Abbotsleigh is one of the oldest girls’ schools in Australia. Founded in 1885 by the educational pioneer Miss Marian Clarke, Abbotsleigh is committed to academic achievement, innovation and educational best practice. Inspirational, forward-thinking teachers create learning experiences that are innovative, challenging, varied and fun.
The school provides a holistic education underpinned by the Christian faith, helping girls thrive today and tomorrow. Its aim is to deliver a deeper learning that educates and empowers the ‘whole girl’, so she can unleash her potential within and way beyond the classroom. Abbotsleigh inspires girls to strive for excellence within and beyond the classroom. The school grows resilient, independent, confident and compassionate girls who believe they are capable of anything. Encouraging them to act now, staff empower girls to make a real difference. Learning to serve and inspire the community, these girls become strong global citizens and courageous, socially responsible leaders. Educational research underpins and is used to measure the effectiveness of all teaching and learning programs. Abbotsleigh also incorporates a purpose built Early Learning Centre for boys and girls up to the age of five.
Facilities: Abbotsleigh’s extensive grounds and well-equipped school buildings include a memorial chapel; Senior and Junior assembly halls; a concert hall; a design and technology centre; tennis courts; three ovals on the two sites; the Abbotsleigh Research Centre in the Senior school; two well-equipped and modern libraries; a gymnasium and an indoor aquatic centre with training, diving and water polo facilities; and an art gallery open to the public. In 2015 the school opened a new sports precinct incorporating a multipurpose sports hall, two dance studios, fitness rooms, an all-weather sports field and ample under-cover parking. Specialist facilities are provided for science, art, music, drama, physical education, multimedia and computing. Years 11 and 12 have their own senior studies centre. Electives Years 9 and 10: Chinese, Commerce, Design and Technology, Drama, Elective Geography, Elective History, French, German, Information Software Technology, Latin, Music, Photographic and Digital Media, Physical Activity and Sports Studies, Visual Arts.
Electives Years 11 and 12: Mathematics, Science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Earth and Environmental Science), Chinese Continuers, French Continuers, German Continuers, Japanese Beginners, Latin Continuers, Drama, PD/Health/PE, Modern History, Ancient History, Geography, Economics, Business Studies, Visual Arts, Music 1 and 2, Design and Technology, Software Design and Development, and Studies of Religion.
Sport: Hockey, basketball, tennis, cricket, softball, athletics, cross country, swimming, diving, water polo, netball, badminton, sailing, touch football, football, gymnastics, equestrian, snow sports, sport aerobics, golf, strength and conditioning, and others.
Welfare and personal development: Girls are nurtured in courage and leadership to assist them in making meaningful future contributions to local, national and international communities. The school provides a stimulating and progressive learning program to develop the levels of academic performance required for tertiary studies. A peer support system, counselling and involvement of parents are integral to the school’s academic care programs. Girls are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of co-curricular activities including The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Crusaders, Service Learning and community projects, school newspaper, debating, international exchanges, public speaking, art, music, drama and sports activities available through the AbbSchool extended tuition programs. By giving every girl the opportunity to do more, she has the ability to be more.
From the school: The school has sustained a reputation for excellent academic results and our educational philosophy also recognises that education includes more than academic excellence, so we focus on developing girls’ gifts and talents as well as their character while ensuring care and support for their social and emotional wellbeing.
Famous ex-students: Dr Louise Halliday (Antarctic explorer), Dr Jill Ker Conway AC (author and academic), Mrs Gabrielle Kibble AO (Head of the NSW Planning Authority), Sue Walpole (ex-Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner), Philippa Smith (Ombudsman), Pauline Griffin (Pro Chancellor of ANU), Ruth Sanger (haematologist), Linda Cropper (actress), Georgie Parker (actress), Louise Cox (President International Institute of Architects), Grace Cossington Smith (artist), Janet Laurence (internationally represented artist), Belinda Luscombe (New York journalist), Penny Figgis AM (environmentalist), Carolyn Davies AM (founder Opportunity Cambodia), Jennifer Rowe (Emily Rodda — author), Cathy Wilcox (cartoonist), Kathleen McCredie AM, Merilee Roberts and Freda Whitlam (former heads of independent girls’ schools)
Headmistress: Mrs Megan Krimmer