The Abbey
The Abbey
Org 1: HMC
Org 2: GSA
Org 3: IAPS
Kendrick Road, Reading, RG1 5DZ
Telephone: 0118 987 2256
Age Range: Nursery, Pre-Prep/Infants, Prep/Junior to 11, Senior to 18
Day or Boarding: Day, Day Only
Gender: Girls
Exams offered: A Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, GCSE
Scholarships Tick: Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Sport
Bursaries and discounts: New entrant bursary
The Abbey is a remarkable all-girls community of learning and scholarship. It is a place of curiosity, adventurous spirits, and the excitement of discovery. We foster an atmosphere of warmth and support, full of fun and laughter. As a result we develop the assurance for students to take risks, explore interests and passions, and engage generously with the world in our girls-only environment.
Our outlook is internationally-minded and collaborative. Our goal is to prepare students to live with confidence, purpose, and joy. To support this philosophy we offer International Baccalaureate programmes at our Junior School and Sixth Form.
This means providing exceptional single-sex opportunities across the widest spectrum of curricular and co-curricular activities. Our job is to find, encourage and broaden each individual’s talents and interests. Therefore it is a privilege to witness our students’ liveliness of mind and help that to develop as they become resilient young people with the enthusiasm and tenacity to make a difference.
At the heart of The Abbey community lies a shared enthusiasm for lifelong learning, underpinned by a relentless intellectual curiosity and spirit of discovery encouraged at every stage of the educational journey. Supported by a proactive and compassionate pastoral system, every girl from Nursery through to Sixth Form is encouraged to explore her passions, embrace new challenges and question her assumptions.
Located within walking distance of Reading Station, the School provides an extensive coach network across Berkshire and Oxfordshire for both Junior School and Senior School girls. A range of scholarships are available, as well as financial assistance offered via means-tested bursaries.
We have played a leading role in all-girls education for over 130 years. During that time, we have adapted and innovated, preparing students for the always-changing world that lies ahead of them. That is true now more than ever. We seek to equip girls to face the future on their own terms, driven by courage, honesty and kindness above all else.
Number of Pupils. 1,005.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Reception £5,565, Lower Preparatory (Year 1) £6,381, Upper Preparatory (Year 2) £6,825, Lower I – Lower III (Years 3-6) £7,323, Upper III – Upper VI (Years 7-13) £9,015. Fees include VAT.
Scholarships & Bursaries. We offer Academic and Specialist scholarships at entrance to encourage excellence and aspiration and to celebrate students whose commitment to learning is exceptional.
Bursaries are provided to assist Senior School students who would benefit significantly from an education at The Abbey and whose parents could not otherwise afford to send them. Every case will be taken on its individual merits but, among those who qualify financially, the academic potential will be the overriding factor (www.theabbey.co.uk/the-abbey-all-girls/admissions/bursaries). Charitable status. The Abbey is a Registered Charity, number 309115.
Governors & Staff:
Board of Governors:
Mrs Elizabeth Harrison (Chair)
Mr Simon Dimmick
Mrs Julie Butler
Mrs Susan Colebrook
Mrs Elisabeth West
Mr Colin Singer
Ms Robyn Field
Mr Andrew Peach
Dr Harriett Kemp
Jo Jolly
Nick Burrows
Hector Maclennan
Richard Brown
Executive Head: Will le Fleming, BA Hons, MA Cambridge
Head of Senior School: Sarah Tullis, MA, DPhil
Head of the Junior School: Nisha Kaura, BSc Hons, DMS, PMQ, PGCE, MEd
Head of Finance & Resources: Nadine Doble, BSc Cardiff, ACMA