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 Abingdon welcomed its first co-educational cohorts to the First Year and Sixth Form in September 2026. We will be welcoming girls to Third Year from September 2028. 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. 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 new floodlit netball and tennis facility complements 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: Oxford to London from 52 minutes Didcot to London 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 house; 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 80 100 120 140 Ancient History Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computer Science Drama Product Design and Engineering Economics English Literature French Geography Geology German Greek History Latin Maths Further Maths Music Philosophy Physics Politics Psychology Religious Studies Russian Spanish 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Extended Project Qualification A Level Results 2026 Number of Abingdon students sitting A Levels: 184) For latest results visit abingdon.org.uk/academic/gcse-a-level-results B A A* 13 C
Leavers’ Destinations Leavers progress to a wide range of courses at UK and international universities. This list, correct as of September 2026, shows places secured in the 2025/6 application cycle. Numbers in brackets indicate Abingdon students per course. NOTTINGHAM Criminology Geography Law Politics and Economics Product Design and Manufacture OXFORD Ancient and Modern History Biology Classics (2) Classics and French English Language and Literature Mathematics and Computer Science Materials Science Music Philosophy, Politics and Economics Philosophy and Theology OXFORD BROOKES Geography Law SHEFFIELD Geography Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering SOUTHAMPTON Aero and Astro/Spacecraft Engineering Law (European Legal Studies) Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Philosophy and Politics ST ANDREWS Classics International Relations and Modern History SURREY Politics and Economics SWANSEA Geography UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Applied Medical Sciences Biomedical Sciences Economics English Dutch and Management Studies History History and Politics of the Americas Mechanical Engineering Russian Studies Spanish with Management Studies WARWICK Automotive Engineering Design for Sustainable Innovation Management Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (2) YORK Biology Chemistry (2) Philosophy, Politics and Economics INTERNATIONAL Hong Kong University, Hong Kong (3) University of Sydney, Australia NYU, USA (2) 14 EXETER Business Analytics Business and Management (6) Biomedical Sciences Economics and Finance English Law and French Law/Master 1 Finance Finance: Business Management (2) Geography History International Relations Law Marketing and Management Mathematics with Economics Mechanical Engineering (3) Politics and International Relations (2) Politics, Philosophy and Economics GLASGOW Classics HERIOT-WATT Engineering IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON Computing Electronic and Information Engineering Mechanical Engineering Physics (2) KING’S COLLEGE LONDON History and Political Economy Mathematics with Statistics Medicine Natural Sciences War Studies (2) LANCASTER Chemistry Politics and International Relations LEEDS Communication and Media Economics and Finance (2) Environment and Business International Relations Modern Languages and History Psychology LEEDS BECKETT Accounting & Finance Sport Coaching LIVERPOOL Business Management Physics Veterinary Science LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS & POLITICAL SCIENCE Accounting & Finance History LOUGHBOROUGH Chemical Engineering Finance Geography MANCHESTER Aerospace Engineering Materials Science and Engineering NEWCASTLE Agriculture Combined Honours Economics and Finance Physics with Astrophysics Psychology (2) BANGOR Zoology with Herpetology BATH Accounting and Finance Architecture Biology Business Chemical Engineering Computer Science & AI Economics with Politics Finance Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering International Management and Modern Languages (French) Management with Marketing (2) Natural Sciences Politics with Economics BIRMINGHAM History Mathematical Sciences Mechanical Engineering Money, Banking and Finance Politics Physics BRISTOL Chemistry Economics Economics and Finance (2) Economics and Management Economics Mathematics (2) Data Science History Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (2) Medicine Philosophy and Economics Physics Physics with Astrophysics CAMBRIDGE Engineering Geography History Law Medicine (2) Natural Sciences (2) DURHAM Business and Management Chemistry (2) Economics (4) Engineering (Aeronautical) Engineering (Electronic) Engineering (Mechanical) General Engineering Geography Mathematics and Physics Modern Languages and Cultures Natural Sciences (3) Philosophy and Psychology Social Sciences EDINBURGH Chemistry Russian Studies and Spanish Spanish and History Theology
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 2026 § 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: 193
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 - 9.55am 10.00 - 10.55am 10.55 - 11.15am 11.15am - 12.10pm 12.15 - 1.05pm 12.55 - 1.45pm 2.05 - 2.55pm 3.00 - 3.50pm 3.55 - 5.00pm 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 some, lessons for others Period 6: Lessons for all Period 7: Lessons 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 representing 69different nationalities 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 2026 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 93% of GCSE passes were awarded grades 9 to 7 88% A Level and GCSE Results 2026:
Fees for the 2026/27 academic year are below. An acceptance deposit is required to secure a place. Day (including lunch) £9,500* Weekly boarding £15,810* Full boarding £19,375* 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 who 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 2026
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