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  • Independent school for girls

The Abbey School, Reading: entry, assessments, dates and fees

17 Kendrick Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 5DZ

Facts checked 19 October 2026By ExamKind Editorial TeamSchool website

Can we apply, and when?

For September 2027 entry

  • Registration closes, 11+ entry

    Fri 23 Oct

    Friday 23 October 2026, for September 2027 entry

    Checked, source: The Abbey School, Reading, checked

  • Places

    Not published

  • Fees at 11+, day

    £8,775a term

    2026–27 school year, including VAT

    Checked, source: The Abbey School, Reading, checked

Your next steps for 11+ entry

  1. Next: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    in 3 days

  2. Coming up: Bursary applications close

    in 10 days

    Only if you are applying for help with fees

  3. Coming up: Entrance tests

The Abbey School, Reading sets its own tests and decides after them and the interviews. We have not found a published pass mark, so we do not show one.

How entry works

How entry works

Ways in, and how children are assessed

The Abbey School, Reading takes new pupils at 4+, 7+, 9+, 10+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. Each way in has its own tests and dates.

  • 11+ entry

    How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper, a reasoning paper, an interview, a group activity and a reference from the current school.

    Registration closes: Friday 23 October 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

Other ways in: 4+, 7+, 9+, 10+, 13+ and 16+Places, tests and registration for each

  • 4+ entry

    How children are assessed: a play-based observation.

  • 7+ entry

    How children are assessed: a reference from the current school.

  • 9+ entry

    How children are assessed: a reference from the current school.

  • 10+ entry

    How children are assessed: a reference from the current school.

  • 13+ entry

    How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper, a reasoning paper, an interview and a reference from the current school.

  • 16+ entry

    How children are assessed: an interview, a reference from the current school and own subject papers.

    Registration closes: Tuesday 10 November 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

Source: The Abbey School, Reading, checked

More about entry from our guide

4+ (Reception)

  • What the school assesses: informal play-based assessmentThe Abbey School, Reading: Play observationChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: The process is very informal, gentle and fun in younger years, based on quizzes and 1:1 contact.View the official source

7+ (Year 3)

  • What the school assesses: reference or report from current schoolThe Abbey School, Reading: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: For Year 1 and above we request sight of a child’s most up-to-date school report.View the official source

9+ (Year 5)

  • What the school assesses: reference or report from current schoolThe Abbey School, Reading: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: For Year 1 and above we request sight of a child’s most up-to-date school report.View the official source

10+ (Year 6)

  • What the school assesses: reference or report from current schoolThe Abbey School, Reading: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: For Year 1 and above we request sight of a child’s most up-to-date school report.View the official source

11+ (Year 7)

  • What the school assesses: group or team activityThe Abbey School, Reading: Group activityChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: In addition, all children will be invited in for activities and have a short informal interview, which enables us to get to know them and to understand if they will enjoy themselves and flourish in our school community.View the official source; interviewThe Abbey School, Reading: InterviewChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: We meet all candidates for an age-appropriate chat about their favourite subjects, hobbies, ambitions and passions, to help gauge how they will fit within this fabulous environment.View the official source; school's own English assessmentThe Abbey School, Reading: Own englishChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: So to ensure each student entering the school will thrive on our academic level, we assess where they are in Maths, English and Reasoning.View the official source; school's own maths assessmentThe Abbey School, Reading: Own mathsChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: So to ensure each student entering the school will thrive on our academic level, we assess where they are in Maths, English and Reasoning.View the official source; school's own reasoning assessmentThe Abbey School, Reading: Own reasoningChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: So to ensure each student entering the school will thrive on our academic level, we assess where they are in Maths, English and Reasoning.View the official source; reference or report from current schoolThe Abbey School, Reading: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: Wider information: depending on age and stage we also seek information from the previous setting to inform our process.View the official source
  • The school’s current admissions information covers: entry in September 2027The Abbey School, Reading: Current cycleChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: Key dates for September 2027 EntryView the official source

Entry in September 2027

StepDate
Registration closesFriday 23 October 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Registration Deadline | Friday 23 October | Tuesday 10 November |View the official source
AssessmentMonday 2 November 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Entrance Tests, Scholarship assessments and interview | Monday 2 November | Tuesday 17 November |View the official source
Bursary application byFriday 30 October 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Bursary deadline (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Bursary application Deadline | Friday 30 October | Friday 30 October |View the official source
Scholarship application byFriday 9 October 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Scholarship deadline (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Scholarship Application Deadline | Friday 9 October | Tuesday 3 November |View the official source
Scholarship assessmentMonday 2 November 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Scholarship assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Entrance Tests, Scholarship assessments and interview | Monday 2 November | Tuesday 17 November |View the official source

