A partnership scheme with Fitzharrys, a local maintained sector school, was formally launched in September 2014. The aim is for staff and students from both schools to work together to develop innovative practice and to share and broaden their experience in order to improve teaching and learning. During the academic year 2017-18 6th form students from Abingdon and Fitzharrys have worked in groups to plan and deliver elements of the year 8 curriculum in maths and the sciences to year 8 students from both schools. Student numbers involved in this included 15 Abingdon 6th formers and 12 Fitzharrys 6th formers as well as 17 Abingdon year 8 pupils and 22 Fitzharrys year 8 pupils.
Beyond the Fitzharrys partnership there are numerous examples of Abingdon’s teachers and sports staff sharing their knowledge and Abingdon’s resources with local maintained sector schools and clubs. Examples include organising academic lectures and sports competitions such as festivals of rugby and a primary school mini-Olympics morning. In addition, we provide Latin teaching to children from three local secondary schools with three groups in succession now having completed a two-year GCSE course with twice-weekly one-hour lessons from members of the Classics department: of the last cohort 80% of the candidates achieved A stars. A new cohort, currently of fifteen students, has just begun their two-year course.
As part of the liaison programme with local maintained sector primary schools there were a series of curriculum events held at Abingdon School in 2017-18. A Business Challenge, Festive Fun with Languages morning, Pottery Throwdown and Mini-Olympics took place. Approximately 70 children and 10 teachers attended each of these events. Transport was arranged from their primary schools to Abingdon School and the activities were run by Abingdon School teachers and departments.
Since 2015/16 there has been a design and technology outreach programme developed with a local primary school to support and further their teaching and learning of KS1 and KS2 topics. The projects are developed by an Abingdon School D&T teacher bespoke to their current topic and age group. The projects are either delivered to the pupils at their school or using Abingdon School’s D&T workshops, where the children have been introduced to using some of the tools. Some of the projects, typically delivered in the summer term, have been assisted by our sixth form D&T students.
Furthermore 15 staff (13 last year) serve as governors of local maintained primary and secondary schools and Abingdon is happy to release these teachers to complete their governance duties when those commitments fall at times when the teachers would usually be in school.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded for academic excellence, art, design & technology, drama, music and sport. Awards are offered at the three main entry points aged 11, 13 and to the Sixth Form. Scholarships and the 11+ Academic and All Rounder awards entitle the holder to a nominal fee remission of £300 per annum.

However, as is the case for all pupils, there is an option to apply for further financial assistance through a means-tested bursary which can be worth up to 100% of fees.

At least 20 major scholarships are awarded each year and are open to both external and internal candidates. Pupils can hold more than one scholarship or award.

All music, art, design & technology, drama and sports scholarship candidates must also meet the appropriate academic entry criteria.

Dates for 2023 entry can be seen here.

If you would like to know more please phone +44 (0)1235 849041 or email us.

Bursaries

The Foundation’s governors are committed to providing access to an Abingdon education for able boys from families who cannot afford to pay full fees. We do this by offering means-tested financial support known as a 'bursary'. In essence, a bursary is a discount on the cost of day fees of up to 100%.

Abingdon does not have a large endowment and therefore the Governors are mindful, when bursaries are provided, that there remains an overall fair balance between those benefiting from bursaries and full fee-paying parents, many of whom are also making significant personal sacrifices to fund their children's education.

The amount of a bursary is not influenced by the academic ability of the pupil (although he must meet the School's academic standards) but rather by the extent of financial need. Bursaries are awarded to pupils who are likely to gain most from an Abingdon education and who will contribute fully to the life of the School.

A bursary is distinct from a scholarship in that it is given to recognise financial need whereas scholarships are given to recognise outstanding achievement regardless of financial need.

The Headmaster, has recently written about widening access to an independent education.

Deadlines for 2023 and 2024 bursary applications are available on this page.

If you would like to know more please phone +44 (0)1235 849028 or email us.

Academic scholarships
All Rounder awards
Art scholarships
Design scholarships
Drama scholarships
Music scholarships
Sport scholarships
Sixth Form scholarships
Bursaries for new entrants
Hardship awards for existing pupils

Visit our website for more information