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Abbotsholme is a small, friendly school providing a modern, progressive education based on co-operation rather than competition, a compassion for others and a wholehearted respect for the environment. We are located in a beautiful estate of some 140 acres on the banks of the River Dove on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border, close to the magnificent Peak District, easily accessible by road, less than two hours from London by rail, and less than an hour away from three international airports.

Our philosophy
Abbotsholme is a wholly inclusive school, where everyone in the community is valued for the individual contribution they make. We genuinely provide opportunities for self-discovery and personal development. This approach to education gives all our young people knowledge to facilitate success and achievement, commitment to nurture and care for the environment, challenges to build strength and test courage, and cultural enrichment to widen perspectives and responsibility for the needs of others. From this carefully planned curriculum emerge the essential skills for life.

Inside and out of the classroom
The curriculum at Abbotsholme aims to develop critical and creative thinking and self-discipline. We encourage our pupils to find their own strengths and preferred methods of learning, but within a structured and supportive framework. A maximum staff/pupil ratio of 1:18 enables teachers to give the attention each student needs. By the time they enter the sixth form, students have developed a solid foundation of independent study and a balanced approach to broader aspects of learning. As a result, the transition to higher education is for most a natural progression. A comprehensive range of activities is integral to the curriculum, including an outstanding outdoor education programme, which has taken pupils to all corners of the world. Membership of the Round Square organisation provides a strong international perspective. Facilities include a working farm and British Horse Society-approved equestrian centre; a modern multipurpose sports hall, indoor climbing
wall, extensive playing fields and swimming pool. There are also first-class facilities for art, music, design and IT and a purpose-built theatre for drama.

A boarding way of life
Boarding is a way of life at Abbotsholme boarding school, where pupils live and share as part of a community and develop friendships that last a lifetime. Our boarders learn independence, time-management skills and responsibility and, with guidance and support from houseparents, they learn how to balance academic work with social time.

In response to the challenges of increasingly busy family lives, Abbotsholme boarding school provides a flexible and caring second home. Pupils are able to board in a number of different ways, from flexi boarding once or twice per week to weekly boarding four or five nights per week to full boarding seven nights per week during term time. Today, more than 40% of our pupils are boarding and this is on the increase. Day pupils also benefit from a flexible end to the day, which allows them to take advantage of the academic and recreational facilities that are open during the evening and join in with the numerous activities and events taking place. In fact we are finding that more and more of our day pupils are keen to start boarding so that they don’t miss out!

"Balance is the essence of our educational philosophy,where academic, personal and social developmentare each given equal standing in preparing our young
people for a world beyond Abbotsholme"

ABBOTSHOLME SCHOOL RECEIVES 'EXEMPLARY' RESULTS

Having just received the results of its inspection by ISI (the Independent Schools Inspectorate), conducted in May, Abbotsholme School has plenty of reasons to celebrate.

The ISI found that "Abbotsholme is exceptionally successful in achieving its aims" and that "pupils are empowered to find success. Achievement is excellent." ISI expressed admiration for the pupils' personal development, describing it as " exemplary", and noting that "pupils embrace wholeheartedly the school's aspirations of courage, honesty, humility, integrity and respect".

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YEAR 6 DRESS UP AS VICTORIAN CHILDREN AT THE WORKHOUSE, SOUTHWELL

At Ranby House School Year 6 history this year has involved looking at Victorian life. Whilst reading about events that happened more than 170 years ago is all very well there is nothing quite like going back in time and experiencing it for real!

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GIVING YOUR CHILD A SAY IN SCHOOL SELECTION CAN MEAN A HAPPIER CHILD.

You're considering independent schools for your son or daughter. You've talked to other parents, consulted your child's present teacher, attended a number of Open Days, viewed websites and read the prospectuses, but you're still no closer to making the decision. Or at least, you're not convinced that you're making the right decision.

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For children who love the outdoors

If your child is 'horse-mad', or simply loves being out in the countryside, you might consider planning a visit to Abbotsholme School, where students have the rare opportunity of rearing animals 'first hand'. Abbotsholme is one of only a handful of British schools with a working farm, where pupils are able to learn about animal husbandry and crop management and gain an understanding of the environment, all on site.
The 70-acre farm gives students of any age the ability to select and show cattle at Agricultural Shows, assist with veterinary procedures, take responsibility for lambing and help with the hay making, as well as share in the administration.

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Making the transition from school to university

It's a huge step in any young person's life. Leaving the structure and regimen of school life for the independence of the university environment can to unsettling. As parents, we worry. Will they find good friends and flatmates? Will they eat properly or stay up all night, surviving on a diet of ready meals and will they actually study? In short, can they adapt well to this new stage of their lives? Of course, if we could make it easier for them, we undoubtedly would.

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When your child wants to become a vet

Places on Veterinary Medicine courses at the majority of British universities are highly prized. Many universities require students to have achieved three A grades and institutions can afford to be picky because competition is fierce. So how can students striving for a career in Veterinary Medicine, Equine Studies or Agriculture differentiate themselves before they have to write their critical personal statements?

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Abbotsholme is committed to operating a bursary scheme, to assist in widening access to the education provided by the school to those who cannot afford the full tuition fees. All Bursaries are means tested and Abbotsholme can provide support up to full fees, depending upon parental income and financial circumstances. For more information please contact Mr Richard Mayfield on 01889 590 217