Bucks &amp; Oxon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-9.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students on running track" class="wp-image-195388" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-9.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-9-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT? WHERE?</h2>



<p>Abingdon Prep is a popular co-ed school for pupils aged 4 – 13 yrs, located in the village of Frilford (just outside Abingdon). The generous rural 50-acre site has plenty of room for its 200 pupils to dash around in, with the elegant Frilford House at its heart. Think an Elizabethan take on an 18th century country house, with a clutch of modern additions that have made an attractive ‘quad’ as the school has grown.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Founded in 1956 as Josca’s, a boys’ school, the Prep became part of the Abingdon Foundation with Abingdon School (day and boarding, 11 – 18 yrs) in 1998, with 90% of pupils going onto the Senior school. The Prep now accepts boys and girls throughout. The school takes in single Pre-Prep classes (Reception to Y2) and two for Y3 upwards. Class sizes are small – a maximum of 20.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facilities">FACILITIES</h2>



<p>Plenty, thanks! Since the school became part of the Abingdon Foundation, there have been waves of development, most recently in 2022. The new Music School had the knock-on effect of allowing the library to expand. It’s a lovely space for the kids and it now includes a collegiate style break out area for the older pupils that any Senior school would be proud to have. There’s a dedicated STEM lab for Junior 5 and below, and a clever use of the well-maintained outdoor play areas to give Pre-Prep, Middle and Senior School their own zones.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sport">SPORT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-6.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students playing on field" class="wp-image-195391" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-6-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sport is a BIG DEAL at Abingdon Prep where a competitive streak (the silverware in the atrium shout success) runs parallel to a genuine sport-for-all philosophy. There’s been success in football and cross country (the school reached National Finals in both), as well as cricket with numerous county representatives across the year groups, but netball, swimming, rugby, hockey and a raft of niche opportunities such as fencing, rifle shooting, golf, archery, water polo and even indoor skiing gives everyone the chance to find their talent.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The school is committed to co-ed sports with girls and boys training together and teams picked on genderless merit. There are currently girls in the football team, for example. All pupils have two games sessions, a PE lesson and a swimming lesson each week, so if you want your kids moving and active – honey, you’re in the right place.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arts">THE ARTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-8.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students playing guitar" class="wp-image-195389" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-8-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The ribbon was cut on a dedicated Music School here in 2022, and it’s fair to say it’s turbo-charged the Performing Arts. Around 50% of pupils learn musical instruments, with a clever encouragement of a range of instruments including mini bassoon and cello so it can have its own Symphony Orchestra (no mean feat for a school of 200). There are 15 music clubs on offer, including a jazz band and no-audition choir alongside fun additions like Bucket Drumming and Karaoke Choir Club which probably tells you all you need to know about the music department’s ethos of instilling a love of music for all.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Above the Music School is a large Art department, offering painting, drawing, ceramics and printmaking along with pottery (there’s a wheel and kiln here) and – the art teacher’s speciality – print making. In the summer term for Y5 and Y6, Art Club becomes Photography Club. There’s also a replete DT room on this floor that’s wildly popular. It offers two DT clubs, an annual Design Challenge and even a Mini Makers class for the Pre-Prep.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>There’s a multi-use hall with its own staging for school drama and events, although Abingdon School’s 450-seater Amey Theatre is the flash option for drama productions. All year groups undertake performances across the year with Drama taught as part of the academic curriculum from Reception to Year 6 and performing arts in Years 7 and 8. This year, pupils in Years 5 and 6 are doing <em>Bah! Humbug </em>and there are music concerts and performances galore throughout each term.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-academics">ACADEMICS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-5.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students" class="wp-image-195392" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-5-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Abingdon Prep feeds around 90% of pupils into the academically strong Abingdon School, supporting them through the transition with a mix of tracking, learning support, and scholarship classes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lessons veer towards the traditional Prep offering here, with Latin being taught ​​for two terms from&nbsp;Y6, and French as the main language, with Spanish offered as a club. There are specialist teachers across DT, Art, Music and PE from Y5 and by Y6 it’s specialists across the board. Offers for places in Year 9 at Abingdon Senior School are made in Year 5. All that said, Abingdon Prep has a refreshingly explicit recognition that academics aren’t everything. ‘The Other Half’ is a genius name for the co-curricular activities at the school. A clear message that academic success is only half the story, and that ‘the other half’ is what makes you a well-rounded person. To that end there are over 85 clubs for children to choose from, the (insanely popular) DT club to War Hammer, ​water polo ​to speed typing and the children are encouraged to get out of their comfort zone and try new things.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastoral-care">PASTORAL CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-4.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students" class="wp-image-195393" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-4-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Abingdon Prep is piping hot on wellbeing, starting with a dedicated Deputy Head of Pastoral, and taking in the Form teacher, a full-time nurse, and a once-a-week counsellor (who’s also trained as a family psychologist) for one-to-one sessions with children and also parents at no extra cost.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-3.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students and teacher" class="wp-image-195394" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-3-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I’m also loving the school’s Listening Service – every morning and afternoon break time there’s a Mental Health First Aid qualified teacher in the library (sometimes the Head) who the kids can talk to about any issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Add in a Health &amp; Wellbeing Coordinator (workshops for pupils, webinars for parents), a Young Leadership scheme with peer mentoring, and a weekly Manners &amp; Kindness nod for those living the motto <em>‘Be Kind, Work Hard, Get Involved’ </em>– and you’ve got more scaffolding than the London skyline.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-littlies">LITTLIES</h2>