Entry in September 2028

StepDate
Registration closesThe Abbey School, Reading: Registration deadline (2028)Not yet published by The Abbey School, Reading; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Key dates for September 2027 EntryView the official source
AssessmentThe Abbey School, Reading: Assessment date (2028)Not yet published by The Abbey School, Reading; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Key dates for September 2027 EntryView the official source
OffersThe Abbey School, Reading: Offer date (2028)Not yet published by The Abbey School, Reading; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Key dates for September 2027 EntryView the official source

13+ (Year 9)

Girls can take the 11+ assessment for a deferred Year 9 place.

  • What the school assesses: interviewThe Abbey School, Reading: InterviewChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: In addition, all students have a short informal interview, which enables us to get to know them and to understand if they will enjoy themselves and flourish in our environment.View the official source; school's own English assessmentThe Abbey School, Reading: Own englishChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: All students sit the entrance examination which comprises papers in English, Mathematics and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal).View the official source; school's own maths assessmentThe Abbey School, Reading: Own mathsChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: All students sit the entrance examination which comprises papers in English, Mathematics and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal).View the official source; school's own reasoning assessmentThe Abbey School, Reading: Own reasoningChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: All students sit the entrance examination which comprises papers in English, Mathematics and Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal).View the official source; reference or report from current schoolThe Abbey School, Reading: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: A reference is also requested from the student’s current school.View the official source
  • Offers made early for deferred entry: YesThe Abbey School, Reading: Deferred offerChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: They may be offered a confirmed deferred placeView the official source

16+ (sixth form, Year 12)

For the sixth form, the closing date is Tuesday 10 November 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Registration Deadline | Friday 23 October | Tuesday 10 November |View the official source and applicants come in for assessment on Tuesday 17 November 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Entrance Tests, Scholarship assessments and interview | Monday 2 November | Tuesday 17 November |View the official source.

  • What the school assesses: interviewThe Abbey School, Reading: InterviewChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: In addition, all students will have an informal interview and aView the official source; subject papersThe Abbey School, Reading: Own subject papersChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: All external Sixth Form students sit the entrance examination which comprises a general paper as well as two subject papers.View the official source; reference or report from current schoolThe Abbey School, Reading: ReferenceChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: reference is requested from their current school.View the official source
  • The school’s current admissions information covers: entry in September 2027The Abbey School, Reading: Current cycleChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: Key dates for September 2027 EntryView the official source

Entry in September 2027

StepDate
Registration closesTuesday 10 November 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Registration Deadline | Friday 23 October | Tuesday 10 November |View the official source
AssessmentTuesday 17 November 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Entrance Tests, Scholarship assessments and interview | Monday 2 November | Tuesday 17 November |View the official source
Bursary application byFriday 30 October 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Bursary deadline (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Bursary application Deadline | Friday 30 October | Friday 30 October |View the official source
Scholarship application byTuesday 3 November 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Scholarship deadline (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Scholarship Application Deadline | Friday 9 October | Tuesday 3 November |View the official source
Scholarship assessmentTuesday 17 November 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Scholarship assessment date (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Entrance Tests, Scholarship assessments and interview | Monday 2 November | Tuesday 17 November |View the official source

Entry in September 2028

StepDate
Registration closesThe Abbey School, Reading: Registration deadline (2028)Not yet published by The Abbey School, Reading; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Key dates for September 2027 EntryView the official source
AssessmentThe Abbey School, Reading: Assessment date (2028)Not yet published by The Abbey School, Reading; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Key dates for September 2027 EntryView the official source
OffersThe Abbey School, Reading: Offer date (2028)Not yet published by The Abbey School, Reading; last checked 10 Oct 2026.The source says: Key dates for September 2027 EntryView the official source

Key dates

11+ dates for September 2027 entry

The Abbey School, Reading

  1. Done: Scholarship applications close

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

  2. Next: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    in 3 days

  3. Coming up: Bursary applications close

    in 10 days

    Only if you are applying for help with fees

  4. Coming up: Entrance tests

  5. Coming up: Scholarship assessments

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

Dates for the other ways in16+

16+ entry, September 2027

  1. Next: Bursary applications close

    in 10 days

    Only if you are applying for help with fees

  2. Coming up: Scholarship applications close

    in 2 weeks

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

  3. Coming up: Registration closes for 16+ entry

    in 3 weeks

  4. Coming up: Entrance tests

  5. Coming up: Scholarship assessments

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

A year younger? 11+ dates for September 2028 entrySome are not published yet; we show what the school has said.

