Wycombe Abbey

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.

Key facts about Wycombe Abbey

  • Wycombe Abbey is a girls-only senior school, offering both day and boarding places.
  • The school welcomes approximately 500 girls aged from 11 to 18 years.
  • Wycombe Abbey is located at High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.

Why choose Wycombe Abbey?

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."

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).

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Photo Credits: David Levenson, Toby Phillips

Head, Governance and Inspections

When reviewing details about a particular school, prospective parents should always ensure they have looked at the governance details, reviewed recent inspections and read about the Head's vision for the school. Find out more about how to read an inspection report, the role of the Head (and whether you need to like him or her!), the school's pastoral care provision, looking at what is taught through the curriculum and assessing the extracurricular opportunities on offer.

Head

Jo Duncan is Headmistress of Wycombe Abbey.

Governance

The school is a registered charity managed by trustees. Read more about the charity structure and how it is run on the Charity Commission website.

Inspections

Wycombe Abbey is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) on behalf of the Department for Education. Routine inspections take place once every three years.

Wycombe Abbey Open Days

Open Days provide a wonderful opportunity to visit a school and discover more about the community, values and ethos. Read more about the questions to ask at an Open Day and the things you can expect to see.
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Open Events at Wycombe Abbey

The next Open Morning will be held on 13th September 2025 and booking is via the school website. In addition, Coffee Mornings, which provide a tour of the school on a working day, are held each term for approximately 30 families.

More about Wycombe Abbey

Wycombe Abbey location map

Wycombe Abbey
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 1PE.

Girls, 11-18 · Day & Boarding

To discover more, visit the Wycombe Abbey website.

Have you considered these Buckinghamshire catchment area schools?

Scroll right to see all the details about the schools below, including type and location.
Cheam School
Day & Boarding
Boys & Girls, 3-13
Newbury
Davenies School
Day
Boys, 4-13
Beaconsfield
Heatherton School
Day
Girls 2-11, Boys 2-5
Amersham
St George's Ascot
Day & Boarding
Girls, 11-18
Ascot
The Beacon School
Day
Boys, 3-13
Chesham Bois

Would you like to explore other local and regional schools?

Discover more Buckinghamshire private schools – or look further afield at indepedent schools across the South East area.