Approach to Learning
An individualistic approach to learning
Your child’s journey with us may begin at the age of three, and continue until they reach adulthood.
Through these years they will move through several stages in their learning and personal development, at each a differing focus of priority or approach in education will be appropriate.
The Abbey provides a strong and consistent platform of core principles, shaped by our internationally-minded ethos and our position as one of the top performing IB Schools in the World.
We focus on the individual
Our teachers are dedicated to building a relationship with each student, and on working together to develop particular strengths or to improve areas of difficulty.
We apply forward-thinking methods
We stay ahead of the curve with inquiry-based and cross-curricular teaching methods, and working beyond the confines of curriculum and classroom.
We are about learning not performing
By shifting our focus to encouraging enthusiasm and perseverance in learning, and by reducing the emphasis on outcomes and grades, outstanding academic results happen naturally at The Abbey.
We think broadly, deeply and differently
Teaching ‘Theory of Knowledge’ encourages students to challenge assumptions, think beyond divides and shape their own learning.
We take a holistic, collaborative approach to education
The whole school family is involved in the journey of learning and development – students, parents or grandparents, teachers and staff.
The Abbey Learner Profile
Reflective
Takes time to consider and potentially change viewpoints
Caring
Shows concern for, and actively values others
Balanced
Sets their own priorities and is self-aware
Open-Minded
Willing to consider new ideas
Creative
Comes up with new or different ways of doing something
Communicator
Challenges herself to communicate, listen actively and present ideas
Inquiring
Is curious to explore new ways of thinking
Informed
Will embrace knowledge and can apply it to a wider context
Independent
Capable of thinking or acting for themselves, will take an intellectual risk
Resilient
Being ready and willing to learn from all experiences whether or not they are successful
Purpose and Values
Purpose
The Abbey School provides an outstanding real-world education for girls that equips them to live with confidence, purpose and joy.
Working in partnership with families, we support each individual student to expand their horizons, discover their passions and fulfill their potential. We offer academic excellence, extra-curricular opportunity and pastoral assurance within an environment prioritising kindness and fellowship.
Our objective over 130 years of leadership, innovation and reform has been to provide a liberal, practical and general education. That remains true today:
- Liberal in thought, tolerance, and generosity.
- Practical in preparing students to face a changing world on their own terms, excited by opportunity, resolute towards uncertainty and committed to leadership and service.
- General in the remarkable breadth and range of experience and encouragement to participate.
Values
Our values are courage, honesty and kindness. We champion them every day; we are informed and tested by the positive tension that exists between them, and we seek to examine all our actions and choices in their light.
The Abbey
Welcome – an exceptional all-girls’ school
The Abbey is a remarkable all-girls community of learning and brilliant experiences. It is a place of curiosity, adventurous spirits, and the excitement of discovery. We focus on individual care and attention in a warmly supportive atmosphere, full of fun and laughter. Our students have the assurance to take risks, explore interests and passions, and engage generously with the world and with each other.
Our results are outstanding, but what matters to us is how students achieve them. Our goal is to equip girls to live with confidence, purpose and joy. This means providing exceptional opportunities across the widest spectrum of learning and activities. We offer more choice in our curriculum than almost any other school, so that students lead their learning and mature into the people they mean to be.
What’s special about The Abbey is the atmosphere. We’re a diverse, down-to-earth community full of enthusiasm, spark and energy. Please do explore this website and have a look at our entries in the Good Schools Guide and Muddy Stilettos, but the best way to get a feel for the school is to visit on an ordinary weekday. Being in the halls for one lesson change, feeling the buzz all around you, gives you a sense of The Abbey spirit.
We’ve played a leading role in all-girls education for over 130 years. During that time we’ve adapted and innovated and that is true now more than ever. In today’s world, all-girls education matters: it helps our students face the future on their own terms, ready to make the world a better place for themselves and the communities around them.
We’d love to welcome you and above all for you to meet some of our students. Come and visit us any time!
Will le Fleming, Head
“I feel my kids are growing up happy and confident and kind…”
Home
Learning with purpose, leading with confidence, living with joy
A summer of impressive results
One of the country's foremost independent girls' schools from 3-18
99.6%
GCSE grades 9-6
40
The Abbey IB average student score
(World average is 30)
94
UK schools (including The Abbey)
offering the IB in Sixth Form
92.2%
A Level grades A* – B
Abbey: Connected
The latest insights from Abbey staff including
Will le Fleming and Nisha Kaura
Gateway
News from The Abbey
