Founded 1912.
Abbot’s Hill is a school where one size does not fit all. We know and value everyone: we know that pupils do better when they are happy and so their wellbeing is our central focus. We know that every pupil will find their own path and so we help them to navigate it alongside dedicated and expert staff, committed to ensuring that each individual thrives.
The School was founded on the present site in 1912 by sisters Alice, Katrine and Mary Baird, who founded the school to educate young women of character. Set in 76 acres of grounds within easy reach of St Albans, Berkhamsted, Kings Langley and the surrounding villages, and with excellent transport links to the M25 and the Euston train line, we pride ourselves on the broad and stimulating education we provide. One foot is firmly rooted in our heritage but the other strides forwards into the future.
The school’s founding motto was Vie et Virtute – meaning ‘Strength and Power – and this spirit lives on through our values, which underpin all that we do. Diverse pupils with wide-ranging talents and backgrounds come together in a close community that is large enough to offer choice and flexibility but compact enough to ensure that no child is overlooked.
At Abbot’s Hill, academic excellence goes hand in hand with pastoral excellence. We are ambitious for all our pupils and offer exceptional learning opportunities to stretch, challenge and support the individuals in our care.
Self-belief and happiness, alongside a ‘can-do’ approach to every aspect of school life, enable our pupils to thrive and succeed. We are especially proud of the confidence which typifies our Year 11 leavers: they are the ‘top’ of the school and this means they have leadership opportunities beyond those of their contemporaries. As a result, they leave us equipped with the skills and confidence to prosper in their future lives.
We believe our pupils enjoy inspirational learning opportunities alongside challenging and enriching co-curricular activities, in a safe environment where they can be themselves and learn to be independent, resilient and confident. Beyond the classroom, our pupils’ experiences are vast and varied. From our many co-curricular clubs to a comprehensive schedule of day trips and residential visits, the opportunities are endless. It is through this wealth of opportunity that each pupils finds what sparks her curiosity and love of learning.
Music and Performing Arts. The school has very strong Music and Performing Arts Departments with excellent facilities. The Performing Arts building includes studios for dance, drama and music as well as a theatre. The School Choirs and Orchestra perform regularly in concerts, recitals, plays, musicals and various functions throughout the year and there is a school production each year.
Sports. The school has a strong sporting tradition. There is a well-equipped Sports Hall, lacrosse pitches, grass and hard tennis courts, and a swimming pool. The main sports played are Lacrosse, Netball, Athletics, Tennis, Rounders and Swimming. All girls are encouraged to participate in the sporting opportunities at Abbot’s Hill and currently there are a number of girls who have reached County and National standard in selected sports.
Extracurricular Activities. Many activities and clubs are held outside of school and these vary in range from Dance, Art, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, Music, Speech and Drama and all sports.
Admission. Admission to Abbot’s Hill is by Entrance Examination, interview, and a report from the previous school.
Scholarships and Bursaries. Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport scholarships are available giving 5–10% reduction in fees. Means-tested Bursaries are also available.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Reception–Year 6: £4,970–£6,740; Year 7–11: £8,990–£9,225. Fees include VAT.
Prep School. Abbot’s Hill Prep is situated in the same grounds as the Senior School. The Prep School provides Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory education for girls aged 4 and above. Abbot’s Hill Nursery and Pre-School welcome boys and girls from 6 months of age. The Prep mixes the formal setting of the classroom with the wealth of opportunity provided by our physical surroundings. Children are given the freedom in which to grow, learn and play. Classrooms and corridors are bright and well decorated with children’s work reflecting the diversity of the curriculum.
The Prep School plays a very important role within our school community and is an integral part of the school as a whole. It is our aim at Abbot’s Hill to nurture the whole child, thus enabling our pupils to develop their talents whether they be academic, artistic or sporting. Specialist teaching is introduced from a child’s earliest days; French, Music and PE are introduced in the pre-school year. This is added to as a child progresses to include Drama, Games, ICT and Geography. By the time a girl reaches Year 5 she is being completely subject taught and is able to adapt to moving around whilst being supported by a class teacher.
The small class sizes at Abbot’s Hill Prep enable individual needs to be recognised and met early with the minimum disruption. For those who need extra support this is offered within the classroom setting or one-to-one as appropriate. Gifts or talents for a particular area of learning can be extended and developed to their potential.
The wider curriculum plays a key role. Educational visits are an integral part of the teaching programme and children are regularly taken on visits to galleries and museums to enhance their learning experience. Outside visitors lead workshops at school for year groups or the whole school as appropriate. The extracurricular programme is wide ranging and ever changing. It currently includes such wide-ranging pursuits as languages, trampolining, gardening and board games as well as a wealth of musical and sports clubs.
Further information. Abbot’s Hill welcomes visits from prospective parents and pupils. If you would like to visit the School, please contact the Registrar for an appointment on 01442 240333 or email registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk. Charitable status. Abbot’s Hill Charitable Trust is a Registered Charity, number 311053, which exists to provide high quality education for children.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of the Governing Body: Mr E Lipton, BSc Hons, MBA, FRSA, FRICS
Headmistress: Mrs Sharon Schanschieff BSc Hons, QTS
Head of Prep School: Miss K Bluck, MA, PGCE, QTS
Bursar: Mr Michael Waymouth, BA, MA, MCGI Cert, IoD CMgr, FCMI
Registrar: Miss A Cooper