Co-Curricular

At Abbot’s Hill, we believe EVERY child deserves their moment to shine — and nowhere is that belief more alive than in our vibrant Prep School co-curricular programme.

Pupils benefit from a rich curriculum that includes specialist teaching and generous time allocated to the Arts and Sports. We are committed to extending education beyond the classroom, and therefore provide opportunities for pupils to discover new passions, explore interests and make friends outside of year groups through our extensive co-curricular programme.

The school day is structured to offer over 70 weekly clubs and activities before, during and after the core curriculum. Whether it be sci-tech or swimming, athletics or art, netball or newspaper club, every child is able to expand their talents and potential.

Prep pupils enjoy access to our outstanding school facilities for many of the co-curricular clubs and activities offered, including the swimming pool, orienteering and athletics tracks, Sports Centre with dance studio, and the Dame Judy Dench Theatre.

Trips

At Abbot’s Hill, we know that some of the most powerful learning happens beyond the classroom. School trips spark curiosity, strengthen understanding and create the kind of joyful memories children treasure for years. Whether it’s seeing a historic artefact for the first time or exploring a new environment with friends, trips help bring learning vividly to life.

Our pupils enjoy a rich programme of educational visits designed to broaden horizons and deepen subject knowledge. From going back in time at Windsor Castle or Hampton Court, to discovering the magic of live theatre or the exploring the natural world at Kew Gardens, each experience adds a new dimension to their learning.

Residential trips take place from Year 4, providing opportunities to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, independence and resilience. These adventures encourage pupils to step outside their comfort zone, build confidence and embrace new challenges.

At Abbots Hill, every trip is an opportunity — to learn, to grow and to see the world through fresh eyes.

Sport

From Year 3 onwards, the sporting world opens up in exciting new ways. Children discover new passions as we introduce a wonderful range of sports — from netball and cricket to cross country — and the buzz of friendly competition begins as our pupils pull on their kit and head out to represent the school in inter-school matches for the very first time.

But for us, it goes far beyond trophies and results. Our greatest ambition is to give every child a genuine, lasting love of movement and activity — the kind that stays with them long after their school days are over. Whether your child is a natural born competitor or simply someone who loves to be active, we make it our mission to find the sport that makes them come alive, and to help them fly.

Our expert teaching and coaching staff provide specialist tuition from Reception to the end of the Prep years, ensuring that every pupil receives the right level of training needed to make progress. Whether developing our elite performers or encompassing the government’s vision of ‘Sport for All’, we aim to ensure that all abilities are catered for.

Main cast photo Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Creative and Performing Arts

Creative and performing arts are a key part of the Abbot’s Hill culture, with stunning art creations, beautiful instrumental and singing performances, and impressive drama productions regularly bringing the school to life.

Art

Pupils benefit from the fantastic facilities of our Stable Block Art Department, Dame Judi Dench theatre and St Nick’s Hall for music, with opportunities to take part within both the curriculum and huge range of co-curricular activities on offer.

Music

Making music is one of the many joys at Abbot’s Hill, with specialist teaching introduced from Reception. Instrumental groups in the Prep School include a Brass Ensemble, Flute Choir, Orchestra, String group, Reed group, Recorder groups and Ukulele ensemble. Our Songbirds choir is open to Years 3 and 4, and The St Nick’s Singers for older pupils in Years 5 and 6.In Year 3, pupils try a range of instruments during our ‘Music Roundabout’, and can opt for vocal and/or instrumental tuition, given by our strong team of visiting teachers.

Drama

Drama plays a large role at Abbot’s Hill, encouraging expression and individuality, whilst developing confidence from an early age. Drama is taught within the curriculum from Year 1 onwards, with numerous opportunities for pupils to perform with individual year groups, as well as in larger productions. We also invite companies into school to give regular workshops and performances, and pupils enjoy local theatre as well as West End productions.

Book a Visit

There are many ways to get a taste of life at Abbot’s Hill – whatever you choose, you can be sure of a warm welcome. We are very proud of everything that goes on each day in our classrooms, outside in the 76 acres of parkland and through our extensive co-curricular programme, and our pupils are always keen to meet prospective families and chat about their experiences at school. We know that our pupils are our very best ambassadors!

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