Welcome to Abbey School & Nursery
Small enough to know every child. Big enough to give them opportunities to shine.
Abbey is an independent Nursery and Primary School in Torquay, where small classes, specialist teaching and a strong sense of community allow children to be known, valued and encouraged to thrive.
We believe childhood should be full of opportunities. Alongside strong academic foundations, our children are encouraged to discover what they enjoy and what they’re good at — whether that’s in the classroom, in the swimming pool, on the sports field, on stage or somewhere they hadn’t expected.
Come and discover the Abbey difference
Every family is looking for something slightly different. You may be choosing your child’s very first school, considering independent education for the first time or looking for a fresh start. Whatever brings you to Abbey, we’d love to show you around and let you see our school for yourself.
Academic and Swimming Scholarships are available from Reception to Year 5, helping us to recognise potential and widen access to an Abbey education.
Enquiries are welcome throughout the year. Get in touch to find out about current places and scholarships, or to arrange a visit.
Small but mighty. Proudly Abbey.
Join Abbey School
Every child has something to be proud of
At Abbey, every child is known and valued as an individual. We want our pupils to become happy, confident and independent learners, but we also recognise that success looks different for every child.
Learning extends well beyond the classroom. Through sport, swimming, music, drama, trips, competitions, clubs and the many other opportunities that make up school life, children are encouraged to try new things, discover their strengths and develop the confidence to challenge themselves.
We celebrate achievement in all its forms — from academic progress and sporting success to performing for the first time, showing kindness, overcoming a challenge or simply having the courage to have a go.
We have high expectations for our pupils and for ourselves. Our staff continue to learn and develop too, ensuring that the care, teaching and opportunities we provide give every child the chance to thrive.
Ofsted & ISI Reports
Children thrive at Abbey
Our most recent Ofsted inspection described Abbey Nursery as a “warm, nurturing and highly supportive environment” where “children thrive”. Inspectors recognised particular strengths in Inclusion, Behaviour and Children's Welfare & Wellbeing, with all three judged Strong.
That sense of being known and valued continues throughout Abbey. Our most recent routine ISI inspection found that staff know pupils well and provide focused individual attention, helping children to develop a genuine “sense of connection and belonging” to their school.
ISI also recognised our ambitious curriculum, high expectations and specialist teaching, alongside the individual support and challenge that enables pupils to make good progress. Support for pupils with SEND was described as “very effective”.
As children approach the end of their time at Abbey, we make sure they are ready for what comes next. ISI found that pupils are “successfully prepared for their transition to senior schools” — and over the last five years, Abbey pupils sitting the local 11+ have achieved a 95% pass rate.
From a child’s first days in Nursery to their final year with us, we want every Abbey child to feel known, valued and encouraged to achieve their very best.
Meet our staff
Experienced teachers. Specialist expertise.
At Abbey, children benefit from teachers who know them well, alongside specialist teaching across different areas of the curriculum.
Our team brings together a wide range of experience and expertise, from Early Years and primary education to Science, Drama, Music, Sport and Swimming. Across the school, staff also bring additional expertise in areas including safeguarding, SEND, counselling and attachment and trauma-informed practice.
For a small school, we’re proud of the breadth of experience our team offers — giving children the individual attention of a close-knit school alongside opportunities to learn from teachers with genuine specialist knowledge.