  1. Not published yet: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    Not yet published, checked 10 Oct 2026

  2. Not published yet: Entrance tests

    Not yet published, checked 10 Oct 2026

  3. Not published yet: Offers sent

    Not yet published, checked 10 Oct 2026

At a glance

The Abbey School, Reading in brief

tap a value for its source

Ages
3 to 18AgesChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: The Abbey School is an independent (fee-paying), academically selective day school for students classified as female at birth, aged 3 to 18 years.View the official source
The ages the school teaches, from youngest to oldest.
Help with fees
Yes
Bursaries reduce fees for families on lower incomes, after a check of income and savings.
Scholarships
5 kinds
Awards for a talent, such as academic work, music or sport.
Day or boarding
day pupils only
Whether pupils go home each day or can live at the school.
Ways in
4+, 7+, 9+, 10+, 11+, 13+, 16+
The ages at which the school takes new pupils (4+, 11+ and so on).
Registration fee
£120including VAT
Paid to the school when you register your child for its tests.

Fees

From £8,775 a term, including VAT
4+ entry, day
£5,435 a term, including VAT
7+ entry, day
£7,280 a term, including VAT
9+ entry, day
£7,280 a term, including VAT
10+ entry, day
£7,280 a term, including VAT
11+ entry, day
£8,775 a term, including VAT
13+ entry, day
£9,050 a term, including VAT
16+ entry, day
£9,050 a term, including VAT

Fees for the 2026–27 school year, as the school publishes them. We never add or remove VAT.

the published fees include VAT

Registration fee: £120 (including VAT).

Deposit when you accept a day place: £1,000.

Source: The Abbey School, Reading, checked

Joining atDay
4+£5,435 per term (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Reception (age 4+ years) | £5,435* |View the official source
7+£7,280 per term (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Lower I - Lower III (Years 3 to 6) | £7,280* |View the official source
9+£7,280 per term (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Lower I - Lower III (Years 3 to 6) | £7,280* |View the official source
10+£7,280 per term (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Lower I - Lower III (Years 3 to 6) | £7,280* |View the official source
11+£8,775 per term (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Upper III - Lower IV (Years 7 to 8) | £8,775* |View the official source
13+£9,050 per term (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: Lower IV - Upper VI (Years 9 to 13) | £9,050*View the official source
16+£9,050 per term (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Lower IV - Upper VI (Years 9 to 13) | £9,050* |View the official source
  • Registration fee: £120 (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: Registration feeChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: There is a non-refundable fee of £120 (VAT inclusive).View the official source
  • Acceptance deposit (day): £1,000The Abbey School, Reading: Deposit dayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: If offered, your daughter’s place is secured with a refundable £1,000 deposit.View the official source

Bursaries and scholarships

Bursaries up to a share of fees
Bursaries (help with fees)
Available. They depend on a check of household income and savings. Income guide: £100,000 combined income (the school's guide figure).
Scholarships
For academic, art, drama, music and sport, at 11+ and 16+ entry, worth up to 20% of the fees.

Source: The Abbey School, Reading, checked

  • Income guide: £100,000 (combined income, guide)The Abbey School, Reading: Income thresholdChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: As a rough guide, a combined income of more than £100,000 is one threshold for assessment but this is not viewed in isolation, with other factors taken into consideration.View the official source
  • Scholarships offered: academicThe Abbey School, Reading: AcademicChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: They are awarded to recognise excellence in academic study, art, drama, music and sport.View the official source, artThe Abbey School, Reading: ArtChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: They are awarded to recognise excellence in academic study, art, drama, music and sport.View the official source, dramaThe Abbey School, Reading: DramaChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: They are awarded to recognise excellence in academic study, art, drama, music and sport.View the official source, musicThe Abbey School, Reading: MusicChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: They are awarded to recognise excellence in academic study, art, drama, music and sport.View the official source, sportThe Abbey School, Reading: SportChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: They are awarded to recognise excellence in academic study, art, drama, music and sport.View the official source
  • Largest scholarship: up to 20%The Abbey School, Reading: Max percentChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: Candidates who perform exceptionally in entrance assessments may be offered awards of 20%.View the official source of fees
  • Scholarship entry points: 11+The Abbey School, Reading: 11 plusChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: All candidates for entry into Years 7 and 12 are considered for Academic Scholarships and there is no separate application form.View the official source, 16+ (sixth form)The Abbey School, Reading: 16 plusChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: All candidates for entry into Years 7 and 12 are considered for Academic Scholarships and there is no separate application form.View the official source

