Abbots Hill School

[Mandy012]

We have been offered a place for my two daughters at this school. The school looks very beautiful and they make a big deal of it being caring. However the two girls that showed us round weren’t very complimentary this really got us worried. They talked about bullying that wasn’t resolved. Unqualified teachers and lessons being really boring and very little diversity
. Any parents with experience at this school? Currently our girls attend a state comprehensive primary and secondary where they are very hot on issues like bullying and have lots of clubs and activities that make the school day interesting. Should we move them.

The school has just been through a huge “wobble” when a lot of staff members went on strike over changes to their pension. The secondary was affected worse than the prep.

The head did their best but it went on for months and months. A LOT of girls left - particularly from years 8 and 9 - and went to Royal Masonic and Queenswood.

A lot of senior staff members left the school and there has been a lot of new recruitment. It’s going to take some time for the dust to settle.

It is an amazing school for pastoral care though and suits a certain type of girl very well. Fees are expensive given the facilities (compared to Berkhamsted and Royal Masonic). The listed building needs a lot of upkeep.

So if your daughters need the small class sizes and the pastoral nurturing then it’s a great school. I think there are better options though and I personally would give it a couple of years to readjust and regroup.

@DibbleDooDah interested in this. What sort of girl do you think it suits very well?

@schoolconundrum It suits the “softer” sort of girl very well - a horrible choice of word, but not the alpha females IYSWIM. Perhaps the sort of girls who don’t really stand out at other schools but work hard and are kind to others. Every school will have characters, but more often than not at AH, they are respectful of others and rub along well.

The school is very good at finding out a girls strengths and giving them the confidence to believe in themselves. It also has wonderful support for dyslexia and dyscalculia.

The pastoral really is the main selling point and it’s exactly what some girls need. Those who work best with gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement.

Thank you @DibbleDooDah that is helpful. Do you know whether they tackle bullying? As this is One of the reasons for us moving. I was also quite surprised that they picked girls that were critical of the school to show us round.

I know of over 20 girls either currently there or who have left recently. One incidence of bullying that I was told about and that was dealt with. The reality is that bullying happens in every school. Any school that says it doesn’t is lying.

The biggest issue some of my friends have had is that when joining in Y7 the girls coming up from the prep (and their parents) have stuck together and not really integrated with the new girls. You will get this at any all through school. I know of one girl who joined in Y8 and she was just fine.

I like it when schools don’t just pick the “sales” pupils as guides. Shows they’re being honest with you. What I would do is have a frank conversation with admissions about what was said and ask them about how it is dealt with. Sometimes asking the difficult questions gives you more reassurance than seeing a slick perfect environment.

@DibbleDooDah thank you for that, really helpful. Is your experience of the senior and the prep, or just the senior school? Interested in how they would be with my DD-she has ASD but nothing behavioural, more socially awkward and someone who masks her feelings in school…

Mostly the secondary (our prep sends several girls each year at 11). I know of two girls in the pre prep, one of whom has mild SEN and needs learning support. She is exceptionally well supported.

I would encourage you to talk to their head of SEN as only they can answer your questions. Ask to be put in touch via admissions.

One thing I would say though is check how many girls are in the year groups you are interested in. I think that quirky girls are sometimes better off in a larger year group as there’s more chance to find their tribe.

Abbots Hill is truly a wonderful school. When it comes to choosing the best teachers for my daughter, I couldn't ask for better. The assistant teachers, head teacher, everyone is incredibly kind and not only attentive to the children but also very supportive of parents. The variety of clubs available, from tennis to choir, football to ballet, offers something for every girl's interests.

Having visited all the schools in the area, I am extremely pleased with my decision to choose Abbots Hill. It's not just about fostering friendships for your daughter; as a parent, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded individuals and have the opportunity to create lifelong friendships.

I've come across different comments about the school, but I can confidently say that those individuals likely haven't had firsthand experience with Abbots Hill. Their assumptions are far from the truth of what this exceptional school offers.

@OP Abott's Hill doesn't have it's own sixth form. Most transfer to other schools after GCSE's e.g St Georges, Harpenden is a popular one. Just in case you didn't know.

it’s still one of the best school you can choose for your daughter.
Having visited all the schools in the area, I am extremely pleased with my decision to choose Abbots Hill. It’s not just about fostering friendships for your daughter; as a parent, you’ll find yourself surrounded by like-minded individuals and have the opportunity to create lifelong friendships.

I’ve come across different comments about the school, but I can confidently say that those individuals likely haven’t had firsthand experience with Abbots Hill. Their assumptions are far from the truth of what this exceptional school offers.

This is for parents who may read this comment now in 2024. My daughter started Abbots Hill last year and the school has been excellent. My daughter has found her feet and really developed. She has been wonderfully supported. She has been offered amazing opportunities like next year's netball trip. I have been to the school on many occasions and it is lovely, peaceful with excellent behaviour. My daughter is happy and feels safe there.