Abingdon School

Since 2016, Michael Windsor, MA. Read German with French at Durham; MA in modern German studies (Birkbeck). Chorister at Bristol Cathedral School. Thought about professional music ‘quite seriously’ though ‘economic realities’ dismissed the idea.

Takes 60 into year 7 based on school’s own exam, reference, interview; around a third from state primaries. A further 120 into year 9, of which Abingdon Prep boys make up a third: year 7 pre-tests and school’s own exam.

‘Academic suitability

Between 10 and 15 per cent leave after GCSEs. Vast majority of year 13s to Russell Group. List varies but Durham, Bristol, Bath, UCL and Edinburgh all popular. Plenty go overseas – eight in 2025 (one each to China and Hong Kong and six to USA).

In 2025, 87 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 69 per cent A*/A at A level (88 per cent A*-B).

Inquisitive pupils and teachers who enjoy stoking their curiosity: a magic combo. ‘His brain has really grown,’ said one mum, bamboozled by the good things ‘he’s unearthing that aren’t part of the curriculum’. Year 7s study French and German,

Neurodiversity embraced. Head of academic support and two full-time teachers tailor support to individuals. ‘Something was missing; school picked it up first,’ says one parent. No molly-coddling, though: support given with a view to encouraging

Nothing ‘extra’ about extracurricular here, it’s known as the Other Half. Huge range of activities on offer every day after lessons, involving anything from mahjong to mooting. Parents welcomed ‘opportunities not to be tough’. Entomology club breed

Rugby, football, cricket on site plus sports centre boasting everything including climbing wall and eight-lane pool. Hundreds of pupils out every Saturday, instantly recognisable in bright pink; bag racks heave with kit wherever you look. Long

Full or weekly boarding from 13; just over 10 per cent of school are boarders. ‘We are small but significant,’ says head of boarding, and we agree that boarding gets a lot of air-time given the numbers. No exeats, meaning that houses never completely

‘Feels like a big place, but the size doesn’t bother him at all,’ says the mum of a first year; big but not scary. Year 7 and 8 is school-within-a-school, ensuring newbies don’t feel swamped and giving them the chance to bond. House system kicks in

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Most day students live within a 30-mile radius. School buses, shared with SHSK, whizz all over Ox, Berks, Bucks – for some it’s the one viable independent day option amidst a sea of boarding schools. Those at the end of the line have a very long day;

Means-tested bursaries up to 100 per cent of day fees with around seven per cent of students currently receiving financial help. No need to perform exceptionally well in the exam (this is a bursary, not a scholarship) but when deciding where to award

‘They’re just academic children who want to meet likeminded people,’ says school. Those we met were also amusing, engaging, wonderfully self-deprecating. A laudable and modern approach to inclusion, and yet Abingdon remains proudly true to its roots;