Please do click on the links below to explore our extensive facilities and grounds. There is nothing quite like seeing the real thing – do book to visit us at an upcoming Open Event for a personalised tour or an In Action morning to see the Hill alive.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” ―
“Everyone shines, given the right lighting.” – Susan Cain
The Davidson building is home to our Senior School English and Religious Studies departments. Both areas of our curriculum are very popular at Abbot’s Hill and our GCSE results are always impressive in this area. The pupils are introduced to varied learning opportunities including trips and cultural engagements. It is an epicentre of deep thought and critical thinking as students delve into theoretical topics and literature.
“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” – Maria Montessori
Abbot’s Hill Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS), which is a mandatory for all Early Years providers. The ethos of the EYFS is that ‘Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential’. We place great importance on your child’s earliest years with us, providing an inspirational beginning to their education. We believe that playing outdoors encourages a healthy and happy learning environment.
“I really love being human. But some days I really wish I could be fairy.” – Greta, age 4
The Nursery provides an excellent, positive Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) education. We provide high-quality care and education through rich and varied, planned and spontaneous activities, tailored to each individual child’s needs. With the building all on one level, children have free-flow access to the outside areas which can be used all year round, whatever the weather.
“It’s a wondrous thing how the wild calms the child.” – Unknown
Girls in the Prep School have the most amazing opportunities to learn outside through adventures and activities planned by our dedicated Woodland Leader. During these woodland lessons, girls are able to work on projects such as brightly coloured flowers out of recycled materials that could be put out in the garden on a sunny day to attract butterflies. As one pupil stated, ‘Not every school is lucky enough to have its own Woodland to teach from!’
“Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.” – Chanakya
Our Pre-Prep journey starts at age 4+. For some this is a natural continuation from our Nursery, for others they join Abbot’s Hill for the first time. This time of transition is recognised as an important one in a child’s life and staff work closely to establish a strong home/school partnership to the benefit of the individual child. We believe in a varied approach to learning with emphasis placed on securing firm foundations in literacy and numeracy. French, Music, PE and ICT are taught by specialist teaching staff.
“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard… We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” – Malala Yousafzai
Senior School is an exciting time for your child and their enthusiasm is echoed by ours! You and your daughter will no doubt be looking at future opportunities and direction for her education. Abbot’s Hill is a strong, caring community which helps your child on to a path of success. Our GCSE results are impressive but beyond that, our girls go on to explore a multitude of opportunities ensuring their futures are supported by the very best foundations. We are proud to work in partnership with a number of schools and other local institutions to ensure the success of our girls wherever they go.
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller
Our Prep and Senior library settings are warm and welcoming. We aim to create spaces that inspire, not just a love of books and the written word, but also the appreciation of the dedication that storytelling requires. Our pupils are encouraged to read and research and fundamentally underpin their education with these learning skills.
“Food can bring people together in a way nothing else could.” – Yotam Ottolenghi
Our Catering team aims to provide well-balanced, nutritious, tasty meals which are served in a calm and relaxed environment. Fresh food is sourced locally wherever possible. At Abbot’s Hill School, we are very proud of our catering team. It’s a cut above the rest in terms of quality and creativity. We believe in eating together and celebrating friendships and learning over good food.
“Nine tenths of education is encouragement.” – Anatole France
As girls move into Year 3 they move into the Junior Department with its own buildings. Pupils continue to work in small classes supported by dedicated and experienced teaching staff and are set in some subjects. High flyers are stretched and extra support is given where needed. Increasing use is made of specialist facilities and of teaching staff from the Senior School. It’s a very nurturing environment for girls to grow and develop.
“Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice.”
– Bethany Hamilton, Surfer
No matter how sporting mad your daughter is she will find her niche at Abbot’s Hill. With an emphasis given to the contribution that exercise has on a healthy lifestyle all pupils are encouraged to try their hand at many sports, many excel to national levels whilst others gain confidence and skill through school fixtures. Our expert teaching and coaching staff are able to provide specialist tuition to both groups and individuals guaranteeing that every girl receives the right level of training she needs to make progress.
“After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.” – Ann Richards
During your daughter’s time at Abbot’s Hill, she will have the opportunity to study a variety of dance forms including contemporary, street, salsa, physical theatre and Lindy Hop. They learn to appreciate professional dance works both live and recorded. Pupils are encouraged to participate in the Gym and Dance Display which occurs biennially. We also have a very successful GSCE Dance Programme, which is extremely sought after. Pupils are encouraged to see a wide range of live performances and trips are organised throughout the two year course.
“Nothing is better than music. When it takes us out of time, it has done more for us than we have the right to hope for.” – Nadia Boulanger
The Music Department at Abbot’s Hill is a fundamental part of school life. During their time at Abbot’s Hill pupils are encouraged to get involved where possible, from individual music and lunchtime concerts. Your daughter will begin her musical journey in the Nursery with weekly singalongs, progressing to music appreciation in the Prep. The highlight of the year is the Whole School Carol Concert taking place at St Albans Cathedral, a compelling display of the musical prowess that students gain during their time here.
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” – Judy Garland
Abbot’s Hill is filled with opportunities for bright stars to shine and for girls of all abilities to explore their love of Performing Arts. Our goal is to infuse every lesson with laughter and creativity and all girls are encouraged to take part in our drama productions. Our performing arts team is dedicated to nurturing talent and inviting every girl to come alive on stage.
“The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.” -Alexandra K. Trenfor
It is our outdoor space that sets us apart from all our competitors. Situated on over 70 acres of green space and woodlands, Abbot’s Hill is able to offer something unique on the outskirts of London — fresh air. Playing tennis, swimming or simply running along our beautifully landscaped green, our girls are able to stretch their legs and fill their lungs. It is this space and the views that stay with our girls for their entire lifetime.
“Children are apt to live up to what you believe of them.” – Lady Bird Johnson
St Nicholas House Hall is an idyllic setting for performances and presentations for the Pre-Prep and Prep School children. This beautiful space is also used for clubs and dance classes, music productions and workshops.
