We provide education in the broadest sense, preparing students to embrace their future opportunities and challenges with confidence and independence, igniting their curiosity and giving them the tools to embark on their own journey of exploration.

“A word you’ll hear a lot here is ‘refresh,’ which neatly sums up the school’s attitude to constantly keeping things fresh and ahead of the game.”

Good Schools Guide

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as parents and our Admissions department are on hand to guide you through the process.

Joining the School

Students can join the Junior School at any age although our common entry points are Nursery, Reception, Lower I (Year 3) and Upper II (Year 5). Students usually join in September but there is flexibility to accept applications during the school year if places are available and it is the right path for your child. Entry to Lower III (Year 6) is only available under exceptional circumstances – please do speak to Admissions if this is the case.

We offer a pre-reception nursery school year, for 3-4 year olds, based on a full-time Monday to Friday offering. Nursery children usually join in the September after their third birthday but there is flexibility to accept applications during the school year if places are available.

How to apply

The first step is to see the School for yourself. We hold termly Open Events and arrange individual tours.

Please discuss with our Admissions Team if interested. To find out more Visit us.

To have your daughter considered for entry to the School, please complete our online registration form. Please note, a non-refundable Registration Fee of £100 is payable (£250 for overseas applicants). Once you are registered we will arrange an assessment.

Application Form
  • Assessments for the Junior School take place throughout the year.
  • Assessments for each year group are carried out in person. However, if families are located further afield or overseas then assessments can be carried out remotely by way of a Google Meet.
  • The assessment process for Nursery, Reception, Lower Preparatory (Year 1) and Upper Preparatory (Year 2) is fairly informal and consists of one-to-one focused activities with a teacher as well as the opportunity to spend time with their relevant year group.
  • For entry into Lower I (Year 3) and above, girls complete assessments in English and Mathematics and spend time with their relevant year group.
  • For entry into Lower Preparatory (Year 1) and above, we ask you for a copy of your daughter’s most up-to-date school report.

Once you receive the offer of a place you will need to send back the Form of Acceptance and a non-refundable £1000 deposit (£500 of this is kept for the duration of your daughter’s time at The Abbey, and £500 is deducted from the first term’s fee invoice). We will keep you up to date with details about familiarisation events for both you and your daughter and information to help you prepare for her first day.

Pre-reception nursery

Most students attend daily (8.45am-3.30pm) and our fees are based on this model, but do please contact us to discuss your child’s requirements. If you require childcare outside of these times, Abbey parents are offered the flexibility of additional chargeable out of hours’ services including Before and After School Care.

We completely understand that you may wish to occasionally collect your child early or have other commitments together.

The Abbey participates in the Early Years Education grant to provide up to 30 hours of funded schooling per week for children until the term in which they have their fifth birthday. This is deducted from your termly invoice.

Childcare vouchers are accepted for payment of qualifying charges, i.e. school fees up to the age of 5 and activities that take place on school premises and outside school hours. Please contact the Finance Department on feesbilling@theabbey.co.uk for further information on the use of childcare vouchers.

Moving up to Senior School

During Lower III (Year 6), students are assessed for the move to the Senior School as part of our ongoing in-house assessment process. A nurturing and supportive ethos is embedded throughout The Abbey and there are several opportunities for students to learn about the exciting challenges of life at the Senior School during their time at the Junior School.

Click here to read our Admissions Policy