Abbotsholme School
Abbotsholme School
Rocester, England
Abbotsholme is a relatively small co-educational boarding school, set in the picturesque countryside between Derbyshire and Staffordshire in the north of England. Its rural location, right on the edge of the Peak District National Park, makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts – boarders even live in cosy wooden cabins. As a Round Square school, Abbotsholme combines strong academics with a real commitment to social responsibility. And who knows – a few future football stars may well emerge from here, too.
The Details
The Academics
At Abbotsholme there are no academic entry barriers – which makes the 2023 results all the more impressive: 11.5% A grades at A level and 37% 9–7 at GCSE. Much of this is down to the excellent teacher-pupil ratio (1:10) and the strong personal commitment of the staff.
The GCSE options are unusually diverse – ranging from Equestrian and Agriculture to Musical Theatre, alongside classics such as Geography, French and Art. In the Sixth Form, pupils can even take Equine Management as a BTEC – a full A level alternative for those who don’t just love horses but want to understand and manage them professionally.
Languages Taught
English, French, German, Spanish and Mandarin.
The Boarding
Around a third of pupils are boarders, usually sharing small dorms. A real highlight: Sixth Formers live in six wooden lodges known as Banfield Village – proper boarding with country-house charm.
Weekends are anything but dull: trips, camping expeditions and creative workshops bring variety and a strong sense of community.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
The range of outdoor activities at Abbotsholme is both varied and exciting. Pupils make full use of the grounds for mountain biking, canoeing, white-water kayaking, horse riding, climbing, caving and sailing. At the heart of the 140-hectare campus lies a fully working 70-hectare school farm. A real highlight: when lambing season comes around, pupils are there to help with the newborns.
Abbotsholme is a relatively small, close-knit school, creating a warm, family atmosphere and strong bonds between staff and pupils. As a Round Square school, it also places great emphasis on social projects at both national and international level.
Weaknesses
At present, only around 30% of the student body are boarders. The school places great importance on fostering close links between boarders and day pupils, ensuring strong, positive relationships across the whole community.
Location
Abbotsholme School is just five minutes from the pretty village of Rocester in the northern county of Staffordshire. Manchester Airport is about an hour and a half away by car.
Birmingham Airport - 1 hr 20 mins by car
Uttoxeter - 10 mins by car
Birmingham - 70 mins by car
The perfect boarding school for pupils who feel a close connection to nature.
Big plans are under way: from September 2025 Abbotsholme launches its new Elite Football Programme in partnership with the Institute of Football Academy (IOF).
Take a look at similar schools
Ackworth School
Barnard Castle School
Fyling Hall School
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