Wycombe Abbey

Wycombe Abbey is a world-class, all-girls full-boarding school set on a magnificent 170-acre (69-hectare) campus in Buckinghamshire, just 30 minutes from London. Established in 1896 by pioneering educator Dame Frances Dove, the school has built a global reputation for academic rigour, personal development, and leadership.

All girls live on-site, creating a close-knit and supportive community where each student is empowered to excel across academics, sport, the arts, and leadership. Wycombe Abbey is consistently ranked among the top UK independent schools and is considered a benchmark for girls’ education worldwide.

Academic Excellence and University Destinations
The school’s academic track record is exceptional:
– 97% of GCSE grades are 9–7
– 95% of A-Level grades are A–B*
Each year, around a third of graduating students receive offers from Oxford and Cambridge, with others going on to Ivy League universities and other global leaders in higher education.

Boarding Life and Pastoral Care
Wycombe Abbey is one of the few schools in the UK offering true full boarding for every pupil. With 11 boarding houses and a dedicated housemistress for each, girls benefit from round-the-clock care, a structured routine, and a vibrant social life. The boarding environment encourages independence, responsibility, and lifelong friendships.

Co-curricular Excellence
The school offers over 50 clubs and societies. Wycombe Abbey is especially known for:
– Lacrosse, where it has a national reputation
– Rowing, with its own boathouse on the Thames
– STEM and Robotics, supported by cutting-edge labs
– Drama, Choir and Music Ensembles with performance opportunities across the UK and abroad
Leadership and service programmes also form a core part of the school’s ethos.

International Support and Diversity
Wycombe Abbey warmly welcomes international students, offering EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, cultural integration programmes, and a globally aware community. Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available for talented applicants.

Key Facts

• Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England
• Founded: 1896, by Dame Frances Dove
• Type: Full-boarding girls’ school (ages 11–18)
• Number of students: Approx. 650
• Campus size: 69 hectares with lake, sports grounds, and historic buildings
• Academic Results:
  – GCSE: 97% grades 9–7
  – A-Level: 95% grades A*–B
• Top University Destinations: Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, Harvard, Yale
• Co-curricular Strengths: Lacrosse, rowing, drama, STEM, music
• Notable Alumnae:
  – Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss (judge)
  – Elsie Bowerman (Titanic survivor & suffragette)
  – Clarissa Ward (CNN journalist)
  – Sally Phillips (comedian & actress)
  – Eve Best (actress, The Crown, House of the Dragon)