<p>The Pre-Prep children (Reception – Y2) have their own series of light, bright rooms, full of art and cute breakout spaces like the Reading Garden. Emotional literacy starts early here with a ‘Self-Regulation Station’ where the children can express how they’re feeling through choosing different monsters. There’s Forest School every week, and mini leadership opportunities with their own Eco Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-send">SEND</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-2.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students" class="wp-image-195395" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-2-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There’s dedicated Prep school SENDCo who is a trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) with learning support available from​​ Y2 onwards. This happens where possible within the class although one-to-one sessions are also available, at an additional cost from Years 3 to 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-head">THE HEAD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-11.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students with teacher" class="wp-image-195386" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-11.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-11-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-11-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Craig Williams has been the Head here since 2017 but has just departed to go to head up Wrekin Prep School, Shropshire. He saw through major changes such as the Music School build, the move to co-ed and a closer integration between staff – case in point, the Music, Art and DT teachers who can collaborate so much easier from the same building.  </p>



<p>His successor is Nicky Black, who I’ve previously met in her role of Head of Cokethorpe Prep. Like Williams she has a mix of strategic smarts and empathetic delivery, so it feels like a strong appointment.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quirks">QUIRKS</h2>



<p>It’s first name terms for teachers here! There are only a few schools I visit that do this but without fail I always think it creates a palpable trust and warmth between pupils and staff, so I’d say that’s a big plus.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Also, a bit unusual is that there’s a lack of hierarchy amongst the children. Yes, there are heads of house and sports captains, but there’s no Head Girl or Head Boy here, and all children do tours, not carefully selected or coached ones.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Not exactly a quirk but unusual and lovely to see is the hugely enthusiastic pupil-run diversity council, JEDI (Junior Equity Diversity and Inclusion group). Its job is to promote support, understanding and kindness amongst the pupils and, having spoken to a couple of the kids, they take it <em>very </em>seriously.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isi-report">ISI REPORT</h2>



<p>Happy reading with this <a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/prep/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Abingdon-Prep-School-Report-v5.1-2023-06-08-1-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISI inspection report</a> from May 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobile-phone-policy">MOBILE PHONE POLICY</h2>



<p>There’s a no-mobile phone rule on site.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrap-around-care">WRAP AROUND CARE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep.jpg" alt="Abingdon Prep students" class="wp-image-195397" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Abingdon-Prep-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Not as early as some, but still a decent swing at a full day’s commute for parents, with drop off from 8am (no charge) and pick up from 5pm for Reception children and 6pm for the rest of the school (£2.50 – £4).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boarding">BOARDING</h2>



<p>There’s no boarding at the Prep, but from the age of 13 pupils can board at Abingdon School.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport">TRANSPORT</h2>



<p>With the majority of children here coming from within a 20-mile radius, there’s a comprehensive bus service, bookable up to midnight the night before from any location.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-word-on-the-ground">WORD ON THE GROUND</h2>



<p>Most parents are positive about the move to co-ed – it’s been a bloodless revolution by all accounts! They’re also keen on the academic success and individual care lavished on their children. That said, life here moves at pace – it’s an action-packed Prep where you’ll need to embrace the buzz. The kids tell me the lunches are very good; gap student Barney is awesome; and plenty of teachers are name-checked as being particularly nice (Jane! Russell! Danielle!). One gripe from the pupils is that they’d like more Art – I’m sure that will make its way from the school council to the Head soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fees">FEES</h2>



<p>Pretty reasonable for Oxfordshire. Prices are £5,035 for Reception moving to £7,675 for Y7-Y8, <em>inclusive </em>of VAT and lunch. There are bursaries of up to 100% available for Y7 and above for those who have accepted a place at the Senior School.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>Ambitious families with eyes on the Senior school prize – around 90% of pupils move up to the coveted Abingdon School, making this route a no-brainer. A nurturing, outdoorsy prep with academic bite, and an unrivalled co-curricular offering, big-hearted values and all the space and sparkle of its 50-acre rural campus.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Academics are highly valued here so if you think your child may struggle to keep up the pace, it might be worth looking elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>WANT TO SEE FOR YOURSELF? </strong>Be my guest! Please check out all the upcoming events <a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/prep/admissions/visit-abingdon-prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a> The next Open Morning is <strong>Fri 1 May</strong>. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.abingdon.org.uk/prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abingdon Prep School</a>, Josca&#8217;s House, Kingston Rd, Frilford, Abingdon OX13 5NX</em> </p>


Abingdon Prep, Abingdon

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