Pupil Exchange Handbook 2026 Information for exchange pupils and their families and Wycombe Abbey host families 1
Welcome from the Headmistress Dear Exchange Pupil At Wycombe Abbey we believe in the power of education to broaden horizons, build character and foster genuine understanding between cultures. Our exchange programme is a practical expression of these beliefs. It offers pupils from schools in different countries the opportunity to step beyond the familiar, to develop confidence and independence, and to engage with the wider world. In addition, they often create friendships and memories that last well beyond school. As part of this programme you are part of something that matters. Your role is vital and your contribution will make the experience both enriching and exciting. This booklet is designed to provide clarity, reassurance and guidance as you prepare for your exchange experience. More information about Wycombe Abbey can be found on the School’s website: Wycombe Abbey. I encourage you to go online and have a look. I very much look forward to meeting you in person when you arrive in the UK and I hope that you have a wonderful time as an exchange pupil. Best wishes Mrs Jo Duncan Headmistress
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Welcome from the Deputy Head (Strategy and International) Congratulations on securing a place on our Global Exchange Programme – we are looking forward to welcoming you to Wycombe Abbey. Hopefully by now, you have had an opportunity to learn more about our school via the website, but you may also want to learn more about us via our social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Whether you are coming to Wycombe Abbey as a boarder (and staying in our boarding houses) or as a day pupil (and staying with a host family), you can look forward to joining a fast-paced, enriching, and most importantly, fun environment. Whatever your interests – inside and outside the classroom, there will be something for you. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Wycombe Abbey and sharing with you more about what makes our school such a special space to live and study. Have a safe journey and see you soon! Best wishes Mr Nick Woods Deputy Head (Strategy and International)
Welcome from the Head of Global Links Congratulations on being selected to take part in a Global Exchange programme and for having the courage, curiosity and enthusiasm to seek experiences beyond the classroom. I know that this experience will stay with you for the rest of your life and will provide you with memories, friendships and opportunities that you will treasure forever. I am delighted to welcome you to our Global Links community and cannot wait for you to embark on this exciting journey. This Exchange Handbook has been created with you in mind – to answer many of your questions, provide practical guidance and help you prepare for your adventure ahead. Your parents will receive access to the Wycombe Abbey Parent Portal, where they will be asked to complete the necessary enrolment and medical information. We will send details of the deadlines and next steps via email. I look forward to meeting you and hearing all about your experiences when you return. Ms Avani Hurribunce Head of Global Links
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First things first – communication is key Your exchange partner and her family will be eager to get to know you. Get in contact early and use video platforms often. You can discuss your travel dates and flights, and feel assured that they will be there to collect you from the airport and of course, see you safely depart at the end of your exchange. You can ask lots of questions about life in England and at Wycombe Abbey and you can let your host family know what kinds of things you’d like to do and see during your time in England. Your host family will act as your guardians during your exchange, so you should let them know if you have any particular food likes or dislikes, allergies or medical conditions they should be aware of. Whether you board at Wycombe Abbey or are a day boarder will depend on whether your exchange sister is a boarder or a day girl at Wycombe Abbey.
Your arrival in England Your host family will meet you at the airport and will look after you in their home prior to your first school day. Heathrow is the closest airport to the school. If you are boarding at Wycombe Abbey, you’ll then move into the Wycombe Abbey boarding house. They each have their own personality, colour and house tie. If your exchange sister is a day boarder, you will remain with your host family for the duration of your exchange but will be linked to your partner’s Boarding House and are welcome to spend time in House in the same way she will. The length of time you will stay with your host family prior to commencing at school will depend on your arrival date and the arrangements that you have made with the family. 4
School Uniform We will provide you with a Wycombe Abbey uniform (navy skirt, white blouse, jumper, house tie and blazer) and as a welcome gift we will give you a school tote bag. Please bring your own black shoes, navy socks and sports clothing for PE lessons. It is often muddy in England so expect sports shoes to get dirty. If you come in Autumn, Winter and Spring, you will need a coat, gloves and scarf and opaque navy-blue tights and navy socks. Please label all of your clothes clearly. Laundry is done regularly at the school for Boarders. Any items of Wycombe Abbey clothing lost during your exchange will need to be paid for.
Your first school days at Wycombe Abbey Your exchange partner will bring you to meet the Director of Global Links, who will welcome you to Wycombe Abbey, and meet with you from time-to-time to ensure everything is going well. You will be taken to the ICT centre and given a wrist band to access our school site. You will be set up with a password, and your device will be connected into our system. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled. Please bring your own device. Microsoft is preferable. Over the first few days, you will be introduced to a number of key staff members including: Mrs Duncan, Headmistress and Mr Woods, Deputy (Strategy and International) and Mr Luke Wildgoose, Head of Upper School. Breakfast, morning break, lunch, afternoon tea and supper are all provided at the School in the Main School Dining Room (MSDR) as part of your tuition here. We also have the Courtyard Café, our very own coffee shop, which is open for snacks throughout the day. You will have a wide range of food to choose from. We are very lucky!
