Abbotsholme School

Abbotsholme School Abbotsholme School
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Fresh thinking since 1889 A co-education independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 - 20,
set within 140 acres of rural countryside on the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border.

Independent Schools of the Year

Absolutely Abbotsholme

At Abbotsholme School, we embody the principle that every child is not just taught, but known. We are always looking for ways to improve our pupils' agility with critical thinking, deftness with problem solving and confidence with oracy in a future where these skills will be of paramount importance. Abbotsholme School is a truly unique school, dedicated to ensuring that our pupils are happy, challenged and supported, taking pride in working in partnership with parents to give each child a tailored experience.

A small school with a big heart: this is what it means to be
"Absolutely Abbotsholme"

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Our curriculum tailored
to your excellence

Whatever their passion, talent or spark, we guide and empower our pupils to be the very best they can be. Each pupil is unique, and we encourage them to express their individuality. We help them identify their strengths and provide support to refine their skills, unlocking their full potential.

  • Fresh Thinking Since 1889
  • Boarding at
    Abbotsholme
  • Sporting Excellence
  • Tailored
    Education
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Since our founding in 1889, we have always embraced a fresh approach to education. We encourage our pupils to be outdoors whenever possible, taking our learning outdoors and breathing in the daily fresh air. Fresh food is served in our kitchens daily, providing our pupils with nutritious and healthy food to fuel their minds and hunger for learning. We continue to strive for excellence in our fresh approach to education.

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Boarding at Abbotsholme School develops independence, builds lifelong friendships and boosts confidence. We offer our pupils a home from home experience, joining us from all corners of the world, where they are integrated into close knit, family feel community.

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Abbotsholme School has exceptional sports facilities, accompanied by a rich and diverse curriculum that provides its pupils with endless opportunities aimed at challenging pupils, encouraging them to be the best possible version of themselves. Home to some of the county's most talented and promising young athletes, we are proud of the exceptional sports scholarship opportunities.

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We are committed to a holistic approach to education, recognising the importance of providing our pupils with a solid foundation for their future. As a small school, we live by the ethos that every child is not just taught but known. This ethos enables our inspiring educators to provide each and every child with a tailored education, encouraging them to reach their academic potential.

Pioneers of Outdoor Education

Our expansive 140-acre campus is surrounded by rolling countryside and is just a stone's throw from the Peak District National Park, offering endless opportunities for our pupils to engage in outdoor activities. As pioneers of outdoor education, we carry forward the legacy of our founder and continue to instil a love for outdoor pursuits in our pupils.

  • Pioneers of Outdoor Education
  • Pioneers of Outdoor Education
  • Pioneers of Outdoor Education
  • Pioneers of Outdoor Education

Testimonials

Testimonials
My daughter has recently moved from the nursery to Reception. I can honestly say that we are thrilled with the education that she is experiencing. Not only is she flourishing within the classroom, the extra activities on her timetable such as equestrian, OED and agriculture are second to none. She absolutely loves school and I would recommend Abbotsholme in a heartbeat.Abbotsholme Prep Parent, 2023
I've had the privilege of boarding at Abbotsholme for the last 2 years and being a boarding prefect in my last. I came all the way from sunny California to England, which you may think "wow, why on earth would anyone want to come to gray, rainy England after living there?" I will tell you how privileged we all are to attend this school. During my previous school years in America, I always felt a bit out of place, although I had a hand full of friends, I never felt as though there was a community within the school. Yet the moment I walked onto school site, I felt a strong sense of belonging which I fell in love with instantly.Abbotsholme Pupil, 2024
My children (Reception and Year 1) are so happy at Abbotsholme. From the moment they arrive in the morning to the moment they come home, they are treated like family. The care and attention the children get is wonderful. They feel so safe and secure and you can see this by the special relationships they have developed with the staff. The experience is truly personal. On collection I get a detailed re-call of their day from the teacher, this means we have a very smooth handover back into home life. Each child is treated as an individual, both academically and non-academically. My children are so excited when the teachers move them onto their next academic challenges, they take real pride in this. The small class sizes mean that the teachers can vary the children’s day to suit the needs of the children. Their progress and love of learning has been expedited by the fact that they learn in different environments. Abbotsholme’s approach to the non-academic subjects has led to both boys becoming independent, common-sensical children who can apply themselves to any discipline. The challenges set for the children through the year, including hikes, shows, national maths competitions and sport competitions, to name a few build, their confidence and resilience to take on whatever life throws at them. We are so happy that we chose Abbotsholme for our children and it is such a joy to see them so happy and settled.Abbotsholme Prep Parent, 2023
I attended Abbotsholme for my Sixth Form years. I had aspirations to do medicine so I knew how hard the next two years were going to be. However, I had unbelievable support from Abbotsholme. All my subject teachers were amazing and helped me to get the grades I needed. My tutor and the Head of Sixth Form helped me strengthen my personal statement and UCAS application. I found myself as Head Boy and the Head of Sixth Form helped me balance everything - from playing sport and the piano to my academics and role as Head Boy. I am forever grateful to Abbotsholme for all the opportunities it provided to me.Old Abbotsholmian, 2023

Toby started in Caterpillars as a quiet and unassuming little boy who was struggling to find his way a little due to delayed speech impairing his ability to make social connections. Miss Rosie picked up on this straight away and not only worked with him – she chased Speech and Language Therapy for intervention and gave us helpful guidance and exercises to complete with Toby at home. The transformation to the charming and confident little boy we now have has been phenomenal. He’s made friends, become a little chatter box and now can’t wait to “run in” to give Miss Rosie and Miss Phoebe a big hug each morning. We cannot thank Abbotsholme enough for the exceptional start they have given to Toby’s academic life – he’s now thriving and excelling.

Abbotsholme Pre-Prep Parent, 2023
We are so grateful to Abbotsholme School for the encouragement and support they have given Maisie as she embraces her aspiration to be a professional showjumper. This would not be possible without the time allowed to do regular hours training throughout the week alongside competing her schoolwork. Abbotsholme Parent, 2024

Abbotsholme: A Place to call Home

Our school is nestled on the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border, set on a sprawling 140-acre campus that includes a 70-acre working farm, a 5-star rated equestrian center, climbing facilities, and 15 acres of sports fields. From farm to forest and sports fields to swimming pool, we are fortunate to call this beautiful place home.

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Abbotsholme School