At Abercorn, instilling confidence and nurturing happy pupils is our priority; knowing that when a child is well-settled emotionally, academic success will follow.

The welfare and happiness of our pupils is a whole-school responsibility.

Our values of respect, responsibility, kindness, fairness, forgiveness, and determination underpin our commitment to every child’s wellbeing.

“The pupils’ growth in confidence and self-worth is successfully nurtured by the school.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate

Abercorn has a true family feel and from the moment you join us, our priority is to ensure your child’s happiness, confidence, safety and security, enabling them to become active and confident learners.
Children arrive at Abercorn with a wealth of different experiences and we make sure we get to know each child as an individual so we can best support their learning and development throughout their journey. Every child has different needs and our staff work together and alongside each family to adapt our approach and provide the support required.
Our class sizes are small by design ensuring that each child is truly known and given the individual attention, support and challenge they need. Our approachable and expert teachers embody Abercorn values and foster purposeful and positive relationships with pupils and parents, providing regular communication and feedback across all areas of school life.
Each pupil has a Form Teacher, and a Teaching Assistant who provides individual support and care focused on enabling pupils to reach their academic and personal potential. Teachers and parents are in regular communication and encourage to meet and contact each other directly via email as needed.
Beyond the classroom, our House system offers the opportunity for our pupils to meet and socialise with children across other Year Groups, and encourages them to join a wider community, through shared experiences, competitions and sporting endeavours.
Our Senior Leadership Team have overall responsibility for the wellbeing and safeguarding of pupils within the School and are all fully trained Designated Safeguarding Leads. Our robust Personal, Social, Health and Relationships Education curriculum offers an effective framework for discussion and learning around key topics. In addition, the Head and Deputy Head are always available to discuss any areas of concern that may arise.
Preparation for the prestigious 11+ and 13+ begin years before the examination and teachers work to ensure that children are developing the necessary emotional intelligence and academic foundation throughout their time at Abercorn. In Years 5 - 8 pupils are allocated a dedicated form tutor who provides dedicated 1:1 emotional assistance and guidance throughout the 11+ and 13+ process. This provides our students with the necessary security and support to successfully navigate the rigours of the 11+ and 13+ process.
Some pupils require additional support and work with our outstanding SEND and EAL team to ensure they can not only access, but enjoy the curriculum. These teams work with families on an individual basis throughout.
At Abercorn we celebrate each other's individuality, unique talents and strengths, encouraging the development of self-confidence alongside kindness and respect for each other. We value our different perspectives and are proud of the diverse and intimate community we have created.
If you’d like to find out more our team would be delighted to answer questions and information most relevant to your family. We invite prospective parents to get in touch via admissions@abercorn.com and current parents via the relevant School Office.

Transition through the school

Abercorn welcomes pupils from age 2 to 16 and our team works closely to ensure a smooth transition as pupils move from year to year.

Early Years to Key Stage 1

Teachers in Early Years and Key Stage 1 work closely throughout the year to ensure they know where each and every child is in their learning journey, enabling them to give tailored support to each child as they move from the Early Years into Key Stage 1. Similarly, our Key Stage 1 teachers are all experienced in delivering the Early Years Curriculum and plan a gradual and smooth transition both academically and structurally. Child led, outdoor and play based learning is a regular feature of the Year 1 program, particularly in the first term to ensure consistency and build confidence as children move into this new stage of schooling.

From reading buddies to watching productions and assemblies to fun workshops and outdoor adventures, a combination of social and academic activities are planned throughout the year enabling Reception children to visit their new classrooms and spend time with their new teachers and peers.

A smooth transition for our parents is just as important, and regular information evenings and opportunities to meet teachers and leadership are arranged throughout the year to ensure you are just as prepared and excited to join our Key Stage 1 community.

Whilst the majority of our Early Years students stay with us to enjoy their school years, we often welcome new students in Year 1 and throughout the school and ensure that children and their parents are able to settle into Abercorn life quickly and successfully. Whenever you join us, regular communication, opportunities to meet and socialise as well as formal structures such as the Buddy System ensure families and pupils settle into their new routines and environments comfortably.

Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2

In Year 3 pupils are preparing to move into Key Stage 2 and begin to familiarise themselves with their new routines, peers, teachers and facilities. Year 4 pupils love to welcome their Year 3 peers to class and enjoy spending mornings together working on projects and showing their new friends the things they enjoy most about life in Year 4. Events such as STEM Week enable Year 3 students to spend time in the Key Stage 2 Science lab, conducting investigations alongside their new friends across year groups in Key Stage 2 who in turn enjoy the opportunity to guide the younger pupils. The Year 4 production is another highlight and provides an excellent opportunity for families across year groups to meet and share experiences. Information evenings throughout the year give families an opportunity to meet teachers, explore the Key Stage 2 curriculum and discuss a smooth transition between Year 3 and Year 4. Year 4 to Year 5

In Year 5 pupils move from a largely class based delivery to having individual specialist teachers for each subject. An information evening is held for our Year 5 parents, which affords our parents an opportunity to meet the Year 5 form tutors and discuss the delivery of the curriculum by subject specialist teachers. During the Spring Term in Year 5, we hold a Year 5 Future Schools Event, during which parents will learn more about the 11+ and 13+ process and the support structures that we have in place to ensure that our pupils have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful.

Transition into Year 6, 7 and 8

Year 6, 7 and 8 pupils are given the opportunity to meet their tutors prior to the start of the year to help to establish and nurture strong relationships. Parents are given regular opportunities to understand the new curriculum and are supported as we collectively prepare pupils for examinations and future schools.

Welcoming new pupils throughout the year

We are delighted to welcome and ensure a smooth transition for pupils joining us mid year. The diversity and multiculturalism of our school together with a warm and inviting environment ensure that new pupils quickly settle in. Enhanced pastoral support, small class sizes and a buddy system help to facilitate a seamless transition as part of the Upper School community.