Wycombe Abbey is an international school in High Wycombe, United Kingdom. It serves 644 students for students aged 10–19.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Market town in Buckinghamshire with strong commuter links to London (about 40 minutes by train). Edge of the Chilterns, good access to major airports and London.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | 27 km | ~45 min | LHR — gateway for Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai |
| Luton | 38 km | ~59 min | LTN — European and budget carriers |
| London City | 57 km | ~84 min | — |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Academic Scholarships (up to 5% of annual fees) and Exhibitions (£600 per annum) awarded for entrance exam performance. Music Scholarships provide free tuition on instruments or voice. Means-tested Bursaries available for eligible families.
Academic Performance
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees · inclusive of VAT
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding (all years) | £20,500 | £61,500 |
| Day (all years) | £15,600 | £46,800 |
Compulsory extras (on top of tuition)
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | One-time | £420 |
| Acceptance Deposit | Per year | £3,500 |
| Additional Deposit (international or visa required) | Per year | £20,500 |
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.
Merit-based scholarships (5 types)
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.
About
Wycombe Abbey is a world-leading girls' boarding school with 125 years of experience educating young women, consistently ranked among the UK's top-performing schools. The school offers outstanding subject-specialist teaching, an extensive co-curricular programme, and a boarding culture that empowers girls academically and socially. Set in 170 acres of parkland in Buckinghamshire, it provides excellent access to Heathrow (30 minutes) and central London (60 minutes).
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ | Online ISEB Common Pre-Test (sat at candidate's school or test centre), followed by Assessment Day at Wycombe Abbey with individual interview, group activities, and entrance exams in English and Mathematics (1 hour each) | November | 1 June (prior calendar year) |
| 13+ | Online ISEB Common Pre-Test (sat at candidate's school or test centre), followed by Assessment Day for selected candidates at Wycombe Abbey with individual interview and entrance exams in English, Mathematics, Humanities, practical Science, and optional papers in MFL (French, German, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese), Latin and Greek | October Pre-Test; January Assessment Day | 1 June (prior calendar year) |
| 16+ (Sixth Form) | UKiset (online cognitive test in English), Summer Term report review, Sixth Form entrance exams at Wycombe Abbey in four chosen A Level subjects at GCSE/IGCSE level, and 20-minute interview with senior staff | UKiset between January–31 July; entrance exams in November | 1 June (prior calendar year); no initial registration fee |
How to apply
- Attend Open Morning or Coffee Morning (optional but recommended)
- Complete online registration form by deadline
- Sit entry assessments as per entry point
- Receive offers (December for 11+, January for 13+, late November for 16+)
- Invited candidates sit Scholarship Examinations (11+ and 13+) in January/February or alongside entrance exams (16+)
- Accept place and pay Acceptance Deposit by specified deadline (early March for 11+/13+, mid-December for 16+)
What you'll need to submit
- Online registration form
- Reference from current school
- For 16+: UKiset assessment results (submitted January–31 July)
- For 16+: Summer Term school report and summary of co-curricular interests (by 31 July)
- For 16+: Predicted GCSE/IGCSE/GCE grades (at Stage 3)
Open events
- Open Mornings — held in Autumn and Summer terms
- Coffee Mornings — held each term for approximately 30 families (reservations required)
- Private visits — available on Friday afternoons during term time for registered families
Scholarships: Scholarship Examinations are by invitation only for selected candidates who have achieved a firm offer. Exams differ by entry point: 11+ (English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Language Aptitude); 13+ (assessed through entrance exams and interview); 16+ (assessed through entrance exams and interview). Music Scholarship auditions held separately.
Admissions contact: Director of Admissions Ms Laura Chell; phone (+44) (0) 1494 897008; email [email protected]
Wycombe Abbey has three main entry points with holistic assessment. Girls entering at 11+ spend Year 7 (Lower 4 / LIV) in Junior House before allocation to Senior House. 16+ (Sixth Form) entry is highly competitive; candidates expected to achieve at least six GCSE/IGCSE passes at grades 9/8/7 (A*/A) and 9/8 (A*/A) in each chosen A Level subject. Limited day places available within 15 miles of school.
Why Families Choose
Academic excellence consistently placing it among the UK's top schools; strong leadership development ethos; extensive co-curricular programme including arts, sport, MUN, and charity work; structured boarding progression from Junior House through to independent Year 13 living; excellent transport links to London and Heathrow.
Fees & Financials
Converted from GBP using exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: £14,700 per term for boarders; £11,050 per term for day boarders.
Admissions Details
Student Life
Junior House for Year 7; nine Senior Houses for Years 8-12 (mixed-age); a dedicated Year 13 house providing independent living.
Facilities & Programmes
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent
Anglican