The Wider Community

On joining the School, pupils and their parents become part of a community that extends far beyond the School’s physical boundaries and where everyone is valued. Parents, staff, governors and former pupils all play an active role in the continued success of the School. Indeed it is a global community with former pupils living all round the world or making their mark during gap year travels, overseas study or, in an increasing number of cases, through international reputations in their chosen fields.

The Abbey School Parents’ Association is an important part of the school community, organising a variety of events throughout the year. From a family summer picnic and parents’ ball to cycling proficiency training and a second-hand shop, the Association provides a source of social contact as well as fundraising for additional projects that enhance still further the girls’ environment and opportunities.

Former pupils and staff are also actively involved in the School both through the long-established Old Girls’ Association and through school-based events. The Alumnae Administrator (ASROGA@theabbey.co.uk) provides administrative and organisational support as well as being a point of contact for old girls and staff alike. There are an increasing number of reunions, with the ‘Ten Years On’ lunch now firmly established in the annual calendar and career and business networks continually developing. Former pupils are warmly encouraged to stay in touch with us, playing an invaluable role in the Careers Convention in particular, and many return not just to reminisce, find old friends and admire new developments, but to arrange work experience, advise on university applications (including Oxbridge), give careers talks or even present prizes at Speech Day.

We have a positive presence in the neighbourhood with many local businesses and organisations supplying the School with their services and products or using our facilities through The Abbey School Commercial Enterprises. The Development Office provides support for other activities within the School and for the wider community. Its principal responsibilities are reunions and other events and it is building up a database of many thousand names. It will provide the link for parents and their daughters to keep in touch with the School even after they are no longer pupils. It also coordinates fundraising projects and has recently established The Miss Macdonald Bursary Fund.