What curriculum does Milton Abbey offer?

The breadth of curriculum on offer in 6th form is Milton Abbey’s stand out USP. It offers the greatest range of BTECs and alternative qualifications of all British independent schools, and these can be flexibly combined with A-levels as required.

Some 6th form students still take straight A-levels and, if you need more information on how to choose, head to our FAQ article on A-levels and BTECs.

Any international students requiring additional English language support are very well-catered for. There is also a full time SENCo department which can support students who may require learning support. However, the school is small and flexible enough that every student benefits from some kind of individual learning plan.

What are the fees for Milton Abbey?

Fees for Milton Abbey edge towards the top end of the scale. This is understandable given the setting, class sizes of just 8-12 students, and its ability to provide a unique, bespoke education for every student. Offering this breadth of curriculum and personalised care is not cheap.

As of 2024, annual day fees in 6th form are around £27,000, and boarding is a little over £50k p/a.

Can I apply for a scholarship or bursary?

Students can apply for a number of scholarships at 13+ and 16+. These offer 10% off the fees, making them very welcome, if not exactly game-changing.

There is also a 20% Dorset scholarship for locals, which must be applied for whilst the student is in Year 6.

There is a bursary fund available to those who are unable to afford the fees. Decisions are made on a case by case basis.

If you’re unsure about fee assistance, please review the Top School Guide on Fees to learn about the difference between scholarships and bursaries.

How do you apply to Milton Abbey?

The main entrance points are at 13+ and 16+, with some opportunities at 14+. We recommend enquiring at least 2 years prior to 13+ enrolment, and a year ahead of 14+ or 16+, if possible.

School reports and interview are usually par for the course, and an aptitude test (such as a CAT4 or similar) is either requested or provided. Specific additional assessments may be required if the school wishes to add greater depth to its initial needs assessments.

As with any school, pupils with any kind of SEN will need to provide an up to date Educational Psychologist’s report. Make sure you read the Top School Guide for dyslexic students if you’re not sure what to do.

As of 2024, the non-refundable registration fee is £275.

Is it hard to get into Milton Abbey?

Milton Abbey is non-selective so, whilst applicants still need to meet a particular academic threshold, this is certainly not a school which only enrols academic high fliers.

In fact, Milton Abbey’s 2023 ISI report notes that 62 of its 191 students receive specialist support for their educational needs.

However, do not let this information mislead you –  thanks to its stellar reputation as something of a niche-leader, Milton Abbey is incredibly popular and usually oversubscribed.

The key thing the school is looking for in prospective students is drive and enthusiasm. Milton Abbey knows that, if a student is up for it, the school can add a huge amount of value regardless of the student’s academic starting point or challenges.