What is Abbey College Cambridge like?

Abbey College Cambridge is a top-performing co‑educational independent day and boarding college located close to central Cambridge, founded in 1994 to serve international and domestic students aged 12–21 years. The school offers an informal and modern teaching environment with no school uniform and teachers and students on first-name terms.

The college, which is part of the Abbey DLD group of colleges, occupies brand new, purpose-built premises, in a convenient location with an on-site dining room and modern boarding accommodation for over 400 students close to the main building. Teaching facilities include 42 classrooms, 12 science laboratories, two art studios and a large assembly and sports hall.

The college prides itself on strong academic outcomes and A-Level results are consistently excellent. Classes are small, with an average of 10 students and maximum 14. Abbey Cambridge offers one and two-year GCSE courses, A-Levels and an International University Foundation programme, as well as academic preparation courses, meaning that there is a suitable pathway for the majority of students. Additional support is available through an Oxbridge Preparation Programme for students applying to Oxford or Cambridge as well as a Medicine Preparation Programme. Short-term stays are also possible. Abbey College Cambridge caters for about 450 students, mostly international, from over 40 countries.

Coupled with small class sizes and subject-specialist teachers, the college has an exemplary record in helping its students achieve the best possible university destinations.

Would Abbey College Cambridge be suitable for my child?

It is worth noting that the student cohort at Abbey College Cambridge is almost entirely international, with students commencing GCSEs from age 14+ and a preparation year for younger students. The college can also accept students who are slightly older than the standard 16 years onto A-level or foundation courses.

Accommodation is secure and pastoral care superb for younger students but, being set in an urban environment, extra-curricular activities utilise local resources, as opposed to hosting everything in acres of countryside. This is a modern, urban environment, with Cambridge University right on its doorstep. Music and sport are available as extra-curricular activities, but this is not for those looking for a quintessential British boarding school experience.

Students are required to be mature and highly focussed on their studies. They should be familiar with city life and looking to build on this independence within a safe environment. Being primarily international, there is extensive support to help students settle into UK life, and specialist English language support is available.

How can I apply to Abbey College Cambridge?

Considering its strong academic results, Abbey College Cambridge is not overly selective on intake, confident in its small class sizes and expert subject teachers. It will attempt to meet the requirements of students, so it can be worth enquiring whatever the situation. The most sought-after accommodation fills up quickly, so serious candidates should confirm places well in advance.

For information about applying to this school, please submit an enquiry.