What is the first step if I am interested?
The first step is to complete our registration form. There is a non-refundable registration fee £100 (UK applicant) or £250 (overseas applicant) but once we have received your form, we will be in touch to arrange the next step in the process.
Are there any deadline dates?
Yes, but not too many:
Deadline for registration
- 11 December 2023 – Year 7
- 1 November – Year 12
Deadline for Scholarships applications
Year 7
- Open 1 June 2023
- Close 12 December 2023
Year 12
- Open 1 June 2023
- Close 1 November 2023
Bursary applications (Senior School only)
- 24 November 2023
Interview Days
- November – dates to be confirmed
Entrance Test
Year 7
- Friday 5 January 2024
Year 12
- 6 November 2023
Do you offer taster days?
Yes we do. During the Autumn term, Year 6 students are invited in for a Taster Day and get involved in workshops, activity sessions as well as a short informal interview in small groups with a member of the academic team. Closer to half a day in length, your daughter will get a good feel for the school, meet new friends, as well as enjoy our tasty lunch in the dining room.
For other year groups, and admissions enquiries later in the year, we offer Taster Day opportunities that allow girls to sample a typical day at The Abbey.
What is the date of the entrance exam and are there any alternative dates?
The entrance exam is on Friday 5 January 2024 although we do arrange an alternative date in the week following the entrance exam for those unable to attend on the Friday.
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?
There is no specific preparation required for our entrance exam as we are looking at your daughter’s potential, and how she thinks. For that reason, we do not supply past papers. We realise an exam is a daunting experience so we will make this day as enjoyable as possible.
Do you confirm the individual results of the entrance exam?
No, we don’t for two very good reasons. Firstly, the exam is only part of our decision making process. We place a great deal of emphasis on your daughter’s informal interview as part of her Taster Day and her school references (which we collect prior to the entrance exam) as we believe this tells us as much about her personality and potential as the exam.
Secondly, if things did not go well on the day, and her results were not as expected, it may impact your daughter’s confidence.
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 normally inform families by the end of the first week in February.
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?
8.30 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 have a comprehensive transport system. Click here for details.