Open days

Next: Big Steps into Reception, Fri 6 Nov 2026

  1. Done: Open Morning (passed)

  2. Done: Sixth Form Taster Day for Year 12 2027 (passed)

    08:30 am - 04:30 pm

  3. Done: Meet the Head: Coffee and chat (passed)

    09:00 am - 10:00 am

  4. Coming up: Big Steps into Reception

    09:00 am - 10:30 am

  5. Coming up: Big Steps into Reception

    04:30 pm - 06:00 pm

  6. Coming up: Abbey Flavours: Junior School Activity Afternoon

    04:30 pm - 06:00 pm

  7. Coming up: Meet the Junior School Head: Coffee and chat

    09:00 am - 10:00 am

  8. Coming up: Senior School and Sixth Form Working Open Day

    09:30 am - 11:00 am

  9. Coming up: Meet the Junior School Head: Coffee and chat

    09:00 am - 10:00 am

  10. Coming up: Senior School and Sixth Form Working Open Day

    09:30 am - 11:00 am

  11. Coming up: The Abbey Junior School Open Event

    09:00 am - 03:00 pm

  12. Coming up: The Abbey Junior School Taster Day

    09:00 am - 02:30 pm

  13. Coming up: Meet the Junior School Head: Coffee and chat

    09:00 am - 10:00 am

  14. Coming up: Abbey Flavours Open Event

    04:30 pm - 06:30 pm

  15. Coming up: Meet the Junior School Head: Coffee and chat

    09:00 am - 10:00 am

  16. Coming up: AbbeyFest: Junior School Open Day

    09:00 am - 12:00 pm

  17. Coming up: The Abbey Senior School and Sixth Form Open Morning

    09:30 am - 12:30 pm

  18. Coming up: Meet the Junior School Head: Coffee and chat

    09:00 am - 10:00 am

  19. Coming up: The Abbey Junior School Taster Day

    09:00 am - 02:30 pm

  20. Coming up: Senior School Taster Day for Year 7 2028

    08:30 am - 05:00 pm

  21. Coming up: Senior School and Sixth Form Working Open Day

    09:30 am - 11:00 am

  22. Coming up: Abbey Flavours Open Event

    04:30 pm - 06:30 pm

Source: The Abbey School, Reading, checked

What is distinctive about applying to The Abbey

The Abbey names a combined household income of £100,000 (combined income, guide)The Abbey School, Reading: Income thresholdChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: As a rough guide, a combined income of more than £100,000 is one threshold for assessment but this is not viewed in isolation, with other factors taken into consideration.View the official source as its guide for bursary support, and asks for bursary forms by Friday 30 October 2026The Abbey School, Reading: Bursary deadline (2027)Checked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Bursary application Deadline | Friday 30 October | Friday 30 October |View the official source for both Year 7 and sixth-form entry. A scholarship can be worth up to 20%The Abbey School, Reading: Max percentChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: Candidates who perform exceptionally in entrance assessments may be offered awards of 20%.View the official source of the fee.

Fees rise through the school, from £5,435 per term (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Reception (age 4+ years) | £5,435* |View the official source in Reception to £8,775 per term (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: | Upper III - Lower IV (Years 7 to 8) | £8,775* |View the official source in Years 7 and 8 and £9,050 per term (including VAT)The Abbey School, Reading: DayChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: Lower IV - Upper VI (Years 9 to 13) | £9,050*View the official source from Year 9, for 2026–27The Abbey School, Reading: Academic yearChecked 10 Oct 2026 against The Abbey School, Reading.The source says: School Fees for Academic Year 2026-2027View the official source.

Official documents and sources

8 sources, each kept as an archived copy

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