Outcomes matter, and the outcome that matters most is personal development. Wherever students go on to learn next, are they going with hope and optimism, ready to make the absolute most of everything that is on offer?
That’s what motivates us. High achievement on its own is not enough. We are here to support our students, find the right path for them and to walk it with joy in their hearts.
Junior School
We are always thinking about how to support our pupils with the right next step for them. We share data scores with parents from Upper I (Year 4), to help make informed decisions. Preparation for the 11+ is available for free throughout Upper I and Upper II (Years 4 and 5) for those who want it. Throughout Upper II and into Lower III (Year 6) we meet every family to talk through the best choice for their daughter.
The majority of students choose The Abbey Senior School. There is a bespoke process for assessment into the Senior School, which takes place in Upper II. This allows those families who know their preferred option to avoid the stress of assessments in Year 6 altogether.
Some students do aim for the most competitive boarding or grammar school places, and our programme of preparation helps them to achieve at the highest level. Many of those who secure a range of offers simply want to have the broadest choice, and opt to continue with us. Others leave at the end of Year 6 with our warm support and wishes for what will be brilliant secondary school careers. Our job is to help each family make the best decision for each child.
The greatest endorsement of our education every year is the range of scholarships achieved. Junior School candidates compete for Senior School scholarships in academics, art, drama, music and sport on an equal basis, and in their academic assessments all papers are anonymised. The Junior School success rate is staggering, and those going elsewhere at this stage often do so with one or more scholarships as a testament to their learning journey with us.
Senior School
Students routinely take places in the most competitive UK and world universities. However, their interests are broad. Some students every year access the highest-level degree apprenticeships. Others go on to art foundation, drama school and other creative pathways.
We’re proud of our track record, but what we care about, and what brings every teacher so much reward, is each individual outcome. Whatever you want to do next, we are here to back you every step of the way.
The true test of outcomes are alumnae events. Each one is full of deeply impressive, genuine, warm and passionate adults working in hugely diverse fields. And each alumna has access to a lifelong network of support. An Abbey education supports outcomes far beyond tertiary choices.
