Abingdon invests in a bright future Abingdon begins the new academic year with a great sense of excitement as October 4 sees the opening of an exceptional new sports centre which will enhance the already extensive opportunities available at the school.

Combining tremendous academic achievement with equally impressive extra-curricular opportunities, Abingdon sets out to provide a rigorous approach to learning in an environment that encourages young men to grow in depth and think beyond themselves.

The new sports facilities include an eight-lane swimming pool, squash courts, climbing wall, fitness suites and a martial arts and fencing studio.

The sports centre complements 60 acres of pitches and enables Abingdon to boast some of the very best sporting facilities in the country.

The 'other half' is a familiar term to all associated with Abingdon, and is one of the few examples of school colloquialisms. The name captures the school's underlying philosophy, that it regards what goes on in the classroom as comprising only one half of what is important in education.

The 'other half' plays an essential part in a boy's experience of Abingdon and it is very much learning about life, its challenges and opportunities.

A huge range of activities is available for boys to choose from, and a great variety of interests are catered for, from sport, music and art to cookery, drama and debating.

The 'other half' extends well beyond the boundaries of the school, with activities and expeditions designed to expand horizons through culture, physical challenge, responsibility, leadership and experience.

Abingdon Preparatory School has been part of Abingdon School since 1998. The prep school achieves outstanding results in a lively, stimulating and friendly environment.

Among the highlights of the last academic year were an unbeaten rugby first XV, a stunning production of Bugsy, very strong common entrance results and almost one in three boys gaining academic, music, art, drama or sport awards to their secondary school.

Last autumn saw the prep school open its own impressive new sports hall, art room, further classrooms and refurbished library and swimming pool.

Both Abingdon School and the prep school are holding open days in the autumn: Abingdon School open day - Saturday, October 4. Abingdon Preparatory School open mornings - October 7 (reception) and November 11 (whole school).