Boarding at Wycombe Abbey We are a full boarding school. Boarding is an integral part of life at Wycombe Abbey and even those pupils who do not board with us are linked to a boarding house; many of our day boarders will spend time each week in their boarding house, completing prep, relaxing with friends and taking part in our many House activities. You will wear your boarding House tie and will be a member of one of our eleven boarding houses. You will find there is a very strong House spirit! If you are an exchange pupil who is boarding at Wycombe Abbey, you will meet your Housemistress and other key House staff on arrival. There is a vast choice of recreational activities provided for all girls, and you will be given further details about this by House staff. You will be in a dormitory style room with your exchange sister, and you will have a shared bathroom. You should bring your own headphones. Your host family will provide your bedding and towels. This is what a typical evening looks like:
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Evening schedule Senior Houses, LIV–UV 5:55pm – 7:40pm
Supper
5:45pm onwards
Return to House or involvement in an evening activity/work in year group Hub/library areas
8:00pm
House Order (twice weekly) to share news, give out notices and celebrate birthdays for the week
8:30pm
House activities (varying weeknights) such as smoothie making, reading group, themed events, baking etc
8:00pm – 9:00pm
LIV and UIV phone time
9:00pm
LIV to UV hand in electronic devices
9:15pm
Big lights off and little lights on, reading and prepare for bed
9:30pm
Shower
10:00pm
Lights out and time for bed
Expectations of Exchange Pupils While you are on exchange you will be acting as an ambassador for your school and the exchange will undoubtedly leave you with deep and long-lasting memories. If you take advantage of the many opportunities presented to you during your exchange, your time with us will be more rewarding. You will be expected to abide by the Wycombe Abbey community rules (Please read the Principles of Boarding and Community Rules in the appendix) You must attend school every day unless prior arrangements have been made with your home school and Wycombe Abbey, and complete the required prep and assignments. You should participate actively in class, in the School community, and in School events and activities that have been planned for you. There may be work from your own school that you need to complete and there will be some time in which you can do this. It is important you keep in contact with your school in this regard and ask for help from your Wycombe Abbey teachers should you need it. We encourage you to follow your passions and interests and involve yourself in the School’s extensive co-curricular program. There are many clubs and teams you can join, and your exchange sister will assist you with this, together with your Housemistress and Tutor.
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The School Day at Wycombe Abbey We have a six-day timetable with lessons on a Saturday morning. See our daily routines below. You can see that our day starts at 8:20am with registration with your Tutor. You will see your Tutor every morning except for Saturday, and you will generally follow your hostsister’s timetable except for subjects that you don’t study such as a language option. Daily Routines A Typical Week Saturday
Weekday 7:30am
Breakfast (7:15am in Junior House)
8:00am
Breakfast
9:00am
Period 1
9:40am
Period 2
10.15am
Break
8:20am
Registration
8:30am
Chapel or Tutor (Mon– Thu), School Meeting (Fri)
8:45am
Period 1
10:35am
Period 3
9:25am
Period 2
11:15am
Period 4
10:00am
Break
11:50am
Lunch
10:25am
Period 3
12:30pm
Sports Fixtures
11:05am
Period 4
6:00pm
Supper
11:45am
Period 5/Lunch*
Sunday
12:25pm
Period 6/Lunch*
1:00pm
Period 7/Lunch*
9:30am–1:30pm Brunch on Evensong Sundays
1:40pm
Period 8/Lunch*
10:30am
Chapel (Closed Weekends)
2:20pm
Period 9
12:00 noon
Lunch
3:00pm
Period 10
6:00pm
Supper
3:35pm
Tea
8:00pm
Evensong
4:00pm
Period 11
4:40pm
Period 12
6:00pm
Supper
Pupils are timetabled a single or double period lunch break. On Wednesdays, lessons finish at 4:15pm to allow for sports fixtures/music rehearsals and other co-curricular activities.
