Founded in 1912, the school moved to its present site in 1922 and enjoys the privilege of being housed in one of the most remarkable buildings in Britain, set in 52 acres of fine parkland. As a part of a valuable ancient monument it is maintained to the highest standards by English Heritage. Its associated prep school, Battle Abbey Prep, is in Bexhill, as is a nursery school. Battle Abbey is comfortable and civilised and has excellent modern facilities including an extensive performing arts centre for music, dance, drama and sport science and a heated, indoor swimming pool. It offers a good all-round education and examination results are good. It has a family atmosphere with the advantages of a small school. Many pupils learn a musical instrument, all take art and take part in sport; everyone, if at all possible, is involved in dramatic productions. Its major strength lies in encouraging pupils who lack self-confidence and who might sink without trace in a larger establishment; here they can be big fish in a small pond. It can produce confident young adults from sometimes the most unlikely of pupils. The house system is competitive in work, conduct, social skills and sport.
Pupils: Age range 11-18, 250 pupils; 200 day (99 boys, 101 girls), 50 boarding (25 boys, 25 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own entrance exam used. No special skills or religious requirements, although school is Christian. Majority come from own prep, Battle Abbey Prep School.
Scholarships up to 50% of fees, including a sixth-form scholarship for an applicant from the maintained sector. One bursary (12%) for serving members of HM forces, and for siblings (3rd child). Parents expected to buy sixth-form textbooks only; no other compulsory extras.
Parents are drawn from a range of commercial and creative professions; many own their own businesses.
Headmaster: Roger Clark, in post from 1998. Educated at King's School, Ely, and at the universities of East Anglia and Southampton. Previously Head of Newlands Preparatory School, Head of Modern Languages at Churcher's and Housemaster at Seaford. Teaching staff: 50 full time, 50 part time. Average age 47.
GCSE: 40 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in 7+ subjects. A-levels: 31 in upper sixth, achieving an average final point score of 345.
89% of sixth-form leavers go on to degree courses (10% after a gap year). 29% take courses in science, medicine etc; 27% in humanities and social sciences; 23% in art and design; 11% in law; 5% in music; and 4% in other vocational subjects, eg computing, physiotherapy.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 21 GCSE subjects; 23 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 40% take science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 20% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Special additional lessons can be arranged. Languages: French and German offered to GCSE and A-level; also Spanish GCSE. Ad hoc trips to France and Germany. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. GCSE, AS and A-level offered. 170 computers for pupil use (12 hours a day), all networked, all with email and internet access.
Music: 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 5 musical groups including choirs. Drama and dance: Taught to all in Years 7-9, speech and drama an extra throughout. Drama and dance GCSEs, theatre studies AS and A-level and LAMDA exams may be taken. Art and design: All in Years 7-9 pupils take art and textiles as separate subjects. On average, 18 pupils take GCSE fine art, 10 textiles (some take both); approx 12 take AS and A-level fine art/textiles. Art history AS/A-level also offered.
Sport: Football, rugby, hockey and cricket are major games for boys; hockey, netball and rounders for girls. Other options include swimming, personal survival, trampolining, tennis and althetics; also karate, badminton, horse-riding, skiing extra-curricular. Qualifications to become sports and community leaders, umpires and coaches offered (and encouraged). Activities: Pupils can take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; also World Challenge.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head of house and house prefects appointed by the Headmaster or housemaster/mistress. School council and parliament. Religion: Christian morning assembly compulsory. Boarders attend Sunday Church (non-Christians excused). Social: Trips to many European destinations as well as China and Kenya. Lunch semi-formal, other meals less formal. Discos once or twice a term. Lenten charity effort.
The pupils have a strong sense of natural discipline and good manners. School will discuss any serious infractions with staff, parents and pupils, and judges each breach of discipline on a case-by-case basis.
Sixth form have study bedrooms; others in dormitories of up to 4. Central dining room. 3-4 weekend exeats per term, plus half-term and 4 Sundays. Visits to the local town allowed.
is run by Monica Steward, c/o the school.
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