August 2025
Wycombe Abbey reported excellent GCSE results with 97% of exams graded 7–9 and 63% graded 9. The school maintained a 100% pass rate.
Senior school
Wycombe Abbey
Wycombe Abbey is a leading independent girls' boarding and day school for ages 11-18, renowned for academic excellence and a broad co-curricular programme.
Day fees
£46,800
Entry
Iseb Pretest + School ExamSelective
Next deadline
Fri 15 Jan 202716+ acceptance deadline
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Jo Duncan
Headmistress
Gender
Girls
Pupils
647
Location
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Suburban setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
11 to 18
School type
Mainstream
Religious ethos
Anglican
Founded
1896
Sixth form
180 pupils
Entry points
11+, 13+
Show 8 more factsShow fewer facts
Nearest station
Amersham
School buses
Yes
School day
8.45am to 4.45pm
Saturday school
Yes
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
Academic, Music
A-level A*–A
80%
2025
GCSE 9–7
85%
2025
Overview
About Wycombe Abbey
Wycombe Abbey is a world-leading independent girls’ boarding and day school for ages 11-18. Founded in 1896, it offers a rigorous academic curriculum alongside extensive co-curricular activities. The school is set in a beautiful 69-acre campus in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and is known for its strong pastoral care and outstanding examination results. Wycombe Abbey offers both day and boarding options, with a vibrant community and a commitment to developing confident, independent young women.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent girls senior school in Buckinghamshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, Anglican ethos, top-tier fees.
Best for
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Parents who want a single-sex environment for their daughter.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Families who value a Anglican ethos in school life.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the independent market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- The Anglican ethos shapes assemblies, holidays and pastoral life. Comfortable for committed families; worth thinking about for those of other or no faith.
- SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
September 2027 entryRegistration closedCloses 1 Jun 2026Reply by 1 Mar 2027
- Oct31Open dayNextInternational events programme — BESSA Singapore, Saturday 31 October 2026; BESSA Malaysia, Sunday 1 November 2026
- Sep1Registration opensPassed
- Jun1Registration closesPassed
- Nov1Assessment
- TBCInterviewTo be confirmedCoffee Mornings held each term for approximately 30 familiesCoffee Morning
- Dec1Offers11+ Offers Made
- Mar1Acceptance deadline
Not yet published: bursary deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Open Day4 weeks away
International events programme — BESSA Singapore, Saturday 31 October 2026; BESSA Malaysia, Sunday 1 November 2026
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£46,800per year · Day · 2026-27
Inc. VAT £46,800VAT TBC7 years: £373,140
vs London avg (£24,000)95% above
Ask Houseroom
Questions about Wycombe Abbey?
Ask the school
Quick answers about Wycombe Abbey
Answered only from Wycombe Abbey's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
Top-three UK girls school
170-acre parkland campus
Strong full-boarding ethos
Wycombe Abbey global network
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes
GCSE and A-level results consistently among the top three UK girls schools; very high Oxbridge and Ivy League progression.
80%
A-level A*–A
85%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
23%
to Oxbridge (2026)
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 95 | 95 | 77 | 77 | 77 |
| Oxbridge | 22 | 21 | 18 | 18 | 20 |
| Russell Group | — | 46 | — | — | 21 |
| US Ivy | — | 1 | 3 | — | — |
| Medicine | — | 9 | 8 | — | — |
Top universities (2026)
University of Oxford14
University of Cambridge6
Durham University23
University College London22
King's College London19
University of Exeter18
University of Edinburgh17
University of Bath10
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA-level
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
In the press
- Wycombe Abbey was featured in the Tatler Schools Guide, which is known as a leading judge of independent schools in the…
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss (judge)Penelope Fitzgerald (novelist)India Knight (writer and journalist)
Recommended next step
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Fit for your child
Is Wycombe Abbey right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
CloisterPittAirlieWendoverShelburneRubens
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Tutor system
Full boarding pastoral structure across boarding houses with Housemistresses and resident tutors.
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn7 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 24 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Summer20 Apr 2027 → 2 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–6 Jun 2027
PathwaysFeeder schools
Pathways
Feeder schools
1 offer
1 offer
Also considerSchools like Wycombe Abbey
Also consider
Schools like Wycombe Abbey
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Wycombe Abbey best for?+
Wycombe Abbey suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; Parents who want a single-sex environment for their daughter; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Families who value a Anglican ethos in school life; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
How much are the fees at Wycombe Abbey?+
Day fees at Wycombe Abbey are around £46,800 per year in 2026-27. Boarding fees are £20,500 a term in 2025-26 (£61,500 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Wycombe Abbey?+
The next open day at Wycombe Abbey is on 31 October 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
Wycombe Abbey is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Wycombe Abbey support SEND?+
We don't hold SEND details for Wycombe Abbey. Ask admissions early if your child has additional needs.
What ages does Wycombe Abbey take?+
Wycombe Abbey takes pupils from age 11 to 18.
Is Wycombe Abbey a day or boarding school?+
Wycombe Abbey offers both day and boarding places.
Is Wycombe Abbey co-educational or single-sex?+
Wycombe Abbey is a girls' school.
Where is Wycombe Abbey?+
Wycombe Abbey is in Buckinghamshire, HP11 1PE.
How do I contact admissions at Wycombe Abbey?+
Contact Wycombe Abbey by email at enquiries@wycombeabbey.com or phone on 01494520381.
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