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Sport and Activities You will never be bored here! From beekeeping to the Science Society there is a tremendous variety of co-curricular activities offered after school and at the weekends. Speak to your House Mistress, the Director of School Operations, or the Director of Global Links to help you register for a club or music band. You will automatically take part in Physical Education lessons when you join and depending on the season and term of your arrival will be offered particular sports. Here are some examples of groups you could join:
Music y Symphony Orchestra. ABRSM Grade 8/8+ y Chamber Orchestra- for string players in Grade 8+ y Concert Band – for woodwind and brass players plus rhythm section, approx. Grade 5+ y Jazz ensemble – for advanced woodwind and brass players plus rhythm section, by invitation
Choirs y Chapel Choir y Phire – Gospel Choir
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Societies and Clubs Societies and Clubs: (this list may be subject to change) African Society Amnesty International Art Society Bee Society Bioethics Society British Sign Language Business Society Caledonian Society Catholic Society Chess Society Computer Science Society Drama Society Duke of Edinburgh Economics Society Engineering Society Film Society Genetics Society Geography Society Golf Society Racing Academy
History of Art Society History Society Identity Society Literary Society Maths Society Medical Society Model United Nations (MUN) Modern Linguistics Society Music Society Neurodivergent Society Neuroscience Society Oriental Society Philosophy and Theology Society Politics Society Psychology Society Rock Music Society Science Society The Publication (pupil magazine) Young Scientists’ Journal
Top tips for living with your host family Advice for you to consider. We give this to our pupils too when they go on exchange. y Try to connect with all members of your host family. Ask them questions, spend time with them in conversation, and share your background and culture. y Try to adapt to their lifestyle and ask if you are unsure of anything. y Discuss with them their family rules, curfew, etc. y Some countries suffer from a very dry climate and water is a precious resource. Please be mindful of this when showering or even brushing your teeth! y Check whether you can drink the water. In some countries you will need to drink and wash your teeth using bottled water only. y Don’t spend too much time on your devices or alone in your room, as it will impede you from getting to know your hosts and give the appearance that you’re disinterested. You might like to leave the door open when appropriate to show you are not cutting yourself off from the family. (There are firm rules regarding digital devices in House and phones are not allowed in School).
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y Don’t venture out alone (this is not permitted) and always carry with you the mobile phone numbers for your host family and staff at the host school. y Let your host family know if you have any dietary preferences or medical issues. It’s best to be open and honest to ensure the best care. y Offer to help around the house doing simple tasks, like laying the table for dinner, helping with the dishes, hanging out the washing, taking the family dog for a walk with your host sister. y Offer to cook a meal – you might even prepare your favourite dish from home. Enlist your host sister to go food shopping with you and help with food preparation. y Be open to trying new things, whether it’s different food, outings, listening to another type of music, watching a new TV show. y Share in the family fun – play a board game, dine outdoors, take a trip to the park or beach, be part of a family celebration. y Be considerate. Before you make plans to do something with your host sister or another pupil, let your host parents know ahead of time in case they already have plans. y Expect to pay for your own personal items and souvenirs. Your hosts will pay for your meals and entry fees. y Remember to be grateful and say “thank you” often for the opportunities offered to you. Your hosts will really appreciate it. y Remember, school staff are available to help you if you are unsure or don’t feel at ease Make sure you talk to them regularly.
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Your Welfare on Exchange Remember what your goals were for going on exchange and your personal values. This bigger picture will give you perspective. And remember, it’s normal to feel homesick at some point while you’re away from home. Communicate with your host family and perhaps keep a travel journal as this will allow you to look back on good times if you are feeling sad. Should your homesickness continue, it is best to seek help and advice. Gaining support early will help to clarify your thoughts and lead to a happier exchange. In the first instance, contact the Director of Global Links or your House Mistress. We have Counselling, the Health Centre and the Chaplaincy available for you too.
Safeguarding at Wycombe Abbey
Our main priorities during your exchange with us are that you feel safe and that you have lots of fun throughout your stay. I lead Safeguarding here at Wycombe Abbey and work with a dedicated team of staff who are all here to support you whenever you need us. You can speak to any member of staff you feel comfortable talking to, and they will help guide and support you. If you ever have a concern, feel worried, or simply want to talk something through, you are always welcome to come and find one of us. My office is located just across from the School Shop and the School Office, so I’m very easy to find. If you would prefer to speak to someone outside of your Boarding House, I can also help connect you with our Listening Services team. You will meet me during your first few days with us, and I cannot wait to welcome you into our community. Mrs Sophie Blunt Director of Safeguarding and Pupil Welfare
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Access to phones When bringing your phone to England, ensure you have bought an E-SIM before leaving home or that you purchase a SIM card on arrival (your host family can assist with this). At school, phones are currently allowed for one hour in the morning (7:00am -8:00am) and then after school (5:15pm-9:00pm). On the weekend you can keep your phone for the day, but you will need to hand it in at 9:45pm at night. Your host family will have rules around phone usage. Please ask them what they are. Travel Documents You will receive a letter from Wycombe Abbey confirming your exchange and to assist with your visa application and entry into England. Money We recommend you bring your spending money on a debit card and suggest an amount of £250 over a three-week exchange. While you won’t need large amounts of spending money at school, you may wish to purchase items from the School Shop, or snacks from the Courtyard Café. You may also need money for outings at the weekend, and any shopping you would like to do. It will also be important to keep some money for any unexpected travel-related costs, e.g. the possibility of excess baggage charges. ATMs at most English banks accept debit and credit card accounts linked to most major international financial organisations (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Boarders will only have access to banks at the weekends and on trips with their host family. If you are carrying cash, you should make sure that it is kept in a safe place. The boarding house has a safe where you can leave your money. You will also have a lockable space in your personal area where belongings can be locked away too.
