We are delighted that you are considering an Abingdon education for your son.
We are an academically selective school, and our impressive results speak for themselves, but we also place great emphasis on the extra-curricular. Abingdon students are encouraged to seize opportunities, to understand their responsibilities to the wider community, and to celebrate diversity in everything they do. We believe this holistic approach to education prepares young people today for their future in tomorrow’s world.
There is no typical Abingdon student and we take into consideration the character, interests and talents of every boy who applies, welcoming applications from all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. Each year, over 200 students join us from more than 100 different schools across the state and independent sectors and from overseas.
Applying for a senior school place can feel like a big step, but our Admissions team is here to guide you through the process. Whether you are considering independent education for the first time, relocating to the UK, or simply wish to talk through your options, we are on hand to help.
Entry is by an assessment process which takes place in the January of National Curriculum Year 6. Late applications may be considered subject to availability of places.
We have approximately 65 places available in the First Year, and this entry point is intended for students who would normally transfer from their primary school (or equivalent) on completion of Year 6. In a typical year, about two thirds of students come from local state primary schools.
We know that the application process for senior school varies quite widely, and that navigating this can be daunting. The main steps of our Admissions process are outlined below, but we are very happy for you to get in touch at any time if you have any questions.
Entry is by an assessment process which takes place in the October of the UK National Curriculum Year 7. Late applications may be considered subject to availability of places. We welcome applications for both day and boarding places, with approximately 90 places available in the Third Year for external candidates. Students mainly join us from UK-based prep schools and from overseas.
Offers made in Year 7 are not conditional on passing another set of exams, but rather will be subject to students maintaining the level of academic progress and extra-curricular profile in Years 7 and 8.
Abingdon welcomes applications from students wishing to enter the Sixth Form as day or boarding pupils. We receive applications from students attending a wide variety of schools ranging from the local independent and maintained sector schools to those attending schools overseas.
We offer a broad and flexible range of A Levels, and a large number of students also study the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), preparing them well for the academic rigours of university education. However, we believe a broader education, preparing students for life beyond school, is of equal importance to academic studies. With this in mind, we offer all sixth formers our Mindsets personal development education programme, alongside our comprehensive After Abingdon programme, which provides personalised university and careers advice.
Welcome to Abingdon School
We are delighted that you are considering an Abingdon education for your son.
We are an academically selective school, and our impressive results speak for themselves, but we also place great emphasis on the extra-curricular. Abingdon students are encouraged to seize opportunities, to understand their responsibilities to the wider community, and to celebrate diversity in everything they do. We believe this holistic approach to education prepares young people today for their future in tomorrow’s world.
Each year, over 200 students join us from more than 100 different schools across the state and independent sectors and from overseas. There is no typical Abingdon student and we take into consideration the character, interests and talents of every boy who applies, welcoming applications from all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities.
Our newly refurbished boarding facilities open in autumn and will feature extended study room facilities, social hubs and single rooms for our Sixth Form boarders. These new facilities promise to enhance the boarding experience for our students, giving them time and space for study and recreation as well as making them feel at home.
Overseas students with the appropriate visa status may join us as day pupils from the age of 11.
The assessment process is the same as for UK based students. Please see the respective year group pages. In addition to the specific year-group assessments, students whose first language is not English may also be required to take an additional English test.
If a candidate is unable to travel to the UK for the main assessment day, then overseas students may sit their tests at the British Council or one of our authorised assessment centres. Please contact the Admissions office for advice.
First Year (Year 7) Entry
Candidates are advised to take their assessments at the same time as our UK candidates, in the January of UK National Curriculum Year 6.
Please note we cannot accept students into the First Year on a Child Student visa. We can only accept applications for day places from non-UK nationals who are entitled to study in the UK under their parent’s visa.
Third Year (Year 9) Entry
Candidates are advised to take their assessments at the same time as our UK candidates, in the October of UK National Curriculum Year 7. For late candidates, we hold a number of testing windows throughout the year, whilst places are still available. Please contact us for information about the next test window.
Fourth Year (Year 10 Entry)
Each year we take a small number of new students into the Fourth Year. Please contact us for further information and for details about our next test dates.
Sixth Form Entry
Overseas candidates are encouraged to take the assessments in November of UK National Curriculum Year 11.
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