Admission

Introduction to Admissions at Abingdon School

Abingdon School offers a structured and detailed admissions process tailored for different entry points: Prep School, Senior School, and Sixth Form. Each stage caters specifically to the educational level and age of prospective students, ensuring that the admissions process aligns with their current academic and developmental stage.

Prep School Admissions

Pre-Prep Admissions (Reception to Year 2)

For the youngest applicants, Reception involves an informal taster session. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, prompting early registration due to the high demand and existing waiting lists. For Years 1 and 2, children are assessed informally during a regular school day, enabling staff to evaluate how well the child might fit into the school environment. Overseas candidates may be asked to submit video footage showing the child in a home learning environment.

Prep Admissions (Year 3 and above)

Starting from Year 3, prospective students participate in an assessment morning that is both informal and friendly. This helps the school to gauge the suitability of the school for the child and vice versa. The assessment formats may vary, involving either group or individual tasks. Specific focuses for each year group include reading, writing, and maths activities, with older children in Years 4 to 6 taking computer-based tests covering English, Maths, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Year 7 admissions align with the processes used for entering the Senior School.

Senior School Admissions

First Year Admissions

The assessment for entry into the First Year of Senior School occurs in January of National Curriculum Year 6, with late applications considered if spaces remain. The process includes written assessments in English and Mathematics, alongside computer-based reasoning tests. The English test assesses reading and writing skills, whereas the Maths test evaluates problem-solving capabilities within the UK National Curriculum.

Third Year Admissions

For entry into the Third Year, assessments take place in October of Year 7, targeting about 90 new students, including those from UK-based prep schools and international applicants. The assessment criteria and content are similar to First Year admissions but adjusted to reflect the expected academic progression and extracurricular involvement of applicants from Years 7 and 8.

Sixth Form Admissions

Sixth Form applicants are required to meet high academic standards, including achieving a minimum average of grade 6 in their GCSEs, with higher grades required in subjects they wish to pursue at A Level. Assessments occur at two points: November for boarding candidates and February for day students. These assessments include exams in the four chosen A Level subjects and a reasoning test. For subjects like Economics and Politics, which may not be offered at GCSE, the school tests key skills needed for A Level success without requiring specific prior knowledge.

Conclusion

Across all its entry points, Abingdon School seeks to understand the whole student, assessing not just academic strengths but also character, interests, and potential to contribute to the school community. This holistic approach ensures that both the school and its students are well-matched, fostering an environment conducive to personal growth and academic achievement.