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What to pack Clearly label your suitcase and take a photo of it prior to travel (just in case it gets lost). You may like to pack using packing cubes. As mentioned previously, we will provide you with a uniform on arrival. You will need: y Hand luggage (passport/letter(s) from school(s) eye mask and neck pillow) y A small gift for your host family and host sister y Casual clothing (swimming costume/active wear/restaurant visits etc including appropriate shoes e.g. flip flops and trainers) y Underwear and socks y Pyjamas and night gown (to walk around in House) y Scarf, gloves, hat, coat (dark blue or black) and umbrella y Medications if needed (to be handed to House) y Black shoes and blue ankle length socks y Casual clothes and shoes y Sports clothes for sport at school and swimming costume for swimming at school y Crocs or flip flops to walk around in House y Sports shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy y Adapters (at least two) y Toiletries, including suncream y Musical instrument if needed y Water bottle (or you can buy a Wycombe Abbey one from our shop) y Purse y Spending money ideally on a debit card y Mobile phone (1 only) and cords y Chargers and adapters y Tablet/Headphones/Laptop y Pencil case (with pens, pencils etc) y Diary y 2 x washing net bags *Two duvet covers, two towels, two pillowcases (provided by the family hosting you) Previous year’s exchange alumni said to remind you to check your seat and seat pocket when you leave the airline, so you don’t forget anything! NB. All possessions are the responsibility of pupils and should be named. We recommend that you avoid bringing any highly valuable items on exchange.
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Telephoning The International Code for England is +44.
Checklist Before you come to England y Get in touch with your exchange partner and her family. Do this multiple times via video link up. It makes a difference! y Receive letters, forms and information about your exchange from Wycombe Abbey. Complete the online forms. y Check/update your passport. y Apply for your visa to England in plenty of time. y Discuss proposed flights, and arrival and departure dates, with your host family. Flights to be confirmed by both schools prior to booking. y Book your flights and send your itinerary to your host family, your school and Wycombe Abbey. y Confirm the airport pick-up with your host family. y Organise health and travel insurance, then scan the certificate and email to your exchange school and host family. 14
y Check with teachers to see what work must be complete whilst you are away. Make a note of your teachers’ email addresses so you can keep in touch with them y Organise your spending money on a debit card, plus a small amount of English pounds y Pack your suitcase. Follow the list provided. Remember to leave some room to bring home souvenirs y Pack your hand luggage. Make sure you have with you the phone contact numbers for your host family y Don’t forget your passport, letter for immigration, mobile phone and charger! y Take a photo of your suitcase, just in case it gets lost y Check your seat and seat pockets on the plane before you leave it! y Begin your home-stay or boarding experience. Whilst on exchange y Email your teacher or school principal to let them know you’ve arrived safely. y Keep in touch with your parents and teachers back home. y Meet with the Director of Global Links from time to time to discuss how your exchange is going. y You will see your Tutor and Housemistress almost daily – keep them updated with how you are getting on. y Complete any work required for your school. y At the end of your stay, thank your host family and say goodbye to the Wycombe Abbey boarding staff, teachers and all your new friends. y Return any books or resources borrowed from the school library. y Complete a survey feedback form which will be emailed to you. y Return all borrowed uniform items to your exchange sister and ask her to take them to the uniform shop. After you return home y Keep in touch with your new Wycombe Abbey friends! y Reflect on what you learnt and the skills you developed being away from home. y Encourage other pupils from your school to come on exchange to Wycombe Abbey. y Complete the evaluation survey we send you.
