Open Events and Visits

Ways to Visit

Whole School Open Days

Each September, we hold a Saturday Whole School Open Day.  This is the perfect introduction to Abbot’s Hill for families who are just beginning their search. During the morning you will:

• Hear from our Head, Sharon Schanschiefff, and some of our pupils
• Explore all subject areas and visit classrooms across the school
• Tour our 76-acre campus guided by our pupils — from Pre-School through to Year 11
• Meet staff, current parents and pupils throughout the site
• Enjoy refreshments from our Catering Team

Open Days give you a broad, unhurried overview of the whole school. They are suitable for families with children of any age, from Pre School upwards.

School in Action Morning – Wednesday 14 October 8.45 – 10.20am

Our School in Action Mornings offer something different: the chance to see Abbot’s Hill exactly as it is on a normal school day, buzzing with everyday learning and activity.

During the morning you will:

• Join a relaxed, guided tour of the school while lessons are taking place
• Drop in on classes across the age range (ages 3–16) and see teaching in action
• Chat with pupils and staff to hear first-hand what life here is really like
• Explore our facilities, grounds and outdoor spaces
• Hear from our Head and key members of staff, with time for questions
• Meet other visiting families over refreshments

School in Action Mornings are ideal for families who want to see the school at its most authentic, and for those who are further along in their thinking and want a more detailed picture of day-to-day life. They are suitable for families with children of any age and for parents who may like to visit without their child in the first instance.

Private Tours

For families who would prefer a more personal visit, we are delighted to offer private tours throughout the school term — on a date and time that suits you.

A private tour typically lasts around 60–90 minutes and is led by a member of either our Admissions or Senior Leadership team. During your visit you will:

• Tour the school at your own pace, with time to explore the areas most relevant to your child’s age group
• See the school in action during a normal school day
• Meet our Head, Sharon Schanschieff, for an individual conversation about your child and your family’s priorities
• Ask any questions — about the curriculum, pastoral care, assessments, fees, transport or anything else on your mind

Private tours are available for families with children of all ages, from Nursery through to Year 10 entry. They are particularly popular with families who are seriously considering applying and would like a more in-depth conversation before doing so. Your child is very welcome to join you.

To arrange a private tour, please complete the form below or contact our Admissions team directly:

📞 01442 240333
✉️ admissions@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

Nursery Visits

Families interested in our Nursery or Pre-School are warmly invited to arrange a dedicated Nursery visit, which gives you the opportunity to meet our Nursery team, see the children at play and learning, and ask any questions specific to our youngest age group.

To arrange a Nursery visit, please contact us on 01442 240333 or visit our Nursery Enquiries page.

What to Expect When You Visit

We know that visiting an independent school for the first time can feel like a big step. We want to make it as relaxed and useful as possible.

• Do I need to bring my child? It is totally up to you!  Children are very welcome at our Open Events, although it is absolutely fine to leave them at home too! Our site is large and quite spread out, so very small children may find it tough going! Children are very welcome to join private tours, and we certainly encourage it for families thinking about Prep and Senior School entry
• How long will it take? Open Days run for approximately two and a half hours. School in Action Mornings last around two hours. Private tours typically last 60–90 minutes.
• Will I be given a hard sell? No. Our aim is to give you an honest picture of the school so you can make the right decision for your family — whatever that turns out to be.
• What should I wear? Come as you are. There is no dress code for visitors.
• Can I ask about fees during the visit? Absolutely. All aspects of admissions — including fees, scholarships, bursaries and the application process — are fair game. Our Admissions team is happy to discuss anything in confidence.

Getting to Abbot’s Hill

Abbot’s Hill is located at Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 8RP, set within 76 acres between Hemel Hempstead and Kings Langley.

• By car: The school is approximately 10 minutes] from Junction 8 of the M1 and 5 minutes from the A41. Free parking is available on site.
• By train: The nearest station is Kings Langley. The school is 5 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes on foot from here

We are within easy reach of St Albans, Berkhamsted, Harpenden, Tring, Watford and Kings Langley. School bus routes serve many of these areas for pupils — see our Transport page for details.

Get directions on Google Maps

Not Ready to Visit Yet?

That’s absolutely fine. There are other ways to get to know us first:

• Read our Admissions FAQs — answers to the questions families ask most
• Don’t just take our word for it – read our impartial school reviews on sites such as The Good Schools Guide or Muddy Stilettos Schools Guide
• Contact our Admissions team — for an informal conversation, at no obligation

We are always happy to talk through your questions before you commit to a visit. Call us on 01442 240333 or email admissions@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk — we’re here to help.