Reading Abbey Girls' School

Reading Abbey Girls' School
Name	Reading Abbey Girls' School
Established	1887
Closed	2006
Type	Independent day school
City	Reading, Berkshire
Country	England
Founder	The Community of St Mary the Virgin
Head label	Final Headmistress
Head	Mrs. J. M. R. Davies

Reading Abbey Girls' School. It was an independent day school for girls in Reading, Berkshire, founded in the late 19th century by an Anglican religious order. The school provided a rigorous academic education grounded in Christian principles until its closure in the early 21st century. Its long history was marked by a strong tradition and the education of many notable women.

History

The school was founded in 1887 by The Community of St Mary the Virgin, an Anglican sisterhood originally from Wantage. Initially located on Castle Street, it served the daughters of local professional families. During the Second World War, the school was evacuated to Wantage but returned to Reading afterwards. It remained under the auspices of the Church of England throughout its existence, merging briefly with The Abbey School, Reading in the 1970s before re-establishing its independence. Financial pressures and declining rolls led to its eventual closure in 2006, with the site later redeveloped for housing.

Campus and facilities

The school's main site was its purpose-built premises on Kendrick Road, constructed in the 1930s. The buildings were traditional in style, centered around a quadrangle, and included a dedicated chapel for daily worship. Facilities expanded over time to include science laboratories, an art studio, and a library. The school also utilized playing fields at nearby Prospect Park for sports. The Kendrick Road campus was sold following closure, with some architectural elements preserved in the subsequent residential conversion.

Academic profile

The school followed a traditional curriculum leading to GCSE and A-Level examinations. It was known for strong results in languages, the sciences, and the humanities. Pupils were prepared for entrance to Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group universities. The academic ethos emphasized discipline, intellectual curiosity, and moral responsibility, reflecting its Anglican foundation. Regular inspections by the Independent Schools Inspectorate affirmed its high educational standards.

Extracurricular activities

A wide range of activities complemented academic studies. The school had a strong choral tradition, with regular performances and participation in the Reading Festival of Music and Drama. Sports teams competed in the Berkshire County leagues for netball, hockey, and rounders. Other societies included the Debating Society, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, and a thriving Combined Cadet Force contingent. Community service, often linked to The Church of England Children's Society, was actively encouraged.

Notable alumnae

Alumnae, known as Old Abbey Girls, have achieved distinction in diverse fields. In the arts, they include actress Harriet Walter and television producer Hilary Salmon. Literary figures comprise novelist Penelope Fitzgerald and biographer Victoria Glendinning. In public service and law, notable graduates are Baroness Butler-Sloss, former President of the Family Division, and diplomat Dame Audrey Glover. Other distinguished alumnae are archaeologist Dame Kathleen Kenyon, expert on Jericho, and Olympic fencer Mary Glen-Haig.

Governance and administration

The school was governed by a Board of Governors, which included representatives from the Diocese of Oxford. The day-to-day administration was led by the Headmistress, supported by a senior management team and the school bursar. It was a member of the Girls' Schools Association and the Independent Schools Council. Financial operations and estate management were overseen by the governing body, which ultimately made the difficult decision to close the institution after 119 years of operation.

Category:Defunct schools in Berkshire Category:Girls' schools in England Category:Educational institutions established in 1887 Category:2006 disestablishments in England