Learning About OLA

There are many significant reasons to consider Our Lady’s Abingdon for your child’s education. At OLA, we set each child on a journey towards uncovering their full potential, as we nurture them to achieve and thrive. Our small school offers everyone the opportunity to belong and discover their strengths, through confidence-building activities and chances to pursue their interests. With a high teacher to pupil ratio, we offer small class sizes and individual learning experiences that help students develop their academic potential. Our innovative academic approach leads to results that exceed expectations, and our pastoral care is unmatched. Here, all of our students are encouraged, motivated, and supported, as they grow in confidence and become the happy, successful individuals they were meant to be. Further, we foster a sense of community between home and school, and our school ethos is built on the Catholic Christian values of integrity, compassion, openness, forgiveness, cooperation, and courage. While this is the foundation of everything we do, we are an inclusive establishment, accepting children of all faiths and none. The best way to learn more about OLA and all that we have to offer is to attend an open event. In these open events, we provide information sessions and an opportunity to learn more about student life and the admissions process. In this open day guide, we will explain more about visiting our school.

OLA Open Mornings

Throughout the school year, we hold Whole School Open Mornings, giving students and parents the chance to take a campus tour, meet the team of teachers and administrators, and speak to pupils and teachers about their experiences. During these face-to-face open mornings, we provide information sessions to demonstrate what makes the OLA learning experience so successful, fun, and innovative. In the spring, we will hold a Whole School Open Morning. Registration is required for all events, and you can contact us to ask questions about our event agenda. If you are unable to attend an Open Morning, we encourage you to access our Virtual Open Morning, which provides an introduction to all aspects of our school.

Open Evenings

During Open Evenings, we offer Year 11 pupils and their parents the opportunity to learn more about OLA Sixth. We offer an OLA Sixth Subject Information Open Evening, during which pupils can speak in depth with course leaders about their A-level interests and learn about the next steps in applying for our Sixth Form. During this open evening, campus tours will also be available. Interested parents and students are encouraged to register in advance, but if you wish to attend and have missed the deadline, reach out to our admissions office, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Taster Days and Experience Days

One of the best ways to learn about student life at OLA is to dive into a taster day or experience day. During an Experience Day, prospective students get a chance to try a variety of activities, meet our teachers, and make new friends. If you cannot make one of the scheduled Experience Days, you can schedule your child for a Taster Day. OLA offers Taster Days for any year group at any time, during which children can be part of an actual class and meet their “buddies” with whom they will spend time once they start at OLA. During the OLA Sixth Taster Day, Year 11 pupils are invited to attend and be immersed in school life for an entire day, for a true experience of our school. During the day, there will be a talk on OLA Sixth life and expectations, as well as a programme of taster lessons, allowing pupils to sample Sixth form lessons in subjects that interest them. Pupils can leave during lunchtime if they wish, or they can stay and be provided with a hot lunch. In the afternoon, they may join the Lower Sixth Games lessons, if desired.

Attend an Open Event to Learn More

We encourage you to schedule a visit to learn more about Our Lady’s Abingdon School, a small, Catholic, independent day school for pupils between the ages of 7 and 18. Nurturing qualities in our students that include wisdom, the value of learning, independent thinking, self-worth, and care for others, we strive to help them aspire to strong values and good character. Embracing our rich Catholic Christian heritage, we promote a family community that helps children embark on a journey towards lifelong success. Having been supported by the Sisters resident in Abingdon until very recently, we still aspire to their ethos of integrity and warmth, and we accept pupils from diverse backgrounds, both faith and non-faith. We welcome all students and believe that the co-educational environment works to empower our pupils to be confident, articular young people, ready to make a difference in the world. To learn more, schedule a campus tour, call 01235 524658, or contact us through our website.