GirlsIndependentBoarding

Wycombe Abbey

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, South East · HP11 1PE

One of the country's most academically selective girls' boarding schools, Wycombe Abbey draws together 650 pupils aged 11 to 19 on its Buckinghamshire campus. An Anglican foundation led by Headmistress Jo Duncan, it pairs a strikingly low pupil-to-teacher ratio of around eight to one with a full boarding ethos. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'excellent' for both education and personal development, and found it fully compliant. Boarding sits at the heart of school life, with thoughtful phone arrangements that, among other things, let girls keep in touch with families across time zones.

650

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£46,800

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Girls
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 11-19
Pupils: 650
Pupil:teacher ratio: 8
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, South East
Website: www.wycombeabbey.com
Telephone: 01494 520381

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Headmistress Jo Duncan

Latest results

Attainment 8

13.8

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

97%

A-level A*-A

76%

A-level A*-B

92%

Teaching & academics

Results here are exceptional: 97% of GCSE entries reach grades 9 to 7, and at A-level 76% are graded A*-A, rising to 92% at A*-B. The sixth form, around 180 strong, leans heavily towards the sciences and mathematics, with Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, English Literature, History and Economics among the most popular choices. Lower down, an unusually rich language and classics offering takes in French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Latin and Classical Greek, and an EPQ extends study beyond the core curriculum. Around 14% of pupils receive SEN support.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 180

Popular A-level subjects

MathematicsFurther MathematicsEnglish LiteratureChemistryBiologyPhysicsHistoryEconomics

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 14.13%
EHC plans: 0%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

AcademicMusic

Languages

FrenchSpanishGermanChinese

Popular GCSE subjects

FrenchSpanishGermanLatinClassical GreekChineseArt & DesignDrama & Theatre StudiesMusicReligious StudiesPhysical Education/Sports Studies

Beyond the classroom

Scholarships recognise both academic and musical talent, reflecting a strong place for music alongside drama, art and sport in the wider programme. The breadth of GCSE options, from Drama and Theatre Studies to multiple languages, signals a culture that values cultural and creative pursuits as much as the classroom.

Ethos & heritage

Religious character: Anglican
Boarding: Yes

Mobile phone policy

Year 7-10: Pupils keep phones in house throughout school day. Year 8-9: 60 minutes max on mobile phones between 8pm-9pm Monday-Friday. Can use phones before school to speak with families across time zones. Year 11-13: 'Never used, seen or heard' guidance. All pupils have increased areas where devices not permitted.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £46,800
Boarding fees (per year): £61,500

7% of cohort (around 30 girls) on full bursaries

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 4 March 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A highly selective boarding school for academically ambitious girls, with fees up to £61,500 for boarders. Full bursaries for around 30 girls open the door a little wider.

The Passmate verdict