St Dunstan's Abbey School was founded in 1850 by Anglican sisters and was run by religious communities until 1956 when a secular Headmistress was appointed. The Christian influence remains evident in the school in both the buildings and its ethos. Much of the teaching takes place in buildings which were once the Royal Naval Hospital and at the heart of the school is a chapel with beautiful stained-glass.
The curriculum reflects traditional subjects and the best of the National Curriculum. Having a purpose-built Science department the curriculum is strong in both the arts and the sciences. All subjects have specialist rooms and well-qualified staff and the students are highly motivated.
A sixth form centre with many small study rooms attracts a large number of 'A' level students who have a high success rate. As well as getting students to Oxbridge and other respected universities the school is able to boast a high degree of success with students who are only marginal 'A' level candidates.
The atmosphere in the school is calm. The students are encouraged to be neatly dressed, to be polite and courteous and to have respect for one another and teachers. Sixth-formers choose their own uniform and the younger girls have a say in the management of the school through their school council representatives. The food is excellent, providing many choices so that all girls can eat something they like.
Full and weekly boarding is in a newly refurbished building. Each girl has the opportunity of having her own study bedroom. Full boarders form a small family unit enjoying excellent facilities.
The weekly boarders have the advantage of living in school, with supervised study time, during the week combined with the opportunity to be with their families at the weekend.
The Preparatory Department occupies a newly converted building on the same site. It shares many of the facilities of the Senior School and there are Senior School teachers who teach specialist subjects to the older girls.
