The Abbey School Reading
Founded in 1887, The Abbey School is a girls' independent school in Reading educating around 750 pupils from age 3 through to 18. The Christian foundation runs alongside a strong academic record, with the Independent Schools Inspectorate awarding its highest grade of 'excellent' for both education quality and pupil personal development. Parents should note, however, that the school did not meet the ISI's compliance standards at inspection, an area worth raising directly. With a sixth form of around 190 and a curriculum that includes the IB and the EPQ alongside GCSEs and A-levels, the Abbey offers academically ambitious girls a broad path through to university.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
Free month · No payment needed
Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
85%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
56%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
93%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 10 February 2026
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national benchmarks: 85% of GCSE grades reach 9-7 against a national average of 23%, while at A-level 56% of entries are graded A*-A and 93% reach A*-B, comfortably ahead of the national figures of 28% and 55%. The sixth-form subject mix leans towards the sciences, mathematics and economics, with psychology, biology, chemistry and physics all popular, suggesting strong provision for girls considering medicine, STEM or social-science routes. The option of the IB Diploma gives families an alternative to the traditional A-level pathway.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head · Sarah Tullis
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 190
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a clear strength, with swimming, diving, hockey, netball, tennis and athletics among the main offerings. Scholarships in academic work, art, drama, music and sport signal a school that recognises talent across several fields.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1887
- Religious character
- Christian
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 12.6%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £27,519
Small number of means-tested bursaries
Schools nearby
Groveside School
Reading, South East
Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading
Reading, South East
Leighton Park School
Reading, South East
St Edward's Prep
Reading, South East
Reading Blue Coat School
Berkshire, South East
The Vine Christian School
Reading, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A high-achieving girls' school with excellent inspection ratings and results far above the national norm. Ask about the unmet compliance standard before you apply.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
Start preparing free →
The Abbey School Reading 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.