Schools/United Kingdom/Uttoxeter/Abbotsholme School
United Kingdom — Staffordshire

Abbotsholme School

Rocester
Scholarships
Abbotsholme School logo
Data verified from public sources
Annual FeesContact school
Ages2 – 20

Abbotsholme School is an international school in Uttoxeter, United Kingdom. Founded in 1933. It serves 220 students for students aged 2–20.

Explore This School

Location & Getting There

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NanaSays Scorecard

Est. 1933
Year Founded
220
Students Enrolled
Boarding Available
Scholarships Available
Bursaries Available

Key Details

Accreditations
BSA
Languages of Instruction
English

Scholarships Available

Types Available
Academic Scholarship — up to 50% fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form
Sports Scholarship — up to 50% fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form
Equestrian Scholarship — up to 50% fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form
Music Scholarship — up to 50% fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form
Performing Arts Scholarship — up to 50% fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form
Art Scholarship — up to 50% fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form
Agriculture Scholarship — up to 50% fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form
Bursaries (means-tested): Means-tested bursaries are available up to a maximum of 50% fee remission for families in financial need, subject to provision of financial documentation.
💡 Scholarship amounts and bursary likelihood analysis are in the Full Deep Report.
Merit-based Scholarships

Means-Tested Bursaries

Means-tested bursaries are available. Contact the school admissions office for details.

Academic Performance

Standards Met
ISI

ISI Inspection Report

The inspection found that Abbotsholme School meets all applicable Independent School Standards across all areas. The school is distinguished by an effective safeguarding culture, a broad and balanced curriculum including extensive outdoor education, individualized teaching in small classes, and strong pastoral care and boarding provision.

ISI Standards
Met
Key Strengths
Effective safeguarding culture with vigilant staff and swift referrals to external agencies
Broad and balanced curriculum with vocational qualifications alongside GCSE and A-level options
Extensive outdoor education programme developing pupil resilience and confidence
Individualized attention and support within small classes
Teachers' well-structured lesson planning with good subject knowledge and enthusiastic delivery
Carefully personalized individual support plans for pupils with SEND
Specialist support and one-to-one explanations for pupils with EAL
Robust anti-bullying and behaviour policies implemented effectively
Supportive relationships and effective pastoral care in boarding houses
Strong community service opportunities and global perspective through Round Square network
Areas for Development
Further strengthen the use of pupil voice so that pupils, including boarders, feel listened to and are confident their views can help to shape the school community
Ensure that recently introduced initiatives designed to support pupils of all abilities to fully develop their academic potential are embedded across the curriculum
View Full ISI Report (2024-04-16)

Key facts

Founded
1933
Ages
2–20 (Co-ed)
Pupils on roll
220
Fees
$ 8,538$ 46,529 / year
Inspectorate
ISI

Fees & the true cost of attendance

Published fees · inclusive of VAT

PhasePer termPer year
Nursery (sessions)
Reception (Day)£2,846£8,538
Years 1-2 (Day)£3,480£10,440
Years 3-6 (Day)£4,635£13,905
Years 7-9 (Day)£5,550£16,650
Years 7-9 (Weekly Boarder)£8,679£26,037
Years 7-9 (UK Full Boarder)£11,661£34,983
Years 10-13 (Day)£6,602£19,806
Years 10-13 (Weekly Boarder)£10,758£32,274
Years 10-13 (UK Full Boarder)£13,225£39,675
Years 7-9 (International Boarder)£12,360£37,080
Years 7-9 (International Boarding Plus)£13,695£41,087
Years 10-13 (International Boarder)£14,019£42,055
Years 10-13 (International Boarding Plus)£15,510£46,529

Compulsory extras (on top of tuition)

ItemFrequencyAmount
Registration FeeOne-time£180
Acceptance Deposit (UK pupils)Per year£500
Acceptance Deposit (European pupils)Per year£1,000
Acceptance Deposit (International pupils)Per year£8,000
Examinations (GCSEs, A Levels)Per term
Subject-specific materials/equipmentPer term
Learning Support LessonsPer term
Duke of Edinburgh Awards (Bronze)Per year£175
Duke of Edinburgh Awards (Silver)Per year£255
Duke of Edinburgh Awards (Gold)Per year£415
Catering - LunchPer year£1,050
Ad-Hoc Boarding (Mon-Fri)Per term
Ad-Hoc Boarding (Sat/Sun)Per term

Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.

Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.

Scholarships & financial assistance

Merit-based scholarships (7 types)

Academic Scholarship — up to fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form50% fee remission
Sports Scholarship — up to fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form50% fee remission
Equestrian Scholarship — up to fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form50% fee remission
Music Scholarship — up to fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form50% fee remission
Performing Arts Scholarship — up to fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form50% fee remission
Art Scholarship — up to fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form50% fee remission
Agriculture Scholarship — up to fee remission at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form50% fee remission

ℹ️ This school has not published the exact % fee remission for each award. Ask the admissions team directly — typical independent school scholarships range from 5% to 50% of fees.

💰
Means-tested bursaries — the school looks at your family income and can offer a much larger discount than any scholarship. Means-tested bursaries are available up to a maximum of 50% fee remission for families in financial need, subject to provision of financial documentation. Ask the Bursar directly — these are rarely advertised prominently.

