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Abbotsholme School 阿博茨霍尔姆学校， Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS
Website: www.abbotsholme.co.uk
• CO-ED, 5–18 Day, 11–18 Boarding (full & weekly)
• Pupils 252, Upper sixth 22
• Termly fees £2295–£4095 (Day), £5295–£5995 (Boarding), £3995–£4595 (Weekly)
• SHMIS, Round Square
• Enquiries/application to Admissions Secretary

What it’s like
Founded in 1889 by Dr Cecil Reddie, the originator of a movement which led to the foundation of Bedales, Gordonstoun and similar schools; the pioneering methods have since been widely adopted. In 1969 it was one of the first boys’ schools to become fully co-educational. Its handsome and well-equipped buildings lie in 140 acres of splendid private grounds at the edge of the Peak District National Park. The main buildings include a fine chapel, music and art blocks, a technology complex and theatre; there is a large, well-equipped sports hall. A small school, the emphasis is on informality, a friendly and informal atmosphere and the creation of a strong community spirit. Parental involvement is particularly encouraged. Careful attention is given to religious education and all pupils attend a chapel service each day. A staff:pupil ratio of about 1:8 ensures small classes and individual attention. Examination results are good and most sixth-form leavers go on to degree courses. However, the academically less able are also well catered for. Music, drama and art are all vigorously supported. Abbotsholme Arts Society (open to the public by subscription) has a wide reputation, with many musicians of international renown. 20 acres of excellent playing fields provide for the traditional range of sports and games. A large number of clubs and activities and much emphasis on open-air pursuits. Outdoor education is an important and integral part of the school’s programme (eg skiing, caving, canoeing, camping, mountaineering and rock-climbing). Successful participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and a big commitment to local community service. It has an 80-acre farm on which pupils are responsible for feeding, lambing and harvesting and an extensive riding programme with stabling for pupils’ own horses.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 5–18; 252 pupils, 166 day (104 boys, 62 girls), 86 boarding (63 boys, 23 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages 5–11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own exam used; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry up to 40% main intake.

Scholarships, bursaries & extras 16 pa scholarships, value 10%–50% fees, including awards for music and art. Means-tested bursaries available. Parents not expected to buy textbooks. No compulsory extras – charges vary but aim is to keep them to a minimum.

Parents 50% live within 30 miles, 18% live overseas.

Head & staff
Head: Stephen Fairclough, appointed 2003.
Teaching staff: 32 full time, 7 part time. Average turnover 4% pa. Average age 35.

Exam results
GCSE: in 2003, 36 pupils in fifth. 87% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 47 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 22 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 357.

University & college entrance 86% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (19% after a gap year). 33% take courses in maths, science & engineering, 38% in business and social sciences, 28% in arts and languages. Others typically go on to further education or training, retake A-levels or into employment.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels, Vocational A-level (AVCE). 15 subjects at GCSE, including drama; 18 at AS/A-level, including theatre studies and media studies; 1 AVCE.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, general studies compulsory at AS-level (optional at A-level). 20% take science A-levels; 25% arts/humanities; 55% both. Key skills, only ICT taught at present.
Vocational: Work experience available. AVCE offered.
Special provision: Specialist teachers for both dyslexia and EFL.
Languages: French and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Spain. Regular joint ventures with European schools for community service overseas.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons/week) and across the curriculum. 50+ computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), many networked and with e-mail and internet access. All pupils take Key Skills level 2 (Years 10–11) and level 3 (Years 12–13).

The arts
Music: About 60% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 7 musical groups including orchestra, choir, wind band. Some pupils achieve grade 8 distinction.
Drama: Drama offered and LAMDA exams may be taken. Many pupils involved in major school productions.
Art & design: On average, 18 take GCSE, 13 A-level. Design, technology and pottery also offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, soccer, cricket, tennis, swimming, athletics, netball, hockey, rounders, badminton, squash, volleyball; all optional to some extent in fifth and sixth form. County representatives at cricket, rugby, hockey, netball and riding.
Activities: Outdoor education a particular feature; large numbers take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service compulsory for first term age 14, optional for other pupils. Conservation has a high profile (recently won a national Queen’s Anniversary Award). Many clubs and activities such as film-making, cooking, art, clay-pigeon shooting, riding, electronics, pot holing, abseiling.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Head boy/girl and prefects elected by the school but appointed by the Headmaster.
Religion: Attendance at religious knowledge compulsory.
Social: Academic lectures, university visits, general knowledge competitions, theatre and concert visits, outdoor expeditions. Annual French and Spanish trips (forms 1–5), Round Square exchange students (Germany, Canada, America, South Africa and India) and international service projects. Pupils allowed to bring own bikes and horses. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once could expect work to be re-done under supervision in detention; those caught taking drugs on the premises could expect their right to stay at the school withdrawn.

Boarding 20% have own study bedrooms; 70% share with 1–3 others; 10% in dormitories of 3+. Single-sex houses of 20–50. Resident qualified nurse. Pupils can provide and cook own food. Flexible weekend exeats (arranged with house parent). Visits to the local town arranged twice a week for all ages – younger ones only in a group.

Alumni association is run by Mr D Sederman, 34 Furlong Drive, Upper Tean, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST10 4LD.