Top view of the school

Location and Facilities

We’ve only got one planet, and it’s our responsibility to care for it.  That starts with something as simple as appreciating the space around us. Abbot’s Hill has all the room we need to explore, play, and learn.  We are lucky to call it ‘ours’, and it’s important that we appreciate our beautiful campus every day we’re at school.

Within all that space – all those facilities and fields – you need a space to call your own.  That might be a common room full of chatter and laughter, where you and your friends can relax.  It might be a bench on the hill with a view you’ll never forget.  It might be the dramatic art room in the stable block, the peace and quiet of the library, or even your own special spot in Woodland School.  Abbot’s Hill is an inspirational place, as well as an inspirational community.

The next generation must learn with the sustainability of our planet at the forefront of their minds.  This starts on our own site – caring for it and taking pride in it – but extends across the globe.  We must challenge ourselves and the societies around us to find ways of improving lives that respects our environment.

Please click on the links below to explore our extensive facilities and grounds. There is nothing quite like seeing the real thing –  do book to visit us at an upcoming Open Event for a personalised tour or an In Action morning to see the Hill alive.

Book a Visit

Top view of the school

The Stables

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” ― Maya Angelou
The Stables are home to a variety of creative subjects such as Art and Design, Textiles and Home Economics. Practical and technical skills, techniques and processes are developed through wide-ranging projects, covering technical drawing and painting, printmaking, textiles, theatre design, jewellery, installations, collaborative murals and three-dimensional design. Our Home Economics coursework gives pupils an insight and understanding of how to prepare and cook a wide range of foods and develops an understanding of basic nutrition and healthy eating. Lessons are once a week and are a combination of practical and theory work.
Table with student artwork on top
big art room
gas cooker
cooking class room
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Davidson

“Everyone shines, given the right lighting.” – Susan Cain

The Davidson building is home to our Senior School English and Religious Studies departments. Both areas of our curriculum are very popular at Abbot’s Hill and our GCSE results are always impressive in this area. The pupils are introduced to varied learning opportunities including trips and cultural engagements. It is an epicentre of deep thought and critical thinking as students delve into theoretical topics and literature.

View Davidson Building

handmade cards hung up
Pupils working hard in class
teacher helping a pupil with her work
an empty classroom
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Nursery Playground

“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” – Maria Montessori

Abbot’s Hill Nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS), which is a mandatory for all Early Years providers. The ethos of the EYFS is that ‘Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential’. We place great importance on your child’s earliest years with us, providing an inspirational beginning to their education. We believe that playing outdoors encourages a healthy and happy learning environment.

View Outdoor Play Area

pupils completing an obstacle course
quirky book den
smiling boy coming down a slide
wooden climbing frame
toddler sitting on the floor
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Nursery

“I really love being human. But some days I really wish I could be fairy.” – Greta, age 4

The Nursery provides an excellent, positive Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) education. We provide high-quality care and education through rich and varied, planned and spontaneous activities, tailored to each individual child’s needs. With the building all on one level, children have free-flow access to the outside areas which can be used all year round, whatever the weather.

View Tiny Toes

View Footsteps

View Stepping Up

colourful classroom
nursery teacher taking care of a baby
teacher reading to young children
children holding the word "stand"
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Woodland School

“It’s a wondrous thing how the wild calms the child.” – Unknown

Girls in the Prep School have the most amazing opportunities to learn outside through adventures and activities planned by our dedicated Woodland Leader.  During these woodland lessons, girls are able to work on projects such as brightly coloured flowers out of recycled materials that could be put out in the garden on a sunny day to attract butterflies. As one pupil stated, ‘Not every school is lucky enough to have its own Woodland to teach from!’

View Woodland Classroom

children outdoors
children stood under a hut
children sat in a circle
children cooking outside
children in the woodland classroom
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Pre-Prep

“Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.” – Chanakya

Our Pre-Prep journey starts at age 4+. For some this is a natural continuation from our Nursery, for others they join Abbot’s Hill for the first time. This time of transition is recognised as an important one in a child’s life and staff work closely to establish a strong home/school partnership to the benefit of the individual child. We believe in a varied approach to learning with emphasis placed on securing firm foundations in literacy and numeracy. French, Music, PE and ICT are taught by specialist teaching staff.

View Reception Classroom

View Year 1 Classroom

children in maths class
children in the play park
children having fun in the park
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Main House and Senior School

“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard… We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” – Malala Yousafzai

Senior School is an exciting time for your child and their enthusiasm is echoed by ours! You and your daughter will no doubt be looking at future opportunities and direction for her education. Abbot’s Hill is a strong, caring community which helps your child on to a path of success. Our GCSE results are impressive but beyond that, our girls go on to explore a multitude of opportunities ensuring their futures are supported by the very best foundations. We are proud to work in partnership with a number of schools and other local institutions to ensure the success of our girls wherever they go.

