From its foundation in 1889, Abbotsholme placed emphasis on friendly co-operation between staff and pupils, a respect for the environment, and a love of art and music. These priorities represented a radical change in Victorian education, and Abbotsholme was again the innovator in 1969, as one of the first HMC schools to become fully co-educational. Boys and girls are welcomed from the age of 11 and share equally in the wide range of opportunities.
Almost one third of the senior school are in the Sixth Form, which invariably gains excellent examination results, leading to University entry, including Oxbridge. Academic facilities are first-class, with new Science Laboratories, Computer Room, Technology Department and Careers Centre.
Abbotsholme is set in a beautiful country estate on the edge of the Peak District National Park, and this provides not only an entirely safe environment for the pupils, but gives full opportunity for an extensive programme of Outdoor Education, including canoeing, caving and mountaineering. There is a major commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, and regular expeditions by all staff and pupils are undertaken in challenging mountain country.
Abbotsholme is one of the very few schools in the country to have its own farm, enabling pupils to study Agriculture at GCSE and also to participate in the daily running of 70 acres of grassland with responsibility for animal husbandry and crops. There is also an extensive riding programme, with stabling for personally owned horses, an exercise manege and a full-time Equestrian Manager.
The full range of traditional team games is offered on 20 acres of playing fields. The school has its own swimming pool and has a magnificent indoor Sports Centre built to commemorate its Centenary.
Pupils are fully committed to community service with young and old people in the area, and as part of Abbotsholme's membership of the Round Square Conference, representatives are sent annually on overseas work projects.
