About our School
The Manor is an independent preparatory school in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, which is within easy reach of both Oxford and many of its surrounding villages, either by car or by our own school bus network. We warmly welcome boys, aged 2—7, and girls, aged 2—11, into our happy and stimulating environment in which every child can develop academically and socially. At the heart of the school is a core of shared values, which reflect our ethos, and which permeate every aspect of Manor life. These values foster high standards of behaviour and achievement, support a framework of respect, promote self confidence and provide a warm, harmonious environment in which our children learn and thrive.
High Academic Standards
We offer, and aim for, high academic standards ensuring that each and every child in our care is able to progress to a secondary school of their parents’ choice. But we know and understand that every child learns at a different rate. Where necessary, extra help is provided through our Learning Support Department. We also offer a Gifted and Talented Programme designed to develop the higher order thinking skills. And for those with talents in art, drama, music and sport, we offer many opportunities for them to shine. Above all, our aim is to enthuse children with a love of learning and the desire to make the very most of their abilities and opportunities.
Our Headmaster, Piers Heyworth, joined the school in 2006 from James Allen’s Preparatory School in Dulwich, where he was the Head for 14 years. He is an active member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools, through which he keeps in touch with current educational thinking. He is ably supported by Mrs Anita Stokes, the school’s Deputy Head, Miss Claire Porter, Head of our co-educational Pre-Prep Department, Mrs Pippa McConnell, Head of our Early Years Department and David Ramm, our Bursar.
Our Sections
The school consists of two sections: the Pre-Prep Department (including the Pre-Nursery and Nursery) for boys and girls aged 2-7, and the Prep Department for girls aged 7-11.
- Pre-Nursery: 2/3 year olds
- Nursery: 3/4 year olds
- Reception: 4/5 year olds
- Year 1: 5/6 year olds
- Year 2: 6/7 year olds
- Year 3: 7/8 year olds
- Year 4: 8/9 year olds
- Year 5: 9/10 year olds
- Year 6: 10/11 year olds
Our normal working day runs from 8.30am and finishes at either 3.30pm or 3.55pm according to the age of the children. Since many of our parents require care for their children for a greater part of the day, we offer ‘Early Birds’, which provides care before the start of the school day from 8.00am. ‘Extended Day’ allows children to relax, read, have some fun and do homework if appropriate, until 5.30pm.
In addition, we offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities from pottery to judo and classical civilisation to street dancing, together with extra music and sport, many of which take place after school and some of which take place before school and during lunch breaks. There are over 90 separate opportunities each week for extra-curricular participation.