Our Lady's Abingdon School A GSG School
- Our Lady's Abingdon School
Radley Road
Abingdon-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
OX14 3PS - Head: Daniel Gibbons
- T 01235 524658
- F 01235 535829
- E [email protected]
- W www.ola.org.uk
- An independent school for boys and girls aged from 7 to 18.
- Read about the best schools in Oxford and Oxfordshire
- Boarding: No
- Local authority: Oxfordshire
- Pupils: 394; sixth formers: 71
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Fees: £13,680 - £20,385 pa
- Open days: September, November, April
- Review: View The Good Schools Guide Review
- Ofsted report: View the Ofsted report
What The Good Schools Guide says..
It takes a leap of faith to choose a lesser-known school in an area overflowing with name brand options, and all will have thought long and hard about what they want from their children’s education. We had parents literally clamouring to speak to us, anxious to tell us how much they admired and appreciated the school. ‘The problem’, said one, ‘Is that because it is easier to get into, some people discount it’. Vast majority of families are ...
What the school says...
Our Lady's Abingdon (OLA) is a Catholic, independent, co-educational day school which welcomes boys and girls aged 7-18 of all faiths and none.
Our Lower School, Senior School and Sixth Form (OLA 6th) are located on a single site with adjacent sports playing field, within easy walking distance of Abingdon town centre.
What makes us different?
The school’s success comes from a combination of six factors which create the unique OLA learning adventure. Each child embarks on a journey that uncovers their full potential and nurtures them to achieve, enabling them to thrive both academically and as a person.
1. SMALL SCHOOL: With under 400 pupils in total, OLA offers everyone the possibility of representing the school in a wide range of confidence-developing activities, including sport, drama, music, academic competitions and other chances to thrive, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
2. SMALL CLASSES: We have a very high teacher to pupil ratio, meaning our class sizes are smaller than you will find elsewhere. OLA provides a more individual learning experience that fully nurtures academic potential.
3. FUN AND INNOVATIVE LEARNING: Helps pupils to be fully engaged in the academic life of the school leading to exam results that regularly exceed baseline predications.
4. HIGHLY PRAISED PASTORAL CARE: Our staff work closely alongside our pupils to encourage, motivate and support each child, helping them to grow as confident, successful and happy individuals.
5. FAMILY COMMUNITY: OLA encourages an open dialogue between home and school through a range of effective channels.
6. CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN ETHOS: This is the foundation of everything we do, creating the family community so valued by OLA parents. The school accepts children of all faiths and none and helps them aspire to such values as integrity, compassion, openness, forgiveness, reconciliation, co-operation and courage.
The school was founded in 1860 by the Sisters of Mercy, a religious order which began in Dublin in the early nineteenth century led by Catherine McAuley. Until recent times the Sisters resident in Abingdon, played a major role in the life of the school, helping to strengthen the ethos of integrity and warmth that are two of its special characteristics. Governance of the school is now devolved to a body of lay trustees and a lay Principal.
Come and visit us at our next Open Morning or arrange a private visit.
We hope to see you soon. ...Read more
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What The Good Schools Guide says
Principal
Since September 2021, Daniel Gibbons, previously deputy head at Downside School, where he helped develop boarding provision. Has some overseas experience, including at the British International School in Jakarta. Has improved academic performance at all his prior schools and specialises in maximising value added.
Entrance
Entry to the lower school below year 7 requires no formal assessment. Main points of entry to the senior school are year 7 and year 9, where hopefuls will take a computer-based test designed to ‘assess potential and aptitude for learning, rather than simply current performance’, plus interview. ‘A kinder and less daunting experience for your child,’ says school.
Admission at sixth form requires a minimum of five GCSEs at 6 or above. Roughly 10 per cent of senior school entrants from local RC schools, mainly St...
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Overall school performance (for comparison or review only)
Results by exam and subject
Subject results
Entry/Exit
Special Education Needs
Who came from where
| School | Year | Places | Scholarships | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chandlings Prep School | 2024 | 1 | 3 | Scholarships: Drama, Academic, Art |
| The Manor Preparatory School | 2024 | 4 | 3 | Music Scholarship; Academic Scholarship; Art Scholarship |
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