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This part is for your parents Medical information and Travel Insurance Parents: It is important that you complete the detailed health questionnaire and consent form and provide all requested information (e.g., immunisation records, any care/action plans etc) prior to your daughter’s arrival. Parents must also provide details of their daughter’s comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the period of exchange in the unlikely case that medical treatment is required. We ask parents to honestly disclose any known pre-existing medical or psychological condition that may affect their daughter during her exchange and provide relevant details. Even mild anxiety could worsen once your daughter is away from home and it is important for us to be aware of your daughter’s needs so we can support her effectively whist under our care. Please be aware that should an issue arise that could potentially impact the health or safety of your daughter or others, you and her home school will be notified and appropriate strategies put in place to promote her health and well-being or the health and safety of others. This may include modifying the scope of her exchange, suspending her from the programme, or sending her home early, at your cost. If the latter should occur, it is expected that a parent will come to Wycombe Abbey to collect their daughter to see her safely home. Prior to your daughter’s arrival, please contact the school nursing staff and the host family to discuss any medical needs or concerns you might have. All information shared with the Health Centre will be kept confidential and will only be shared with key staff on a needto-know basis where this is essential for the safety and well-being of your daughter. This ensures that any ongoing care or treatment can be continued and monitored during her stay. Should your daughter experience any medical concerns during her stay, the Health and Wellbeing Centre or boarding staff will contact parents promptly. The school Health and Wellbeing Centre can be contacted via: healthcentre@wycombeabbey.com 01494 897002 07973 790062 Health and Wellbeing Centre Information The Health and Wellbeing Centre is staffed by a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day during term time. Pupils who require urgent assessment or health care will always be seen promptly at any time of the night or day. There are usually two nurses on duty during the day and one nurse overnight to offer health advice and care when needed. We have three School Doctors based at Wye Valley Surgery in High Wycombe who visit the Health and Wellbeing Centre providing four GP clinics a week. Should an exchange pupil need any medical treatment whilst at Wycombe Abbey they can be registered as a temporary patient at Wye Valley Surgery. Please be reassured that the Health and Wellbeing Centre also has access to the Urgent Treatment Centre across the road at Wycombe General Hospital and the Emergency Departments at Stoke Mandeville and Wexham Park hospitals. 16
Medication If your daughter is currently taking prescribed medication, you must provide written confirmation from your doctor/specialist for your Housemistress and the Health and Wellbeing Centre, and this must be in English. We kindly request that all medicines brought into School must be in the original packaging, clearly labelled in English with the pupil’s name and dispensing instructions. All medication must be handed to House Staff on arrival for checking. Where the instructions for dispensing this medication are not in English or not licensed for use in the UK, the School Doctor will be asked to review the medication and they may prescribe a UK alternative. If appropriate, pupils over 16 may be able to selfadminister their medication with their parents’ consent, agreement of their House Mistress and on completion of a risk assessment form to confirm adherence to safety guidelines. Financial Considerations – for parents There are no tuition or boarding fees to pay at Wycombe Abbey for pupil exchange. If there is a special camp or event that we can offer your daughter, we will contact you and ask whether you would like your daughter to be involved and discuss charges with you. Important contact details Main School Tel: (+44)01494520381 Deputy Head (Strategy and International) – Mr N Woods Tel: (+44) 01494895591 Mobile: (+44) 0771583107 Email: woodsn@wycombeabbey.com Director of Global Links – Ms C Leong Tel (+44) 01494 896316 Email: leongc@wycombeabbey.com Health and Wellbeing Centre: Tel: (+44) 01494 897002 Mobile: (+44) 07973 790062 Email: healthcentre@wycombeabbey.com Director of Safeguarding and Pupil Welfare – Mrs S Blunt: Tel: (+44) 01494 897001 Mobile: (+44) 07515063828 Email: blunts@wycombeabbey.com You can explore our campus using this virtual tour. https://360imagephotography.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wycombeabbey/index.htm
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This part is for our families in England Families in England Your Responsibilities as a Host Family An important part of the exchange experience is hosting an exchange pupil at home. Once you have been put in contact with your host daughter/sister and her family, we ask that you begin to build a positive relationship with her (usually via email) before the first exchange takes place. Video calls prior to hosting will include flight bookings, airport pick-ups, what kind of activities you are planning for her stay, advice on what she will need to bring with her, any medical or dietary requirements and more. Don’t forget to email photos of yourself and your family if the video link ups are blurry– this will help you to recognise each other at the airport. Host families should arrange to collect their exchange pupil from the airport upon her arrival and see her safely depart at the end of her stay. You will act ‘in loco parentis’ during her exchange and will be expected to welcome the exchange pupil into your family. If travel dates permit, we encourage parents to take the pupil home for the first few nights to allow her to rest fully and get to know the family before entering the boarding house (if she will be boarding). In the event of illness, you would be expected to act on behalf of the exchange pupil’s parents. This means that if the exchange pupil is ill, she may need to come ‘home’ to your house. Our international boarders who participate in the exchange will need to make arrangements with Guardians to include the exchange pupil. Your exchange pupil will be keen to experience life in England and see some places of interest nearby. Parents pay for any meals or admissions for exchange pupils while on family outings or for public transport to and from an event (this will be reciprocated when your daughter is hosted). The exchange pupil, however, should have her own pocket money for personal needs, extra trips and gifts. Exchange pupils should not be permitted to do things on their own, such as going out in the evenings. Regarding curfew requirements, household responsibilities and rules for attending parties or outings with friends, you should treat the exchange pupil as one of your own children and make these decisions accordingly. In the unlikely event a pupil is difficult and refuses to accept your house rules, please contact the Director of Global Links sooner rather than later. Please check the exchange pupil’s departure flight details, ensuring that she has her ticket, boarding pass, passports, belongings, etc, ready in good time, and money available to pay for any excess baggage. For more information on hosting. Follow the link below: https://oeapng.info/downloads/download-info/7f-exchanges-and-home-stays Practicalities Please note that you will need to provide bedding and towels for your host daughter if she is in boarding. It would be nice to give your exchange daughter some tuck too. 18
