Abbotsholme School
- Abbotsholme School
Rocester
Uttoxeter
Staffordshire
ST14 5BS - Head: Mrs Amy Thornton
- T 01889 590217
- F 01889 591 001
- E enquiries@abbotsholme.co.uk
- W www.abbotsholme.co.uk
- An independent school for boys and girls aged from 2 to 20.
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Derbyshire
- Pupils: 240
- Religion: None
- Fees: Day £10,170 - £25,185; Boarding £20,985 - £44,313 pa
- Open days: Spring 2025 - Date TBC
- ISI report: View the ISI report
What the school says...
Abbotsholme School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 - 20 years old. Our school is set within a 140-acre campus, on the banks of the River Dove on the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border, in the quiet village of Rocester.
Our size is our strength, meaning that every child is not just taught, but known. If you ask our pupils why they chose Abbotsholme School, they would tell you about our equestrian centre, our farm and our passion for outdoor education. Delve a little deeper, and they would say they feel valued, challenged and at ease with themselves and each other. Our staff and pupils embody the spirit of Abbotsholme daily and our values of honesty, respect, humility, courage and integrity are reflected in everything we do.
Abbotsholme School is a truly unique school. Since opening in 1889, we have always had a fresh and innovative approach to education, favouring a more liberal and holistic education. As pioneers of outdoor education, Abbotsholme School carries forward the legacy of our founder, Dr Cecil Reddie, whose vision helped inspire the creation of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Whenever possible, we take our learning outdoors, and our exceptional outdoor facilities enable us to instil a love for outdoor pursuits in our pupils. Our extracurricular programme offers our pupils an exceptional variety of activities to explore as they discover their strengths and personal interests. Our 70-acre working farm, five-star equestrian centre, state-of-the-art theatre, music department, sports centre, climbing wall and our 140-acre estate offer pupils a vast array of opportunities to explore and develop new skills. Whatever their passion, talent or spark, we guide and empower our pupils to be the very best they can be.
At Abbotsholme, we are particularly proud to educate some of the county's top young athletes in cricket and hockey. We are pleased to support these pupils with exceptional on-site coaching, facilities, and pathways with various clubs, helping them as they strive for success in sports. Our five-star-rated, British Horse Society-approved Equestrian Centre has also paved the way for many young riders, who compete at both national and county levels, representing our unique and wonderful school.
Abbotsholme is a proud member of Round Square, one of only 15 schools in the UK. As a Round Square member, Abbotsholme School enjoys numerous advantages, most notably exchange programmes that offer pupils the chance to immerse themselves in different cultures and languages. These opportunities allow pupils to spend up to three months in fellow Round Square schools, engaging with and learning alongside like-minded peers from all corners of the world. ...Read more
This is not currently a GSG-reviewed school.
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Other features
All-through school (for example 3-18 years). - An all-through school covers junior and senior education. It may start at 3 or 4, or later, and continue through to 16 or 18. Some all-through schools set exams at 11 or 13 that pupils must pass to move on.
School associations
Round Square - a network of 40 schools worldwide that share ideals such as internationalism, adventure and service.
Sports
Equestrian centre or equestrian team - school has own equestrian centre or an equestrian team.
Shooting
Overall school performance (for comparison or review only)
Results by exam and subject
Subject results
Entry/Exit
Special Education Needs
Abbotsholme School is committed to a holistic approach to education, recognising the importance of providing pupils with a solid foundation for their future. This philosophy extends to addressing specific learning differences, ensuring that all pupils are fully integrated into daily life and lessons. Our staff are attentive to the individual needs and challenges of each pupil, making appropriate allowances as necessary. Our Learning Support department offers small group support for any pupil with special educational needs, aiming to help them realise their full potential, whether they face challenges such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, or other specific learning differences. The department places a strong emphasis on literacy, as it is fundamental to learning across all subjects. Our teaching strategies utilise a highly structured, sequential, multi-sensory programme delivered by trained specialists in a well-resourced environment. The ultimate objective of the department is to help pupils achieve their fullest potential. To do this, each pupil receives a highly structured, multi-sensory programme tailored to their individual needs. This pupil-directed approach emphasises that success results from their own efforts and practice. We believe that learning should be an active process, and as pupils advance through the school, greater emphasis is placed on developing organisational skills and examination techniques.
| Condition | Provision for in school |
|---|---|
| ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Might cover/be referred to as;
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), PDA , Social skills, Sensory processing disorder |
Y |
| HI - Hearing Impairment
Might cover/be referred to as;
Hearing Impairment, HI - Hearing Impairment |
Y |
| MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
Learning needs, MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty |
|
| MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment
Might cover/be referred to as;
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment, Sensory processing |
|
| OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability
Might cover/be referred to as;
Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic , OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability, Tics, Tourettes |
|
| PD - Physical Disability
Might cover/be referred to as;
PD - Physical Disability |
|
| PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay, PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty |
|
| SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Might cover/be referred to as;
Anxiety , Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health, SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Trauma |
Y |
| SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication
Might cover/be referred to as;
DLD - Developmental Language Disorder, Selective mutism, SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication |
|
| SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
Complex needs, SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty, Cerebral Palsy (CP) |
|
| SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty
Might cover/be referred to as;
ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Auditory Processing, DCD, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting, Other specific learning difficulty, SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) |
Y |
| VI - Visual Impairment
Might cover/be referred to as;
Special facilities for Visually Impaired, VI - Visual Impairment |
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