‘Our Lady’s Abingdon prides itself on being very much a family school, which can cater for your child from nursery through to sixth form. Our move to co-education provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen these family ties’— Lynne Renwick, head

Arriving after the summer break pupils are filled with excitement, sometimes slightly tinged with trepidation. What will this school year bring?

To those joining Year 7 it is a big step from primary to secondary school, from possibly a small village school to a much bigger senior school.

Will I make friends? Will I like the teachers? What will the lunches be like?

For those joining the sixth form, either following on from Year 11 or coming from another school, they have A-Level studies to look forward to.

Based in their own modern sixth form centre with study areas, common room, kitchen and dining area, they now have positions of responsibility, and will be looked up to as good role models for the younger pupils.

This year was no exception but with the added excitement that boys would now be joining Year 7 and the sixth Form.

What difference will it make? Will they fit in? What will they be like?

They need not have worried. At first it may have seemed strange to staff and existing pupils to see boys walking round the school, but just a couple of weeks into term it feels as if they had always been here.

The boys have already entered into the spirit of the school and already feel the school is the right one for them — both socially and academically.

“Being here is a privilege for many reasons — the great facilities, the staff who treat you a bit more like adults — unlike primary school — and last but not least friends, you make friends really easily here. It’s brilliant here.”

“There are good after school or lunchtime clubs to enjoy.”

“The school dinners are lovely, with lots of things to choose from, even if you are vegetarian like me, so you won’t go hungry.”

“If you know anybody else who would like to join it doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or girl, please come, you will enjoy it.” Year seven boys “It’s an exciting opportunity — you are made to feel very welcome by everybody,”

“The lunches are great.”

“I like having study periods to get on with homework or coursework.”

“It’s a new experience and I’m glad I made the move” Lower sixth boys The girls have adapted well to having boys in the school and feel they are a benefit.

“It’s good to have variety and to know what boys think.”

“Sport is hilarious. The boys all tackle each other.”

“It’s good to have the boys’ perspective on subjects.”

“They’re all so nice. It feels as though they’ve been here for years”.

Lower sixth girls At OLA we see every pupil as unique; valued as an individual, but part of our school family. It’s our aim to help every pupil develop their full potential.

We instil in pupils self-belief and a ‘can do’ attitude and by ensuring pupils feel safe, happy and secure in school they are able to flourish both academically and socially.

Each boy and girl has a unique talent and it’s our responsibility to help them discover it and stay true to the school motto ‘Age Quod Agis’— whatever you do, do it well.

Our Lady’s Abingdon, Radley Road, Abingdon OX14 3PS