Our Lady's Abingdon

Our Lady’s Abingdon School, an independent coeducational day school founded in 1860, is situated in the heart of Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The school is governed by a board of trustees and has undergone significant leadership changes since its last inspection, including the appointment of a new head and chair of governors. The school now caters exclusively to pupils aged 7 to 18, with a current enrollment of 373 students, including 36 juniors, 269 seniors, and 68 in the sixth form.

The school’s mission is to provide a nurturing educational environment where each child can grow as an individual. It emphasizes a personalized approach to education, aiming to unlock each pupil's potential and equip them with essential life skills. The ethos is rooted in values such as integrity, compassion, and cooperation, encouraging students to explore their unique gifts and contribute positively to the school community. The motto, whatever you do, do it well, encapsulates the school's commitment to excellence.

The student body primarily consists of local pupils, with a small number of international students. The school reports that the overall ability of its pupils is average or above, with 130 students identified as having special educational needs or disabilities, of which eight receive specialized support. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the most able students, ensuring that all pupils can thrive academically.

The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Our Lady’s Abingdon School meets all regulatory standards. The inspection evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality.

In terms of educational quality, the school provides a robust framework for assessment, enabling pupils to make good progress. The teaching methods employed in both junior and senior schools facilitate effective learning, as evidenced by the school’s GCSE and A-level results from 2019 to 2022, which indicate that pupils are achieving well. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects and supported by appropriate resources. Relationships education is integrated into the curriculum, and the school has consulted parents to ensure that its policies align with statutory guidance.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school encourages pupils to engage with their community and develop a strong sense of social responsibility. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with effective measures in place to safeguard students and promote good behavior. The school maintains appropriate supervision and has a strategic approach to risk assessment, ensuring a safe learning environment.

The inspection also highlighted the school’s commitment to ensuring the suitability of staff, with appropriate checks conducted to verify their backgrounds. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ needs, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as outdoor spaces for physical education.

The school excels in providing information to parents and stakeholders, ensuring transparency regarding its ethos, curriculum, and policies. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, allowing for clear communication and resolution of issues.

Leadership and management at Our Lady’s Abingdon School demonstrate strong skills and knowledge, ensuring that all standards are consistently met. The leadership team actively promotes the well-being of pupils, fostering a positive school culture.

The educational quality inspection further affirmed that the quality of pupils’ academic achievements is good. Pupils of all abilities, including those with special educational needs and English as an additional language, make good progress and attain high standards. They exhibit a positive attitude towards their studies and demonstrate strong verbal communication skills. However, the inspection noted that opportunities for challenge and high expectations are not consistently applied across the curriculum, which can limit some pupils' potential.

Pupils’ personal development is also rated as good, with a strong sense of community evident throughout the school. They demonstrate maturity in their relationships and take responsibility for their actions. While pupils enjoy collaborative work, there are limited opportunities for them to develop leadership skills and take initiative within the school environment.

The school encourages a broad range of extracurricular activities, allowing pupils to explore their interests outside the classroom. They participate in various competitions and achieve notable success in sports, arts, and academic challenges. The school’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded education is evident in the diverse opportunities available to pupils.

Pupils express a good understanding of spiritual matters and engage in discussions about ethical and moral issues. They appreciate the diversity within the school community and demonstrate respect for different cultures and beliefs. The school promotes mental and physical well-being, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported in their environment.

Overall, Our Lady’s Abingdon School provides a nurturing and supportive educational experience, meeting the needs of its pupils while promoting their academic and personal development. The school’s commitment to excellence, combined with its strong leadership and community values, positions it as a positive environment for learning and growth. The inspection findings affirm that the school is successfully fulfilling its mission to provide a high-quality education in a caring and inclusive setting.