About

Abbotsholme School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2–20, set within 140 acres of rural countryside on the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border. The school emphasizes that every child is known and provides tailored experiences through partnership with parents. The school is distinguished by its equestrian centre, farm, outdoor education focus, and strong pastoral care.

School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.

What Makes This School Different

International Opportunities Football Aca
USA College Scholarship Pathway Programm
Equestrian Programme (British Horse Soci
Working Estate Farm and Outdoor Educatio
Round Square School membership (IDEALS v
Clubs & Activities
Football academyEquestrianSwimmingCricketTennisIndoor climbingBoulderingKayakingFitness and gymDance+10 more
Expeditions include: Derby County football match at Pride Park, Sheffield city exploration, Manchester shopping, Nottingham treasure hunt and shopping, Stoke-on-Trent (Flip Out trampoline park) and 4 more.

Academic Results

University Destinations 2024
Harper Adams UniversityLoughborough UniversityUniversity College LondonUniversity of BirminghamUniversity of GlasgowDurham University

Admissions

Entry pointAssessmentAssessment dateRegistration deadline
Nursery (age 2+)Rolling admissions; Pre-Prep Registration Form requiredOn application
ReceptionInformal assessment in English, Maths and Science on taster dayFlexible throughout yearOn application
11+ (Year 7)CAT4 test for setting purposes; interview; taster day; school reportsThroughout yearOn application
13+ (Year 9)CAT4 test; interview; taster day; school reportsThroughout yearOn application
Sixth Form (Year 12)Interview; taster day; school reports; GCSE results consideredSpring/Summer of Year 11By spring term of Year 11

How to apply

  1. Submit online registration form with non-refundable fee (£150 + £500 deposit)
  2. Provide school reports and relevant documents (birth certificate/passport)
  3. Attend interview with Headteacher, Deputy Head or Admissions Team
  4. Participate in taster day at school with medical form completed
  5. If applicable, assessment with Learning Skills Department and/or EAL Department
  6. Receive decision from Headmistress/Registrar
  7. Accept place and sign acceptance form with deposit
  8. Receive Welcome Pack prior to first day

What you'll need to submit

  • Online registration form
  • School reports from current school
  • Birth certificate and/or passport copy
  • Medical form (for taster day)
  • For overseas pupils: English essay, personal statement, English and Maths test
  • For overseas pupils: Passport copy and parent consent letter

Open events

  • Summer Term 2026 Whole School Open Day — Saturday 9th May 2026, 9:30am-1:30pm
  • Autumn Term 2026 Whole School Open Day — date and time to be confirmed
  • Private bespoke tours — available year-round, tailored to family interests

Scholarships: Scholarship applications welcome at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form. Applicants assessed by respective Head of Department and Headmistress. Contact admissions team for deadlines.

Admissions contact: [email protected] or 01889 590217; Registrar Charlotte Gallimore: [email protected]

Rolling admissions throughout the year. Non-academically selective school. Overseas pupils encouraged and supported with visa sponsorship and guardian arrangements. Flexible entry at various points in school year.

Why Families Choose

  • Equestrian centre
  • Farm activities
  • Outdoor education
  • Pastoral care
  • Small school with personalized approach
  • Rural countryside setting

Facilities & Programmes

Sports
Equestrian Centre
Co-Curricular
Equestrian activities
Farm activities
Outdoor education

Student Demographics

School Type
co-ed
Age Range
220
Student Body
Boarding capacity80

School Background

Governance & Ownership

Independent

Sports Programme

Strong regional hockey programme (SOCS rank 6 in 2023-24); professional football academy with elite coaching staff; limited public detail on cricket, tennis, other sports despite mentioned facilities.

Signature Sports
hockeyfootballequestriancricketnetball
Teams by Sport
hockey
teams
netball
teams
football
teams
Also Offered
equestriancricketcross countryclimbingtennisswimmingathletics
Recent Highlights
NationalEquestrian: Lotti qualified for Hickstead Elite 1.10m Show Jumping Championship Final2026
NationalEquestrian: Reeva qualified for Hickstead Championship Final (pony section)2026
Notable Coaches
Russell Hullett
Technical Director
30 years professional football; UEFA A-qualified; studied at Ajax and Feyenoord (KNVB International Coaching License); senior roles at Manchester United, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest; Regional Coach Developer for England FA
Jamie Bennett
Director of Talent (Development & Pathways)
Former professional footballer and football club owner; placed 1000+ students in USA scholarship programmes
Facilities
15-acre sports fieldstennis courtsswimming poolcricket netsfitness suiteindoor sports hallindoor climbing wallbouldering rockall-weather synthetic sports pitchequestrian arena (50m x 30m, outdoor, floodlit, all-weather)

Notable Alumni

Roger Altounyan
Physician and pharmacologist who developed sodium cromoglycate for asthma prevention
Alan Dower Blumlein
Electronics engineer and inventor
Samuel Phillips Bedson
Bacteriology professor at University of London
Olaf Stapledon
Science fiction author of Last and First Men and Star Maker
Lytton Strachey
British writer and literary critic
Edward James Martin Koppel
British-born American broadcast journalist

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the admissions office at Abbotsholme School directly for current fee information.