Abbotsleigh is one of the oldest girls’ schools in Australia. Founded in 1885 by the educational pioneer Miss Marian Clarke, Abbotsleigh continues to be committed to academic achievement, innovation and educational best practice. The school provides a broad, well-balanced education, helping each girl to develop interdependence, an appreciation of diversity and a philosophy of life which will enable her to be a courageous, constructive and compassionate world citizen with a will to serve. Girls are nurtured in critical thinking, creative problem solving, intelligent decision-making, educated risk- taking and a curiosity for continuous learning. Educational research underpins and is used to measure the effectiveness of all teaching and learning programs.

In April 2010, Abbotsleigh opened a purpose-built Early Learning Centre and new facilities for Infants girls from Kindergarten to Year 2.

A Transition class for four-year-old girls was introduced alongside the 70-place long day care centre for 60 children, catering for both boys and girls, from birth to five years.

Facilities: Abbotsleigh’s extensive grounds and well-equipped school buildings include a memorial chapel, senior and junior assembly halls, a concert hall, a design and technology centre, tennis courts, three ovals on the two sites, the new Abbotsleigh Research Centre in the Senior school, two well-equipped, modern libraries, a gymnasium and an indoor aquatic centre with training, diving and water polo facilities. Specialist facilities are provided for science, art, music, drama, physical education, multi-media and computing. Years 11 and 12 operate from their own senior studies centre. New single study-bedroom senior boarding facilities for 64 girls with adjoining ensuite bathrooms opened in April 2008.

Electives Years 9 and 10: History, Geography, Commerce, Latin, French, German, Japanese, Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Design and Technology, Photographic and Digital Media, Information and Software Technology, Physical Activity and Sports Studies.

Electives Years 11 and 12: Mathematics, Science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, Senior Science), French, German, Japanese, Latin, Drama, PD/Health/PE, Modern History, Ancient History, Geography, Economics, Business Studies, Visual Arts, Music, Design and Technology, Information Processes and Technology, Software Development and Design, and Theology.

Sport: Hockey, cricket, softball, athletics, swimming, netball, tennis, volleyball, mountain biking, surf life saving, cross-country, jogging, aerobics, touch football, soccer, gymnastics, equestrian club and snow skiing, among others.

Welfare and personal development: The school encourages girls to interact with groups of people in constructive ways. Girls are nurtured in courage and leadership to assist them in making meaningful future contributions to local, national and international communities. The school provides a stimulating and progressive learning program to develop the levels of academic performance required for tertiary studies. A peer support system, counselling and involvement of parents are integral to the school’s academic care programs. Girls are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of co-curricular activities including Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Crusaders, Service-Learning and community projects, school newspaper, debating, international exchanges, public speaking, art, music, drama, and sports activities available through the AbbSchool extended tuition programs.

From the school: Abbotsleigh has a sustained reputation for excellent academic results.  Abbotsleigh is one of the top independent girls schools on the North Shore.

Famous ex-students: Dr Louise Halliday (Antarctic explorer), Dr Jill Ker Conway (author and academic), Mrs Gabrielle Kibble AO (Head of the NSW Planning Authority), Sue Walpole (ex-Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner), Philippa Smith (Ombudsman), Pauline Griffin (Pro Chancellor of ANU), Ruth Sanger (haematologist), Linda Cropper (actress), Georgie Parker (actress), Susan Norrie (inaugural Moët et Chandon Award for art), Grace Cossington Smith (artist), Janet Laurence (artist), Belinda Luscombe (New York journalist), Penny Figgis AM (environmentalist), Jennifer Rowe, Emily Rodda (author), Cathy Wilcox (cartoonist), Kathleen McCredie, Elizabeth Ward, Merilee Roberts and Freda Whitlam (former heads of independent girls’ schools).