Home / Schools Guide / Midlands /
Derbyshire / Independent secondary

Printable version

Abbotsholme School, Uttoxeter

Review this schoolLatest reviews for Abbotsholme School, Uttoxeter

Abbotsholme School details

Address:

Abbotsholme School
Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS

Telephone:

01889 590217

Fax:

01889 591 001

Email:

admissions@abbotsholme.co.uk

Website:

www.abbotsholme.com

Authority:

Derbyshire

Gender of entry:

Mixed

Age range:

4-19

Number of students:

303

Affiliation:

HMC, SHMIS

Gender of sixth form:

Mixed

Last inspection:

April 2007. Read the full inspection report.

General information

Headteacher: Steve Fairclough, appointed in 2003.

Staff: 44 (men 17, women 27).

Background: Balance is the educational ethos at Abbotsholme School where academic, personal and social development are given equal standing. The school was founded in 1889 by a young Scottish academic, Dr Cecil Reddie, in a 140-acre estate by the River Dove. Reddie introduced a shift away from the rigid conformity of the traditional public school towards spontaneity, leadership, compassion and respect for the environment. The school still lives by his holistic approach to education. Abbotsholme is one of very few schools in the country to have a working farm within its grounds where pupils learn about animal husbandry and crop management. There is also an equestrian centre which stables the school's and pupils' horses. Tuition is offered to beginners as well as to those working towards professional qualifications. Class sizes are small and although the school caters for a wide range of abilities, academic standards are high, with most sixth-formers going on to theirfirst-choice university. There is a dyslexia unit for help if needed. GCSE options cover agriculture and engineering to Spanish and drama and there are 20 options at AS-level including theatre studies and critical thinking. Most can be taken to full A-level. Additional courses include the BTEC first diploma in countryside and environment and the British Horse Society's instructor's course, or an NVQ in equine studies. Many pupils are involved in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and take part in foreign exchanges and trips as well as sports and outdoor activities.

Higher education: 86% (1 Oxford 0 Cambridge).

Special needs: The school has a small dyslexia department. Children can be admitted with special needs at the discretion of the headmaster.

Inspection: April 2007: 'Abbotsholme provides a richly diverse and distinctive educational experience in which individual pupils are well known, very well cared for and enabled to flourish both personally and academically, according to their abilities. The school?s membership of the international Round Square group of schools, and the exceptional range of outdoor activities available, enable many of the pupils to experience challenging and enriching situations that contribute significantly to their self confidence and self reliance. The excellent relationships in the school create a happy and supportive learning environment to which the pupils respond well. Skilful teaching helps most pupils, including a significant number with specific learning difficulties to achieve well in relation to their abilities. The high quality of the boarding provision and the uplifting nature of the school?s environment contribute positively to the overall educational experience. This is a rapidly improving school, which is benefiting from good leadership and management and strong support for its distinctive ethos and provision from pupils, parents, staff and governors.'

Feeder schools: John Buchan Middle School, Sennelager, Germany; Kirk Ireton C of E Primary, Ashbourne; Ryecroft C of E Middle.

Boys' age range: 5 to 18.

Girls' age range: 5 to 18.

Percentage admitted according to academic ability: 100.

Average class size (seniors; 11-16): 14.

Average class size (sixth form): 10.

Abbotsholme School Statistics

Browse through all the Derbyshire schools. Or view different types of school in Derbyshire

• Derbyshire boys' schools
• Derbyshire girls' schools
• Derbyshire mixed schools
• Derbyshire state schools
• Derbyshire independent private schools
• Derbyshire secondary schools
• Derbyshire special schools
• Derbyshire state primary schools
• Derbyshire independent private preparatory & junior schools
• Derbyshire state secondary schools
• Derbyshire independent private secondary schools
• Derbyshire state special schools
• Derbyshire independent private special schools
• Derbyshire state sixth form & FE colleges schools