it (you may need to get up for a trip) Brunch Free time followed by registration Free time / Trip / Activity Dinner followed by registration Free time Follow the same schedule as a weekday. Sleep-in 10.30am - 12.30pm 12:30pm - 1pm 1.00pm - 6.15pm 6.15pm - 7.00pm 7.00pm - 10.30pm Lights out Sunday
15 Life in the Houses Each of our three boarding houses has its own unique character and history. We are proud to have recently completed extensive renovations (2023) on two of our houses, with exciting plans for the third to follow. In every house, day students and boarders integrate fully, creating a vibrant, inclusive community. We put a great deal of care into room allocations, balancing fairness with students' individual preferences. The Essentials: Every bedroom has a desk, drawers, a wardrobe, and a private washbasin. Bathroom Facilities: Modern, clean showers, toilets, and washbasins are conveniently located within each boarding area. Sixth Form Independence: To support their studies, our Sixth Formers are allocated their own single rooms. Make it Yours: We love to see students personalise their space! Posters and photos are a fantastic way to make a room feel like home. Looking After Your Room: To help our dedicated cleaning teams who visit each morning, we ask all boarders to keep their rooms tidy. Security: For peace of mind, every boarder has a safe and a lockable cupboard for their valuables. Your personal space The kitchen is the social hub of the house - the perfect spot for a post-school chat and a snack. Always stocked: We keep the kitchen supplied with essentials like bread, butter, milk, and preserves. Daily treats: A popular "Snack Tea" is served every afternoon at 5:00pm. Weekend perks: On Friday and Saturday nights, boarders are welcome to order take-away meals. The 'Squads' tradition: To keep our communal spaces welcoming, boarders are responsible for their own washing up. Each evening, teams of students take part in a final tidy-up, known colloquially at Abingdon as ‘Squads.’ The Heart of the House: the kitchen
16 Meals are a central part of our community life. All boarders join together for breakfast and supper in the Dining Hall, where there is always a wide variety of fresh, nutritious options. Plenty of choice: Our menus are published in advance and include a generous selection of both hot and cold dishes. Inclusive catering: We take great pride in catering to all dietary needs. Whether a student requires vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, or gluten-free options, our team ensures they are well-fed and happy. Having a say: We value our students' feedback. Boarders are encouraged to share their thoughts on catering through a polite, direct conversation with staff, or more formally through their nominated representatives on the school food committee or the boarders’ council. Food and dining: A seat at the table We believe in providing boarders with the digital freedom they would enjoy at home, balanced with our commitment to their health, sleep, and social development. Connectivity: Each boarding house is equipped with wireless internet throughout. Every pupil is expected to have their own laptop for schoolwork. A healthy balance: To ensure everyone gets enough rest and spends quality time socialising, we encourage a healthy "switch-off" time. Laptops and phones are not permitted during lessons, Prep (study time), or after lights out. Support for younger boarders: To help our Third and Fourth Year students build good sleep habits, we ask them to hand in all electronic devices for safekeeping before bedtime during the school week. Protecting your tech: Please ensure all laptops and phones are clearly named and covered by your own insurance, as personal items are not covered by the School’s policy. Digital life: staying safely connected While we want students to enjoy their time online, Heads of House may step in if they feel a boarder is spending excessive time on devices at the expense of their wellbeing or social life. Our duty of care When the school day ends, there are plenty of ways to unwind: Games rooms: Challenge your friends to a game of table tennis, pool, or table football. Movie nights: Our TV rooms feature large screens and comfortable spaces for film nights, with ageappropriate movies chosen for each group. Relaxing and socialising
Visitors and time away from school Our boarding houses are communities, and we love seeing boarders socialise and share their home from home with others. To keep the houses safe and running smoothly, we have a few simple guidelines for guests and absences. 17 When you invite friends into the House, please: Ask staff on duty for permission and sign day pupils in and out. Accompany guests at all times and stay in the communal areas of the House. For friends or guests from outside the school, please check with the Head of House in advance. Welcoming guests You are always welcome to visit during term time, but please: Let the Head of House know before you travel, so we can help coordinate your visit and avoid any disappointment if your child is busy with school activities. Say hello: On arrival, please let the duty member of staff know you are on-site. Communal spaces: For safeguarding and the privacy of other boarders, we ask that parents and guardians stay in the communal areas of the House. Of course, at the very beginning and end of terms, you are more than welcome to go to your child’s room to help with packing and unpacking. Parents and Guardians If your child needs to be away from school during the week, permission must be granted in advance. For one day: The Head of House can provide approval. Two or more days: Permission is managed by the Head or Senior Deputy Head. Sports fixtures: Representing the school is a big part of life here. If your child needs to miss a scheduled fixture, please send a request to the Head, copying in the Director of Sport, at least a week in advance. Absence from lessons and fixtures We need written authorisation from parents, along with confirmation from the adult who will be hosting your child. Requests should be made by 9pm on the Thursday before the weekend. Weekly boarders wishing to stay at school over a weekend should check availability with the Head of House. Weekend leave
