Abbot's Hill was built for John Dickinson FRS (1782-1869), the paper manufacturer and founder of John Dickinson and Co., to his own design. The building of the house was started in 1836 on what was previously known as Bleak Hill and the Dickinson family moved in during October in the following year: they called the house ‘Abbot's Hill'.

On Wednesday 10 October the whole school gathered on the front lawn to witness the planting of the Abbot's Hill Centenary Tree. The tree, a copper beech commemorates our founders Miss Katrine and Miss Mary Baird and we hope it will thrive for years to come as a memory of this very special year in our history.

As part of the centenary celebrations, everyone at St Nicholas House took part in a mosaic workshop this month. Liz from Inspired Mosaics used some of the children's own ideas to create an overall design of a flower incorporating creative subjects, clan colours and a message of friendship.

The whole School community joined in the celebrations for Abbot's Hill's one hundredth birthday on 8 May 2012. The day started with a special Service of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Albans attended by staff, pupils, governors, old girls and many friends of the School. We were also pleased to welcome the Mayor of Dacorum, Councillor Mrs Gillian Chapman and the Mayor of St Albans City and District, Councillor Aislinn Lee.

On Friday 16 March the School held the launch of its Centenary book - Abbot's Hill School – Celebrating One Hundred Years of Memories compiled and written by well known local author, June Wiggins.

Congratulations to former pupil Louisa Haggerty, who won second place in the Classical category at the UK final of The Next Brit Thing - a music contest open to 11- 19 year olds which is backed by the UK Music Industry, the Brit Awards and the government.

Louisa, who would like to pursue a career in opera and classical singing, performed in the final at the Indigo2 on Monday 5 March.

Former Abbot's Hill pupil Zara Brownless, who left the school this Summer, is currently appearing on the BBC's The Young Apprentice, having been selected from thousands of candidates from across the UK. In the series Lord Sugar puts the young candidates through their paces in a series of business challenges as they compete for a £25,000 prize fund towards setting up their own business.