1. A Window into The Abbey
Duration: 2 minutes 14 seconds
Thirty words to describe our school and our brilliant students. We could have chosen 300! See what you think of the ones we picked…
2. Meet the students
Duration: 1 minute 27 seconds
We asked our students to share thoughts about their school, their interests and their future. This is what they said…
3. Interactive Map
4. Meet the Head
Duration: 2 minutes 36 seconds
Hear from Will le Fleming and get a sense of what matters most from his perspective. If you’d like to hear more you can watch his general introduction to The Abbey here.
5. Welcome from us all
Duration: 26 seconds
Get an early introduction to some of the many wonderful staff and fellow students who are very excited to see you!
6. FAQs
Our Admissions Team have put together a selection of FAQs should any of these queries have crossed your mind whilst viewing our Virtual Tour.
What is the first step if I am interested?
Complete the virtual tour and register your daughter online via our application form.
Can I visit in person?
It is possible to arrange individual visits, though these are carefully regulated due to the present situation and take place outside school hours. Please discuss with our Admissions Team if interested.
Is there any fee payable on registration?
A non-refundable registration fee is payable which is £100 per applicant or £250 per overseas applicant.
Are there any deadline dates?
Specialist Scholarship applications – 1 December 2020 for entry in September 2021. Please note this deadline date has been extended.
Bursary applications – the last Friday in November for entry the following September.
Registration – Monday 14 December 2020 for entry in September 2021 although we recommend registering as soon as possible in the Autumn Term of the year before the considered year of entry.
Do you offer taster days?
We do not offer specific taster days, but in usual circumstances we hold Abbey Interview Days for Year 7 applicants in the Autumn Term for those applicants registered for entry the following September. An Abbey Interview Day is a half-day where your daughter has the opportunity to visit the school and take part in a workshop and an activity session as well as have a short informal interview within a small group – lunch is included.
In current circumstances we are adapting these arrangements. Our intention is to offer a selection of online workshops to give applicants a flavour of the kind of learning we provide, as well as short informal interviews for small groups online. Final details will be confirmed shortly.
For Year 8 and Year 9 applicants, we hold short informal interviews as well as the entrance exam. Again final details will be confirmed shortly.
What is the date of the entrance exam and are there any alternative dates?
The entrance exam is on Saturday 9 January 2021 although we do arrange an alternative date in the week leading up to the entrance exam for those unable to attend on the Saturday.
What does the entrance exam involve?
The entrance exam is prepared by the school and your daughter will sit papers in English (1 hour – composition and comprehension), Mathematics (1 hour) and Reasoning (45 minutes – verbal and non-verbal).
What preparation is recommended for the entrance exam and are there any practice papers available?
We do not recommend any specific preparation as we are looking at your daughter’s potential. We do not provide any past papers.
Do you confirm the results of the entrance exam?
No, the specific results of the entrance exam are not provided.
Do you contact current schools for references?
Yes, we contact your daughter’s current school for a reference in advance of the entrance exam.
How soon after the entrance exam will we hear if we have been offered a place?
We aim to get back to you at the end of January 2021.
What documentation is required to accept a place and is any fee payable?
We require a Parent Contract signed by you as parents together with a non-refundable deposit of £1,000. Please note that £500 is credited to the first term’s fees and £500 is refunded at the end of your daughter’s education with us.
Can we apply for deferred entry to Year 9?
Yes, your daughter can sit for Year 7 entry on the basis that you wish to defer to Year 9 entry. All applications are considered on an individual basis and are at the Head’s discretion.
What is the timing of the school day?
8.40 am to 3.45 pm.
What are the fees for the Senior School?
Please click here to see our Fees page.
Do you offer before and after school care?
Yes, students can arrive from 8.00 am in the morning and after school we have a Homework Club which runs from 3.45 pm to 5.45 pm.
Are bursaries available in the Senior School?
Yes, bursaries are available in the Senior School. Please contact our Bursaries Team for further information via bursaries@theabbey.co.uk.
Are scholarships available in the Senior School?
Yes, we offer both Academic and Specialist Scholarships in the Senior School.
Academic Scholarships are based on the results of assessments and provide a 10% discount per year on fees.
Specialist Scholarships in Art, Drama, Music and Sport can be applied for online as per the following link – https://theabbey.co.uk/admissions/scholarships.
A Specialist Scholarship lasts for three years and can be applied for again during the Summer Term of Year 9. A Specialist Scholarship provides a discount of £500 per year on fees for Art, Drama and Sport and free tuition at school on one instrument for Music.
What are the criteria that are considered when applying for a Specialist Scholarship?
Please see our Scholarships page for information.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
We offer a 5% sibling discount for the eldest daughter when three students attend The Abbey at the same time.
Do you offer any dedicated transport options?
We use Horseman Coaches and TK Travel who both offer home to school coach routes. Click here for details.