Milton Abbey School

Focus

Learning differently

Day fees 2025/26

$44,400-$46,800

Boarding fees 2025/26

$84,500-$87,000

Term dates

• Term 1: 4 September to 11 December 2025
• Term 2: 7 January to 26 March 2026
• Term 3: 21 April to 2 July 2026

Ages

13-18

Pupil count

220

Spear’s Review

Milton Abbey School is a prestigious co-educational independent school located in Dorset, England. Offering education for students aged 13 to 18, the school provides a rigorous academic experience alongside a strong emphasis on personal development.

It caters to both day students and boarders, with state-of-the-art facilities set within a beautiful ‘Dorset Riviera’ campus, which includes stunning natural surroundings and historic buildings. The school provides a broad curriculum, with GCSEs, A-Levels and BTEC offered across a variety of subjects.

Boarding options are available, fostering a close-knit community that supports personal growth and independence. The school is committed to preparing students for successful futures and offers strong pastoral care and an inclusive, supportive environment.

Academics

Milton Abbey does not release exam scores, telling Spear’s that it ‘does not philosophically believe in judging individuals by the group result’. But in 2025 it reported a 95 per cent pass rate for A-Levels and Level 3 BTECs.

Head teacher

James Watson is the headmaster of Milton Abbey School, a position he has held since 2023. Prior to his appointment, he served as the senior deputy head, head of learning development, and head of the history department at the school.

University and college destinations

Milton Abbey School students go on to study at universities in the UK and overseas, including Russell Group universities. Some students also choose apprenticeships or work-based training.

Admissions

For 13+ entry, applicants attend an interview with a member of the school’s senior leadership team, and offers are based on the reference and cognitive test scores. For 16+ entry, applicants attend an interview to assess their suitability for the Sixth Form curriculum. Applicants also typically submit school reports and references from their current school.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include:

• Rupert Evans (actor)
• Mark Shand (author, conservationist)
• Prince Gabriel of Nassau

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 2 hours 

Location

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