Abbot’s Hill named Independent 11–16 School of the Year by the Sunday Times Parent Power 2026

We are delighted to announce that Abbot’s Hill, has been named Independent 11-16 School of the Year 2026, having won the national award for the Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide. Gaining national recognition for its ambitious commitment to academic excellence, the award has ranked Abbot’s Hill as the best 11-16 independent school in the country. This comes alongside record-breaking GCSE results this summer, when the school celebrated its best ever results day, with 64% of its pupils achieving the top grades 7-9.

As part of its ambitious strategy, from September 2026, the school will also extend its co-educational provision into the senior school with the first boys being admitted in Year 7, a decision which was made due to rising demand from families of boys who are interested in benefiting from an Abbot’s Hill education.

Sharon Schanschieff, Head at Abbot’s Hill School commented, “I am absolutely delighted and immensely proud that Abbot’s Hill has been named Independent 11–16 School of the Year. While this award recognises the exceptional achievements of our senior school, it is important to remember that our school journey begins at just six months old. Pupils throughout the entire school benefit from our rich, whole-school educational offer that builds progressively towards GCSEs. This award is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the unwavering support of our parents and wider community. It captures the balance of high ambition and genuine warmth that characterises our supportive community, and it is an honour to see our school recognised in this way.”

Not having a sixth form has always been a conscious and strategic decision for the school. It believes that the transition at the end of Year 11 is a powerful moment, which helps pupils to grow in confidence and independence before they move on to sixth form colleges or specialist providers.

“It’s a chance for our pupils to embrace change in a supported way; an important step before facing the bigger leap at 18. Because we don’t have a sixth form, by Year 11, our pupils are leaders in the school. They take on meaningful roles, such as Head Girl or Prefect. They mentor younger students, lead productions, and represent the school at public events. These experiences build resilience, self-belief, and maturity. Our students leave school ready to face new challenges with ambition and confidence,” explained Ms Schanschieff.

Abbot’s Hill strengthened its ability to thrive in the changing educational landscape when it became part of the Mill Hill Education Group back in April 2024. Since then, the school has continued to deliver educational excellence in the local Hertfordshire region.

Antony Spencer, CEO at Mill Hill Education Group, congratulates the school, “This is pleasing, but not entirely surprising, recognition of the superb education provided at Abbot’s Hill. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, who are committed to delivering the very best education for every child. It was a privilege to welcome the school into the Mill Hill Education Group, and the professional collaboration between our excellent schools has been rewarded with a flurry of national awards over the last twelve months alone,” he said.

With a rich heritage, Abbot’s Hill School was established in 1912 by three Scottish sisters, Alice, Katrine and Mary Baird who opened a boarding school for girls in an old family home called Abbot’s Hill.