Wycombe Abbey is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18. The school was founded in 1896, on the day of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Within three years, it had grown from 40 to 210 pupils.
Wycombe Abbey's aims were established by its founder, Dame Frances Dove, and remain the same today: the pursuit of academic excellence, the development of each individual's talents in creative, physical and social skills, and the encouragement of faith in God and service to other people, all in a happy, fulfilling and caring community.
Headmistress Jo Duncan says: "Wycombe Abbey is an exceptional place; it operates as a modern full boarding school for 655 girls and we are committed to the development of each one.
"Built on the firm foundation of more than 125 years of educating young women, our vision is to provide a world-class education.
"We are excited about encouraging curiosity, bold ideas, innovation, leadership and delight in learning – inside and outside the classroom."
She continues: "Superb academic outcomes are the hallmark of a Wycombe Abbey education and girls regularly secure places at the most prestigious universities globally.
"However, we understand the importance of looking beyond the narrow confines of excellent examination results to define success.
"Our rich co-curricular programme includes an array of activities and opportunities, ensuring that every girl develops her passions and explores new possibilities.
"These experiences, in turn, help to build the skills, discipline and character that will support her future life."
Inspection reports
Inspections provide parents with detailed information from which to assess key aspects of a school. Find out more about why inspections matter.
The school was last inspected in June 2021. Read the inspection reports on the school's website.
The school is a registered charity managed by a board of governors. Read more on the Charity Commission website.
What makes Wycombe Abbey different?
Attain asked the school, what makes Wycombe Abbey different – and why should parents consider it?
Wycombe Abbey is a world leader in girls' boarding education and a place where academic excellence, empathy and integrity thrive.
Built on 125 years' experience of educating young women, our learning environment is supportive yet challenging, preparing girls to be successful leaders, of themselves and others, through an exceptional school experience.
We offer outstanding teaching provided by subject specialists who encourage curiosity, innovation and academic risk-taking. We are consistently one of the country's top-performing schools and pupils move on to top universities globally.
Every pupil also has opportunities to develop and explore new possibilities through our extensive co-curricular programme. We believe that education is not simply about delivering a curriculum and exam syllabus, but that real learning stems from stimulating intellectual interest and nurturing a love for subjects that stays with our pupils throughout their lives.
Our boarding culture stimulates and inspires throughout the week empowering girls to achieve their best, academically and socially. Year 7 start in Junior House settling into School life, Years 8-12 join one of nine Senior Houses in mixed-age dorms and Year 13 spend their last year of School together, providing independent university style living.
Set in 170 acres of conservation-listed parkland, we are easily accessible with excellent transport links to Heathrow (30 minutes) and central London (60 minutes).
Open Mornings & Coffee Mornings
Discover more about Wycombe Abbey by attending an Open Day in May or September – or at a Coffee Morning.
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