The Abbey School Reading

Since September 2024, Dr Sarah Tullis, previously deputy head and before that, head of history and politics at Wycombe Abbey. Attended St George’s in Edinburgh, where she was head girl. Studied history at St Hugh’s, Oxford, followed by medieval

Into year 7, when two-thirds of the cohort move up from the junior school (not automatic entry, but ‘most are accepted’). The remaining places are oversubscribed and gained via English, maths and reasoning exams for which school recommends against

Around a quarter move to local state colleges or scholarships at other independent schools post-GCSE – these places are swiftly filled by newcomers. Majority of sixth formers to university – around 75 per cent to Russell Group. Popular destinations

In 2025, 85 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 56 per cent A*/A at A level (93 per cent A*-B).

Superb results, particularly in STEM, although there is a rounded approach to academics, which parents say favours ‘curiosity and stretch over hothousing’. Parents say girls are ‘encouraged to learn in a way that boosts confidence and interest’,

Thirteen per cent on the SEN register (no EHCPs), largely for ADHD, autism and dyslexia. Most are supported in-class, although booster lessons are available in English and maths instead of languages. Staff acknowledge that girls ‘can be good at

School ‘doesn’t shout enough about its music’, say parents. ‘It’s insanely good.’ They told us girls are taught to ‘appreciate and enjoy music’, fostering a love for it as both subject and hobby. All thanks to the ‘wonderful’ head of music, we heard,

The school is not blessed with rolling acres, but parents say they ‘do exceptionally well with what they’ve got’. Core sports include swimming and diving in ‘delightful’ 25m pool, plus hockey (on a roll recently), netball, tennis, athletics,

Parents feel the amount of pressure exerted on the girls is ‘just right’. They told us tutor support is ‘out of this world’ and that heads of year ‘respond promptly when needed to step in’. ‘Listening tree’ posters around the school direct girls to

We found girls to be articulate, considerate and curious, chatting confidently across year groups and classes and inordinately proud of their school. Parents mainly dual-income professionals – they tell us school ‘feels grounded’ and an ‘investment

Small number of means-tested bursaries. Academic scholarships of 10 per cent in year 7; also available in art, drama, music and sport.

Exceptional academic rigour combined with nurture, joy and the freedom and confidence of an all-girls environment. Music provision, timetabling flexibility and a general sense of fun bolster the offer.