Wycombe Abbey School Reviews, Rankings, Fees And More
Wycombe Abbey is a prestigious independent girls’ boarding school located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. The school was founded in 1896 and is known for its high academic standards and strong emphasis on holistic education. Wycombe Abbey has gained a reputation for academic excellence and consistently achieves outstanding results in public examinations. Beyond academics, the school places emphasis on co-curricular activities, sports, arts, and leadership development.
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Key Features of Wycombe Abbey
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Buckinghamshire
- Pupils: 648; sixth formers: 189
- Religion: Church of England
- Fees: Day £36,000; Boarding £47,700 pa
- Ranking: 18
Wycombe Abbey School Results
2023: 74.3% A*/A, 92% A*-B grade for A level
2022: 96% 9-7 at GCSE, 91% A*/A at A level (97% at A*-B)
Wycombe Abbey School stands out in the Exam Results Olympics, prioritising faultless teaching and stellar GCSE and A-level grades. The dedicated faculty leaves no room for window-gazing, with meticulous preparation, mock exams, and tailored support. The academic approach is personalised, not a production line. Strong results across subjects, with emphasis on maths and sciences, while support for university preparation has evolved, focusing on critical thinking and targeted skills. The workload is a challenge, sparking differing opinions on a well-rounded education. The traditional curriculum includes Latin, Greek, and modern languages, fostering enrichment and growth.
Boarding Facilities in Wycombe Abbey
Wycombe Abbey School offers full boarding or day options with a flexible approach to weekend stays. Beautiful boarding accommodation is spread across the undulating campus. Each location has its advantages – Daws Hill offers views and its own dining hall, while ‘out houses’ have fireplaces and proximity to facilities. Different houses for the oldest and youngest pupils, with various arrangements for different age groups. Dress code for older students is casual. Mixed-age houses for Years 8 to 11. Views are mixed among parents about keeping up with highly intelligent teenage girls. Dorm rotations are semi-termly, aiming to broaden horizons.
Other facilities:
- Laundry Facilities: Many boarding houses have laundry facilities available for students to use, making it convenient for them to take care of their personal belongings.
- Study Areas: Many boarding houses provide designated study areas or quiet spaces where students can focus on their academic work in a conducive environment.
Common Rooms: Each boarding house might have common rooms where students can gather, socialise, and relax during their free time. These spaces often include seating areas, games, and entertainment options.
Extra Curricular Activities in Wycombe Abbey
Wycombe Abbey offers a wide range of opportunities and excellent facilities for students to pursue their interests, with a focus on individual initiative. While some parents worry about minimal oversight leading to slacking, the overall culture encourages active engagement. Academics take precedence over sports, music, and drama, with a unanimous priority sequence.
Arts
Music is integrated into the curriculum for years 7 and 8, with GCSE and A-level options available. Numerous instrumental lessons are taught by visiting teachers, and the school supports a variety of orchestras, bands, and choirs. The vibrant music scene includes performances like “Glastonabbey” and collaborative events with other schools. Societies and clubs, led by sixth formers, encompass various interests beyond academics. The renowned Model United Nations stands out, hosting events like diplomatic dinners and highland balls.
Sports
The sports department at Wycombe Abbey School is bustling and comprehensive, offering a range of activities from competitive to inclusive. Impressive facilities, including outdoor pitches, a fully equipped sports centre, and an Olympic-sized pool, cater to a wide array of interests. Sport is compulsory but the school’s approach encourages passion-seeking rather than forced participation. Lacrosse is a major focus, with the school regularly reaching national finals and the highlight being the Wycombe vs Eton match, accompanied by humorous promotional campaigns. The school balances this enthusiasm with a considerate approach toward non-sporty girls, offering indoor alternatives like netball in winter.
Admissions Process: Entering Wycombe Abbey
Admission to Wycombe Abbey School is competitive, though less so compared to London day schools. About 300 candidates apply for 80 spots at 11+, 160 for 20 places at 13+, and 190 for 20 places at 16+. The school now designs its own exam papers instead of using Common Entrance. Occasionally, spots open outside regular admissions cycles.
The school seeks bright, curious, and interesting students willing to take risks. Kindness is also valued alongside academic prowess. While top academic achievements are not the sole criteria, a strong work ethic is essential due to the demanding curriculum. A considerable portion of students come from state primaries, and about 19% of entrants hold Tier 4 visas, primarily from South East Asia, Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. For sixth form entry, applicants typically need the equivalent of top grades in their GCSE/IGCSE/GCE subjects and chosen A-level subjects.
Wycombe Abbey Testimonials and Reviews
Wycombe Abbey is the best school its rated 8 in the top fifty schools in the UK. Even though I have never been there I think its amazing. The website is great and it gives you lots of information on the school itself. I think its the best school ever and I really want to go there one day. It seems lots of fun.
I attended this school for 5 years. Its an absolutely amazing learning facility and I definitely recommend it!
I have just started at this school and it is AMAZING
A super beautiful place, rarely something like this, especially a unique school!
Frequently Asked Questions about Wycombe Abbey
Since its founding in 1896, Wycombe Abbey UK has distinguished itself as a preeminent independent boarding and day school for girls and has maintained a position among the most prestigious educational institutions in the United Kingdom.
The school fees at Wycombe Abbey for 2023–2024 are £12,000 per term for day pupils, and £15,900 per term for boarding pupils.
Wycombe Abbey is a full boarding school for girls aged 11-18 years old.
Over the past few weeks, Wycombe Abbey has been named one of the Top 30 UK Independent Schools by Carfax Education, ranked third out of 20 boarding schools in Education Choices Magazine, and won four Interactive Schools School Story Awards for Best Boarding School Story, Best Story in the UK, Best use of Instagram, and Best use of Social Platform as well as highly commended for Best Branded Hashtag Story and Overall Winner.
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