Creative and Performing Arts
At Abbot’s Hill, Creative Arts are no afterthought — they are central to who we are. Whether a student’s passion lies in painting, performance, or music, our specialist departments are dedicated to nurturing individual talent and unlocking creative potential in every child.
We offer an exceptional breadth of opportunities for students to perform, exhibit, and grow — from intimate showcases to full-scale productions — ensuring that every young artist, musician, or performer has the chance to shine. Ambition is encouraged, individuality is celebrated, and creativity is given the space it deserves.
Underpinning all of this are facilities that are truly second to none: two Art & Design studios, a Photography studio, Drama and Dance studios, a dedicated on-site theatre and multiple music rooms. These are environments designed to inspire — spaces where students feel empowered to take creative risks and reach new heights.
Art and Design
Our vibrant Art Department, based in the stunning Stable Block, provides an inspirational creative space and is always buzzing with creative flair. Gallery visits are always a highlight. There is ample opportunity to explore Art and Design beyond the curriculum, through our co-curricular Art Club, Big Art Week and fashion shows. Our inspiring annual GCSE Art and Design Exhibition allows GCSE students to showcase their work to parents and the rest of the school.
Music
The Music Department at Abbot’s Hill has a deserved reputation as a centre of excellence. Over 40 percent of Senior students receive tuition in School, and many take an active role in music groups throughout the year. There are numerous opportunities to get involved in music. Co-curricular music groups include flute choir, reed group, chamber orchestra, wind band, string group and several choirs.
Pupils continually showcase their musical talents, taking part in concert tours at home and abroad. Our chamber choir recently played to packed audiences on a highly successful tour of Holland. Vocal and instrumental tuition is given by our strong team of visiting teachers, often leading to ABRSM exams.
Dance
Dance supports learning across a range of areas, with pupils developing confidence and self-esteem. A variety of dance forms are studied as part of the core curriculum, including contemporary, street, salsa, physical theatre and Lindy Hop.
All pupils are encouraged to participate in the school Gym and Dance Display which occurs biennially.
Drama
The school is renowned for the quality of its drama provision. Recent productions have been challenging and varied, ranging from The Addams’ Family, Daisy Pulls it off to The Little Shop of Horrors. Our Performing Arts Centre provides a range of venues including drama and dance studios as well as the Judi Dench Theatre and our outdoor Amphitheatre.
In addition to our auditions for roles on stage, we offer backstage opportunities for all pupils, where they learn the skills for set design, costume, props, lighting and sound and support the running of our Senior production. As we are passionate about the pupils learning all roles involved within the arts. We also offer one to one and small group LAMDA lessons where the pupils study for LAMDA exams throughout the year.