View MFL Classroom

children in the classroom
student raising their hand in class
inside of a classroom with tables
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Library

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller

Our Prep and Senior library settings are warm and welcoming. We aim to create spaces that inspire, not just a love of books and the written word, but also the appreciation of the dedication that storytelling requires. Our pupils are encouraged to read and research and fundamentally underpin their education with these learning skills.

View Library Classroom

children reading books together
girl looking for books to read
3 children reading
child and teacher picking out a book
children looking at shelves of books
girl reaching for a book
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Dining Room

“Food can bring people together in a way nothing else could.” – Yotam Ottolenghi

Our Catering team aims to provide well-balanced, nutritious, tasty meals which are served in a calm and relaxed environment. Fresh food is sourced locally wherever possible. At Abbot’s Hill School, we are very proud of our catering team. It’s a cut above the rest in terms of quality and creativity. We believe in eating together and celebrating friendships and learning over good food.

View Dining Hall

children sat at the lunch table
children picking out lunch
children with plates of food on their table
children with trays of food
two girls at the school canteen
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Prep

“Nine tenths of education is encouragement.” – Anatole France

As girls move into Year 3 they move into the Junior Department with its own buildings. Pupils continue to work in small classes supported by dedicated and experienced teaching staff and are set in some subjects. High flyers are stretched and extra support is given where needed. Increasing use is made of specialist facilities and of teaching staff from the Senior School. It’s a very nurturing environment for girls to grow and develop.

View Prep Classroom

View Garden Classroom

child looking at PC with a teacher
inside of an empty classroom
empty classroom
student pointing at a display on the wall
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Sports Hall

“Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice.”

– Bethany Hamilton, Surfer

No matter how sporting mad your daughter is she will find her niche at Abbot’s Hill. With an emphasis given to the contribution that exercise has on a healthy lifestyle all pupils are encouraged to try their hand at many sports, many excel to national levels whilst others gain confidence and skill through school fixtures. Our expert teaching and coaching staff are able to provide specialist tuition to both groups and individuals guaranteeing that every girl receives the right level of training she needs to make progress.

View Sports Hall

sports court
children using the sports court
children using the sports court
children using the sports court
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Dance Studio

“After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.” – Ann Richards

During your daughter’s time at Abbot’s Hill, she will have the opportunity to study a variety of dance forms including contemporary, street, salsa, physical theatre and Lindy Hop. They learn to appreciate professional dance works both live and recorded. Pupils are encouraged to participate in the Gym and Dance Display which occurs biennially. We also have a very successful GSCE Dance Programme, which is extremely sought after. Pupils are encouraged to see a wide range of live performances and trips are organised throughout the two year course.

View Dance Studio

using the dance studio
children using the sports court
using the dance studio
using the dance studio
using the dance studio
students using the dance studio
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Music Room

“Nothing is better than music. When it takes us out of time, it has done more for us than we have the right to hope for.” – Nadia Boulanger

The Music Department at Abbot’s Hill is a fundamental part of school life. During their time at Abbot’s Hill pupils are encouraged to get involved where possible, from individual music and lunchtime concerts. Your daughter will begin her musical journey in the Nursery with weekly singalongs, progressing to music appreciation in the Prep. The highlight of the year is the Whole School Carol Concert taking place at St Albans Cathedral, a compelling display of the musical prowess that students gain during their time here.

View Music Room

children playing woodwind instruments
2 children playing the clarinet
girl singing into a microphone
girl using a keyboard
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Performing Arts

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” – Judy Garland

Abbot’s Hill is filled with opportunities for bright stars to shine and for girls of all abilities to explore their love of Performing Arts.  Our goal is to infuse every lesson with laughter and creativity and all girls are encouraged to take part in our drama productions. Our performing arts team is dedicated to nurturing talent and inviting every girl to come alive on stage.

View Theatre

theatre hall
students in a rehearsal
students in a rehearsal
students in a rehearsal
students in a rehearsal - top level view
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Tennis Courts and Swimming Pool

“The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.”  -Alexandra K. Trenfor

It is our outdoor space that sets us apart from all our competitors. Situated on over 70 acres of green space and woodlands, Abbot’s Hill is able to offer something unique on the outskirts of London — fresh air. Playing tennis, swimming or simply running along our beautifully landscaped green, our girls are able to stretch their legs and fill their lungs. It is this space and the views that stay with our girls for their entire lifetime.

View School Lawn

View Tennis Courts

outside of the school grounds
outside of Abbots Hill
swimming pool
students in a swimming pool
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St Nicholas House Hall

“Children are apt to live up to what you believe of them.” – Lady Bird Johnson

St Nicholas House Hall is an idyllic setting for performances and presentations for the Pre-Prep and Prep School children. This beautiful space is also used for clubs and dance classes, music productions and workshops.

View St Nicholas House Hall

hall
students in a hall
students in a hall
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The oasis that the grounds offer (all 76 acres) and the sheer feeling of space and expansiveness