Pastoral care and wellbeing Boarding is a time of incredible growth. As our students journey toward adulthood, we know there will be moments of great celebration and happiness, as well as times of challenge or anxiety. At Abingdon, we provide a warm, highly experienced safety net to ensure every one of our boarders feels seen, heard, and supported. Upper Sixth Prefects act as a helpful link between the students and House staff. Trained in safeguarding and leadership, our Menors provide mature, sensitive guidance to younger boarders, helping to maintain the friendly and respectful atmosphere of the House. 18 The Head of House has overall responsibility for your child’s welfare, acting in loco parentis (in place of a parent) during term time. They are supported by a dedicated team: Assistant Head of House and Tutors: Providing daily guidance and academic support. House Manager: A constant, friendly presence in the House who looks after the day-to-day needs of the students. Specialist support: Our Chaplaincy, School Counsellor, and the Health Centre (doctors and nurses) are all part of the extended care team. The House team: We want every one of our students to feel they can talk to us. Each House has a duty mobile phone held by a member of staff 24/7. Your child should have this number saved in their phone. Our staff are expertly trained in pastoral care and safeguarding. For students who prefer to share concerns more privately, confidential boxes are located in each house and are checked regularly. We also maintain a Whistleblowing Policy to ensure everyone feels safe raising a concern. Keeping in touch: Parents are welcome to use the House mobile for general enquiries. We kindly ask that you call between 8:00am and 10:00pm (UK time), unless it is an emergency. Wellbeing: Your child’s Tutor is your primary point of contact for school-related matters. Tutors will contact parents with their details early in the first term. You will receive regular reports throughout the year, but we encourage you to contact the Tutor at anytime with information that might affect your child’s happiness or progress. The role of the Tutor Peer support:
19 Safety and security We want our boarding Houses to be a place where your child feels entirely safe and at ease. To ensure a secure and happy environment, we have put in place a few sensible measures and routines. Our Houses are kept secure through a mix of modern technology and simple communication: Keypad access: All external doors to the boarding Houses are fitted with keypad locks to ensure only members of our community can enter. Evening security: For extra peace of mind, the school gates are closed and locked every night. Signing in and out: We always like to know our boarders are safe. We ask them to let the duty member of staff know whenever they are heading off-site and to check back in as soon as they return. Guests: To maintain everyone's privacy and security, all visitors must be signed in and out of the House. Peace of mind: A member of the duty staff is available at any time, day or night, via the House duty mobile. Keeping the House secure We take fire safety very seriously and conduct regular, thorough checks to keep everyone protected: Briefings and practices: Every boarder is fully briefed on evacuation procedures, and we hold fire practices at least once a term so that everyone knows exactly what to do. Equipment checks: Our fire-extinguishing equipment is checked monthly, and fire safety systems are reviewed regularly. Electrical safety: To prevent risks, we ask that electrical sockets are not overloaded. We also test all boarders’ electrical items regularly, and our team carries out safety checks on appliances every term. Kitchen safety: For safety reasons, we ask that all cooking equipment (like kettles and snacks) stays in the House kitchens rather than in bedrooms. Fire safety and electricals To keep our grounds and buildings safe for everyone, windows are fitted with safety restrictors. We also remind our boarders that for their own safety, they should never climb over gates or walls. General Wellbeing
20 Community, conduct and care Living together in a boarding House is a wonderful experience, but we know that sharing a home requires patience, consideration, and a little diplomacy, too. We view our Houses as families, and our approach to behaviour reflects that. We follow the school’s wider system of rewards and sanctions (which you can view in full here), but within the House, we tend to handle things much like you would at home. Fair and balanced: We aim to match any sanctions directly to the behaviour. For example, if a boarder is inconsiderate of their housemates’ sleep, their evening routine might be adjusted. Digital wellbeing: To help students maintain a healthy balance, equipment like mobile phones or computers may be temporarily looked after by staff if they are being used inappropriately. Our approach to rewards and sanctions We encourage an atmosphere of kindness and mutual respect. We know that living in close quarters can occasionally be challenging, so we focus on: Open communication: We encourage every pupil to speak up swiftly if they experience or witness any physical or verbal abuse. Resolving tensions: Our staff are experienced in helping to defuse tensions and repair relationships early on, long before they can escalate into bullying. We have a very clear and effective school policy on bullying to ensure every boarder feels safe. Supporting positive relationships To keep our community healthy and safe, we strictly adhere to the school’s policies regarding drugs, smoking, and alcohol. Managing incidents: If a disciplinary matter does arise, we follow the school’s formal guidelines for interviews to ensure fairness. In these instances, we believe in a partnership with home and will always keep parents informed. Health and safety boundaries
Contact details A member of staff is on duty at all times, and can be contacted on the House duty mobile phone, 24 hours a day during term time. Parcels should be addressed to your child and sent to the main school address at Faringdon Lodge. Parcels should be sent to: Abingdon School, Faringdon Lodge, Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1BQ, UK Abingdon School 76 Bath Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1EB, UK Head of House: James Golding, [email protected] Duty Mobile number: +44 7557 667078 Austin House 21 Park Crescent, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DD, UK Head of House: Matthew Kendry, [email protected] Duty Mobile number: +44 7557 443150 Crescent House 21 School House, Abingdon School, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE, UK Head of House: Mike Litchfield, [email protected] Duty Mobile number: +44 7557 441058 School House Weekdays: 7.30am - 8.30am and 5pm - 6pm UK time. Weekends: please liaise with your child to find out what activities and trips they are involved in Best times to contact boarders
Last updated: March 2026
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