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Appendix Principles of Boarding and Community Rules September 2025 Principles of Boarding Boarding is central to the life of Wycombe Abbey. Our ethos is one of full boarding and we seek to offer the advantages this provides to our Day boarding pupils. It is this which enables us to provide an outstanding education in its broadest sense. Boarding underpins the school’s policies, organisation and development; it is the essence of the School and the key to its ongoing success. Our boarding principles are based on our core Christian beliefs. Each member of the community is treated as an individual, and with respect, by other pupils and by staff. Although living together, staff and pupils acknowledge the right of each other to privacy. All pupils should be able to develop physically, spiritually, morally and socially and be able to work, play and relax free from bullying. There is equality of opportunity and respect for all. Each pupil has the right to grow intellectually in an atmosphere of encouragement, challenge and fun. Strong partnerships with parents are seen as an indispensable part of the support and development of the pupils. Our principles of boarding are designed to support our School Aims and Values: y To develop an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect which encourages service to the community and to others y To provide conditions for study in an atmosphere which seeks both excellence and balance y To provide a range of activities and opportunities that will assist in the personal, social and cultural development of each boarder, allowing each individual to develop their individual talents and skills y To provide accommodation that is comfortable and suited to the needs of boarders, and which provides adequate levels of privacy within a supportive community y To develop boarders’ responsibility for self, for others and for the environment allowing them to contribute to the needs and welfare of their House, School and wider community with dynamism and innovation y For boarders to feel able to turn to members of staff to share the good things in their lives, as well as seeking advice, counsel and support during times of difficulty y To create an atmosphere of trust in which positive relationships thrive and where bullying and disharmony would struggle to develop through the creation of a tolerant and open community
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y To safeguard and promote the welfare of all, by providing an environment that is, as far as possible, free from unacceptable hazards and dangers y To communicate frequently with parents: success as well as failure, good news as well as bad Community Rules Wycombe Abbey is a happy, thriving community where pupils adhere to high standards of behaviour and show respect for one another and their environment. Wycombe Abbey aims to help every girl to learn to take responsibility for her own actions and to recognise the importance of certain rules designed to protect both the individual and the community. The following community rules exist to give clarity to our expectations, we know and trust that pupils understand that they are expected to follow the spirit of these rules. The Principles of Boarding and Community Rules apply to all age groups and at all times when the pupil is at School, representing the School or wearing School uniform, travelling to and from School or associated with the School at any time. At the heart of boarding life is learning to show respect for the individual and the community. All pupils should demonstrate consideration for the health, safety and emotional and physical well-being of everyone within the community and due regard to the rights of others and their property. Where a pupil falls below this standard the school looks to investigate and respond in an efficient, sensitive and appropriate manner. As a School we wish to encourage positive behaviour and self-discipline. Our aim is to reward effort as well as achievement and to promote good behaviour. To this end departments have a reward system, and the School a commendation system. Good news and achievements are read out in School Meetings and Mark Readings as well as in House
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Order whilst teachers, staff and Houses encourage good behaviour through praise and positive feedback. Departments, Houses and extra-curricular all have a responsibility to maintain positive relations within the School and ensure an orderly and constructive environment exists for all and where necessary staff have clear guidance on appropriate sanctions to support this aim. Behaviour within our community should enable the Headmistress to carry out her responsibilities and to ensure, as far as possible, that every pupil is able to benefit from and make her full contribution to the life of the School. We believe that good relations, good manners and a secure learning environment play a crucial part in the development of intellectually curious pupils, who are motivated to become life-long learners. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to make the most of the wideranging learning opportunities made available. Both inside the classroom and beyond we aim to teach trust, encouragement and mutual respect for everyone. We believe this will encourage the positive contribution that an individual can make to the life of a school or any other community and we encourage constructive suggestions from all members of the community. We develop qualities of team-work and leadership through our extensive programme of co-curricular activities and also through life in our boarding community. Pupils are aware of the importance of working with their teachers and School staff to best ensure their future success and the importance of honest academic practice and working to the best of their abilities. Pupils are aware that we expect them to be ready to learn and to participate in School activities and that they should be proud of the high standards that are set for them. The School aims to set out clear guidance of our expectations of pupils on issues such as standards of dress, boarding routines, punctuality and behaviour in Chapel. Pupils are aware that these must be adhered to and understand why sanctions may be imposed for inconsiderate behaviour. Every pupil has various members of staff whom they can turn to for guidance and to seek clarity if needed. We are fortunate to occupy a beautiful site and some splendid buildings and our community rules extend to each aspect of life at Wycombe Abbey. We expect everyone to take due care of our environment, demonstrating to it the respect that it deserves and to use common sense in behaving safely and appropriately in relation to the pupils’ surroundings. We expect pupils to behave at all times in a manner that reflects the best interests of the whole community. In abiding by the Community Rules, it is inherent on all pupils and staff to recognise that everyone has a right to feel secure and to be treated with respect at Wycombe Abbey, particularly the vulnerable. Harassment and bullying will not be tolerated. Our approach to bullying is set out in our Anti-Bullying Strategy and the School remains strongly committed to protecting each member of the community and promoting equal opportunities for all.
