Address: The Abbey School, Kendrick Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 5DZ
Region: Berkshire (see also London – Outer)
Pupils: 1052, Upper sixth 84
Description: Founded in 1887 and moved in 1905 to a site within easy walking distance from Reading town centre. It has its own playing fields and recently-upgraded buildings, including a new art and humanities building. The junior school and early years centre are on their own sites nearby. It is a C of E school and, while girls of all faiths or none are accepted, all join in morning assemblies. The IB Diploma is now offered as an alternative to A-levels. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. Music, sport and drama are particularly strong, with events and productions involving many members of the school in some capacity. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award flourishes and there is a range of overseas trips and extra-curricular clubs.
School Head: Headmistress: Mrs Barbara E Stanley, appointed 2002. Educated at Glenlola Collegiate School, Co Down, and at universities of Belfast and Leicester. Previously Principal at Alexandra College, Dublin, Headmistress of Bedford High, Deputy Headmistress of Channing, Head of Geography at St Bernard’s Convent, and held other posts at Forest School, Devizes School and Glenlola Collegiate School. Also on Church council and is a school governor; member and speaker, Corrymeela Community (N Ireland Reconciliation Community); executive member, NI branch of Assistant Masters’ and Mistress’s Association (AMMA) and representative on NI Council for Educational Research. Head of Junior School, Mrs Carol Ryninks. Teaching staff: 140 plus 24 visiting staff.
Results: GCSE: On average, 109 pupils in upper fifth, all gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 83 in upper sixth. 85% take AS/A-levels, passing an average of 3.1 subjects; 15% take the IB, gaining a mean of 38 IB points.
Furtherhigher: All sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (30% after a gap year), 12% to Oxbridge. 18% take courses in medical professions, 30% in maths, science and engineering, 38% in humanities and social sciences, 8% in expressive arts eg art, drama, theatre and textiles, 6% in business management.
Arts: Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, concert band, jazz band, brass ensemble, saxophone group, chamber choir, flute ensemble etc. Annual overseas music tour. Drama: Drama offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Majority of pupils involved in school and other productions; recently Kiss Me Kate, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Animal Farm. Art and design: On average, 28 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Pottery, food technology and textiles offered.
Sport: Sport: Hockey, netball, gymnastics, dance, athletics tennis, rounders, swimming compulsory. Options: Synchro swimming, diving, keep fit, aerobics, golf, judo, fencing, cricket. Teams successful in regional competitions. GCSE and A-level may be taken. Activities: Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service optional. Extensive programme of clubs including music, sports, drama, debating, sailing, public speaking, chess, art, science, Christian Union, Italian, dance.
Alumni: Information on ASROGA is on school website or email development@theabbey.co.uk.
Formerpupils: Baroness (Heather) Brigstocke (High Mistress of St Paul’s Girls’ School); Debby Reynolds (former UK Chief Veterinary Officer); Jenni Falconer, Kate Humble and Miranda Krestovnikoff (TV presenters); Claire Taylor (English cricketer); Elizabeth Taylor (author).
