At this time of year parents start looking through educational supplements and league tables to try to decide on a school for their child, which is probably one of the most important decisions they will have to make — matching his or her abilities, needs and personality to an environment in which he or she will flourish and achieve their potential.

At Our Lady’s Abingdon we make the choice easier by offering education to boys and girls from nursery right through to sixth form. This is a very special year for OLA. Not only are we celebrating 150 years of Catholic education in Abingdon, but we also welcomed boys in to the senior school for the first time last September.

When Claire Moore, Sister of Mercy, who nursed alongside Florence Nightingale in the Crimea, founded the school in 1860, she was planting seeds for the future when boys and girls could be educated together from the age of three to 18.

Our founder would be very pleased with the comments from our recent ISI Inspection: “Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent. In providing the context for this development, the school is fulfilling its aim to educate pupils in a manner sympathetic to the ethos of the Catholic Church. Pupils have a clear understanding of goodness and truth.”

At OLA we view each pupil as a unique individual with their own special gifts and talents. It is our challenge to help them discover and realise them. By offering opportunities to enjoy success in a variety of different areas we help to broaden horizons and develop self-confidence. Not only do our pupils achieve excellent academic results: “Pupils make exceptional progress in their academic studies in relation to their ability profile” (ISI) but they leave us as well-rounded and independent individuals.

“Pupils achieve excellent results in a range of extra-curricular activities, especially in sport.” (ISI).

Starting in the nursery gives your son or daughter a gentle introduction to school life. The early years are critical as children progress rapidly during this time — physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. Highly-qualified and experienced early years staff offer a supportive and positive environment for your child to develop as a happy and flourishing learner.

The junior school shares many of the senior school’s facilities, including the 25m indoor swimming pool and science laboratories. Throughout the school sport is inclusive, with everyone taking part regardless of ability, developing interests that will last a lifetime, enabling each pupil to maintain a healthy mind and body. Pupils are able to find an expression for creative talents and discover that education is not a process solely confined to the classroom. The sixth form offers students a wide choice of subjects, the opportunity to take on responsibilities and an enriching curricular and extra-curricular programme — all within a friendly and supportive learning environment.

OLA’s international links have been firmly established through partnership with Maryhill High School, Uganda, with several staff and pupils from the school spending time in Uganda, and Ugandans visiting OLA.

“Our Lady’s has a strong sense of community supported by excellent facilities. I have enjoyed many unforgettable experiences. I have had seven years of enjoyable learning, a feeling of belonging and the confidence to pursue my dreams and ambitions,” said a sixth form leaver.

If you feel your son or daughter would also enjoy the experience of OLA, please contact us to arrange a visit, or come along to our open morning on October 16, from 10am-1pm.

OLA is registered for early years funding. A scholarships and bursaries scheme is also available. For more information call Felicity Russell (senior school) 01235 524658, or Marie Haynes (nursery and junior school) 01235 523147.