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The School recognises that occasionally people will transgress the boundaries of accepted behaviour and will need reminding about the high expectations of the School. Appropriate sanctions are set out as a guide to help support staff in creating a culture of outstanding behaviour. We aim to apply sanctions fairly, in accordance with the procedures of natural justice, and, where appropriate, after due investigative action has taken place. Sanctions, some of which incur a permanent disciplinary record, include exclusion, requirement to leave, suspension, rustication, detention and ‘gating’, withdrawal of privileges, confiscation of property that is being used inappropriately or without consideration, target/ uniform/report cards, reporting in at specified times, assistance with domestic tasks (such as collecting litter), or withdrawal from a lesson, School trip or team event. Disciplinary measures should be seen by everyone as a deterrent and above all it should be clear that any sanctions are applied fairly, consistently and are appropriate to the seriousness of the offence, therefore there is a clear scale of sanctions and a staged process of progressing through them. Any pupil who finds themselves in the company of others breaking School rules may find themselves sanctioned unless they make it clear that they are not complicit by either attempting to prevent the misdemeanour from taking place or disassociating themselves clearly from it. To ensure the smooth running of the community, all pupils are reminded: y To respect other pupils right to feel safe and secure. To only engage and communicate in an appropriate and kindly genteel manner, treating others with dignity, consideration and respect. y To respect other pupils’ need for privacy and personal space and to respect their rights to security of belongings and property. y To respect other pupils’ need for sleep by not using mobile devices, laptops or by talking after ‘lights out’. y To respect the property and environment of the School using all equipment in an appropriate and safe manner. y To behave in a manner that befits their age (including but not limited to age restrictions on films, following Boarding House routines). y To discuss with a Housemistress before engaging in recreational activities that could be considered dangerous such as the use of skateboards, roller-blades, scooters or similar whilst on the School site. (Helmets should be worn). y To abide by the Responsible Use of Digital Devices policy and exercise all due caution in the use of digital technology. y To ensure that they follow School guidance upon the availability and consumption of alcohol. y To understand that smoking and the use of vaping equipment or their equivalent are not permitted in School. y To not drive a motor vehicle in the School grounds unless accompanied by a driving instructor or with the permission of the School.
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y To not accept lifts from anyone they do not know nor be driven by anyone without parental permission. y To follow all the appropriate procedures regarding attendance, signing in and out of Houses and leave arrangements. y Pupils are not permitted to order food to be delivered to School without permissions from relevant staff. y In regard to personal relationships, to behave in a manner mindful of the nature of the community and those around you. Engaging in a sexual relationship whilst at school is forbidden.
The following are areas of specific guidance for pupils in regards to the community rules The Wycombe Abbey site Pupils are fortunate to enjoy extensive and beautiful grounds in which to be educated. The School operates an Access to Site policy which requires all visitors to report to the Custodians or to the Main Entrance to sign in and wear a red lanyard badge whilst on the premises, and they will be escorted at all times. Access to the site and to buildings are controlled through electronically locked gates and doors. Only current pupils, staff and residents should have access to key cards and/or wristbands that enable access. Pupils should report any concerns they have about access to the site to staff and should keep all codes confidential. Whilst using the site pupils are expected to adhere to the following: y Gain permission from their Housemistress in advance for any visitors to the School. Housemistresses will advise them of the procedures. y Ensure that the Housemistress has all relevant information about the whereabouts and activities of all pupils. y Follow the signing in and out procedures. Pupils must sign in as a visitor and introduce themselves to the duty staff when visiting other Houses. y UIII pupils should walk in groups of three or more in the grounds. y LIV-UV should walk in pairs when away from the vicinity of school buildings or in the dark. y Pupils should walk only on footpaths and walkways and avoid grassed areas. Care should be taken when crossing roads. y Pupils should remember to ensure that doors, gates and ground floor windows are shut. y To avoid areas which are marked out of bounds, such as the lake and Estates Office/ Compound.
