Abingdon Preparatory School

The Good Schools Guide Review of Abingdon Preparatory School, Abingdon, OX13 5NX

Our View

Previously known as Josca's, school was founded by Evelyn Farrell in 1956. At first the school was based in an out-building in Mrs Farrell's Oxford garden and had five pupils, three of them her sons. The eldest, Julian, was nicknamed Josca – which is why the school took the name Josca's. School has been based at present site in pretty village of Frilford on outskirts of Abingdon since 1970. Move was masterminded by former head, Tony Savin, who, with strong support from pupils' parents, transformed a former home for the elderly into a vibrant, working school. In 1998, school merged with Abingdon School (see entry in Senior School section) three miles up the road. It changed its name to Abingdon Preparatory School in 2007.

Main school building is a rambling country house situated in 50 acres of grounds. Has been vastly added to over the years – latest developments include new sports hall, swish changing facilities, new classrooms and music practice rooms. Loads of interactive whiteboards and computers everywhere. School also uses Abingdon School's facilities for concerts and drama productions and the two heads meet regularly. One class per year group in pre-prep, two classes (each of 18) per year group in prep. Unusually for a prep school, all teachers known by their first names. Custom dates back to founder's day and 50 years on, school sees no reason to change it. French from year 1 and Latin from year 6. Setting for maths, science and languages. School follows standard foundation year programme in reception (Ofsted judged its early years provision to be 'outstanding' in 2008), national curriculum in years 1 to 6 and CE syllabuses in years 7 and 8. Scholarship set in year 8 for potential scholars.

Pupils are very chirpy, confident boys who jump at the chance to show off their school. Keen on games – football, rugby and cricket are core sports – but they can also do hockey, tennis, golf, judo, shooting, fencing and athletics. Indoor swimming pool, adventure playground and acres of outdoor space to run off steam. Plenty of opportunities for music and drama. Boys very enthusiastic about art too. When we visited, the school's dynamic head of art was so pleased with the year 5s' artistic endeavours that she played Abba's Mamma Mia as a treat at the end of their lesson. Seeing a group of nine and 10-year-old boys uninhibitedly dancing their hearts out was a joy to behold. Lunchtime and after-school activities range from eco club and word games to gardening and jazz band.

Boys belong to one of four houses – Dragon, Griffin, Phoenix, Unicorn – and there are lots of inter-house competitions. Pupils very clear about what is expected of them. School values, clearly laid out in boys' diaries, include 'be guided by common sense at all times' – wise advice! School very parent-friendly. School minibuses bring boys to school from surrounding area and there is a breakfast club (8-8.15am) and after-school club (not run by school itself, but open till 6pm). No Saturday school, although year 8s attend Saturday morning revision classes between CE mocks and real thing.

Abingdon Prep is clearly a happy, successful place, small enough for everyone to know each other but big enough to offer first-class, all-round education. Not only that, it encourages boys to enjoy lots of fresh air and fun along the way too.

Headmaster

Since 2011, Mr Crispin Hyde-Dunn (thirties). Read history at St Catherine's College, Oxford. Previously deputy head of King's College School, Cambridge; was head of history at New College School in Oxford. His wife is a research fellow at St Edmunds College, Cambridge.

Entrance

Head says pupils are 'keen, enthusiastic and confident' and likes the fact that there isn't a particular Abingdon Prep 'type'. Children come from a wide range of backgrounds (lots of medical families) and mainly from Abingdon, Oxford and surrounding villages. Many parents choose the school on recommendation, attracted by its day school ethos, good results, cosy atmosphere and link to the senior school. Main entry points are reception and year three. At seven, most boys come from local primaries. Prep isn't as selective as its senior counterpart - but prospective pupils have maths and literacy tests and also come in for induction day. Waiting lists in some years and school says 'interest continues to be good and solid'.

Exit

After CE, at least three-quarters go on to Abingdon School at 13. A handful choose schools like Radley, Magdalen College School, St Edward's, Bloxham, Millfield and The Oratory.

Special Education Needs Survey

SEN Statement

'At Abingdon Preparatory School (formerly Josca's) there is a small learning support department. Children experiencing difficulties are referred to the department and advice is offered to form and subject teachers, along with parents. In some cases, tuition in small groups is given. Very occasionally one-to-one support is provided, usually for a short period. 'The needs of gifted children are addressed by form and subject teachers, with some input from subject specialists.'

09-09

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Behavioural Difficulties

Genetic and related Disorders

Learning difficulties

Specific learning difficulties

Sensory Impairment

Medical and Related Needs

General Questions

School Features

Sports

Fencing

Shooting

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