Abberley Hall

Worcester WR6 6DD

Head John Walker has been in charge for 13 years and has made some significant changes, the biggest of which was introducing girls to make Abberley Hall what it is now: a thriving co-ed where two thirds of pupils board. The school’s theory – that the more opportunities that can be provided, the better the chance there is of a child finding something they enjoy and excel at – explains why there are activities by the bucketload. As well as the usual full programme at weekends, there’s also an ‘activities hour’ every weekday (no prep or homework in the evening here) with everything from classic film studies to chess on offer. The school has its own riding area with weekend hacking in the grounds for children with their own ponies.