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Leaving the site Details of when pupils have permission to visit High Wycombe are published in House. Pupils understand that the School has a duty of care over them and must be able to locate their whereabouts at all times. Pupils may only leave the School premises with permission and signing out procedures must be followed. If Parents wish to take a pupil out for any reason they must ensure they have discussed the matter with their child’s Housemistress and that pupils are signed out in the appropriate manner. Property All pupils are responsible for looking after their own property in the correct manner and have a duty to respect the property of others. Theft or vandalism are serious disciplinary incidents and should be reported to staff immediately. Belongings should be with pupils or in the Year Group Hubs. Areas outside the main Abbey reception, dining room and Big School should be free of bags and possessions at all times. Pupils must remember to place their property in an appropriate place whilst in Chapel, lunch or at any other times at which it is not in their personal possession These places include: y their locker; y in the room where the first lesson is to be held, or, before Science lessons, on hooks outside the labs; y in the library; y in Hubs; y neatly placed on hooks or shelves. Corridors, passageways, doorways and steps should be left clear of possessions at all times and possessions should be left in areas that are sheltered from wind or rain. Bags and possessions should be hung on pegs outside the Art rooms and laboratories. Belongings may be confiscated if they are left lying around. Pupils are reminded that they should not have in their possession any items that are illegal, not accepted in School (e.g. tobacco products or alcohol) or is likely to cause offence. Where necessary the School may conduct a search in line with the School’s Search policy. Conduct and Demeanour Pupils are expected to be polite, courteous and well-mannered at all times and in all areas of the School. Pupils are to take all meals in the School dining rooms; Clarence pupils take breakfast and dinner in Clarence. Food and drink should be consumed only in the dining rooms, the
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Courtyard Café and appropriate places within the Boarding Houses. Pupils can drink water in Hubs but other food and drinks should not be consumed in these areas. Pupils are not allowed to chew gum. Pupils are not allowed to use mobile phones or any other electronic device in the Dining Room nor walk along the corridors using them, they can only be used in lessons as directed by their teacher. Pupils may use electronic devices in House Studies, Hubs and in libraries to listen to music. Academic Behaviour Pupils are aware that the highest standards of behaviour are expected in lessons. Pupils are aware that their behaviour in class should demonstrate respect for others, a willingness to learn and a willingness to allow others to learn. Teachers are responsible for managing the behaviour of their classes. Pupils are aware of the importance of applying themselves to the work set by staff both in class and as prep work and that help is available where a pupil is struggling with work that has been set. Pupils are aware of the importance of prompt and punctual attendance at all lessons and activities. Pupils who know in advance that they will miss an individual or class lesson should inform their teacher by email or in person. Unauthorised absence from lessons will be investigated and resolved appropriately. Pupils are aware of the importance of completing all academic work with honesty and integrity. Plagiarism is a serious disciplinary incident. Pupils should always ensure that their work credits external sources appropriately using recognised referencing procedures and quotation marks. Evidence of plagiarism will be investigated and managed appropriately and in extremis can lead to the most serious disciplinary sanctions. Adaptations and extraordinary circumstances Pupils must adhere to any measures that the School adopts to maintain good order and safeguarding pupils and staff during extra-ordinary circumstances. Any adaptations and expectations will be communicated to pupils, parents and staff. The School will not accept any unkindness towards others in relation to any circumstances that arise and pupils should behave in a manner that is considerate and sensitive towards all members of our community. Pupils must respect the right of others to maintain their own private space and respect the personal choices of others (e.g. wearing facemasks in lessons). Pupils must follow guidance measures in place and changes to the operation of normal routines and practices, such as, social distancing, one-way systems and movement around the site, the use of areas dedicated to particular year groups and/or houses.
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Pupils should be aware that any measures that the School adopts will be kept under review and are liable to change depending upon circumstances. Pupils must continue to work in line with the School’s academic expectations and complete all work to the best of their ability whether learning onsite or learning remotely. Summary of our Approach to Sanctions We aim to apply sanctions fairly, in accordance with the procedures of natural justice, and, where appropriate, after due investigative action has taken place. Sanctions, some of which incur a permanent disciplinary record, include exclusion, requirement to leave, suspension, rustication, detention and ‘gating’, withdrawal of privileges, confiscation of property that is being used inappropriately or without consideration, target/ uniform/report cards, reporting in at specified times, assistance with domestic tasks (such as collecting litter), or withdrawal from a lesson, School trip or team event. The School will support pupils throughout any disciplinary process and where a pupil has additional needs which may affect behaviour this will be arranged through by either the House or the Learning Enhancement department. Disciplinary measures should be seen by everyone as a deterrent and above all it should be clear that any sanctions are applied fairly, consistently and are appropriate to the seriousness of the offence, therefore there is a clear scale of sanctions and a staged process of progressing through them. Pupils in the company of others breaking School rules may be sanctioned unless it is clear that they are not complicit by either attempting to prevent the misdemeanour from taking place or disassociating themselves clearly from it.
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Wycombe Abbey, High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP11 1PE enquiries@wycombeabbey.com +44 (0)1494 520 381 wycombeabbey.com Registered Charity No. 310638