Paid Extras at Wycombe Abbey
We hope the information contained within this booklet provides an overview of our Extras programme and supports you and your daughter as you select the activities she may wish to take part in. Our programme is carefully designed to ensure your daughter can pursue some of her wider interests alongside her academic studies, in some cases receiving additional certifications and qualifications.
Wycombe Abbey’s provision is distinctive because girls do not miss academic lessons to take part in Extras. Please remember, however, that your daughter’s week at Wycombe Abbey is already busy with academic lessons, other Co-curricular activities, clubs and societies, and, of course, time needed to complete Prep and simply to relax with friends. There is a time commitment associated with each Extra (especially those which are off-site) and we recommend pupils take no more than three Extras per week, particularly in their first year at the School as they familiarise themselves with life here.
While we try to accommodate all requests for Extras this isn’t always possible due to the availability of teaching staff, together with restrictions to pupil and staff timetables. There will always be a good reason if we are unable to accommodate your request and we ask that you respect the School’s decision in such situations.
Key Contacts
Nick Woods oversees the programme of Paid Extras.
If you have any queries regarding our Extras programme, please contact the most appropriate person in the table below via e-mail and they will be happy to help.
Extras Programme
Mr Nick Woods, Deputy Head (Strategy and International) woodsn@wycombeabbey.com
Drama Mr James Harrington, Director of Drama harringtonj@wycombeabbey.com
Modern Languages Mrs Hilary Horne, Modern Languages Administrator horneh@wycombeabbey.com
Music
Sport
Living Tennis
Mrs Marina Glen, Music Administrator glenm@wycombeabbey.com
Mr Stefan Reid, Director of Music reids@wycombeabbey.com
Mrs Carolyn Mainwaring, PE Department Administrator mainwaringc@wycombeabbey.com
Mrs Sophie Bryett-Windle, Director of Sport windles@wycombeabbey.com
Mrs Shona Rennie, PA to Mr Delgado, Director of Living Tennis rennies@wycombeabbey.com
General Enquiries extras@wycombeabbey.com
Drama
LAMDA lessons are popular; more than 150 pupils in a range of year groups taking exams annually in disciplines including Acting, Public Speaking, Musical Theatre and Verse and Prose. We run weekly lessons preparing pupils for certificates at Grade 3-8 and have seen an increase in the numbers of pupils achieving the post-Grade 8 ‘PCERT’. No previous experience is required to sign up to LAMDA. Should your daughter begin in September, she must complete the year’s course due to the examinable nature of the programme.
Upper Three LAMDA
In Upper Three, LAMDA lessons are carried out in small groups, working towards LAMDA Group examinations. These group exams are an excellent way for pupils to forge friendships with others, build their team and leaderships skills and build confidence. No previous experience is required to sign up for LAMDA.
Should your daughter begin in September, she is expected to complete the year’s course. In exceptional circumstances, however, if your daughter wishes to discontinue lessons, we require a half-term’s notice to discontinue at the end of a term. Once the pupils begin working on their exam pieces in the Spring term, it is not possible to discontinue, as this will adversely impact the group’s preparations for the examination.
Fourth Form LAMDA
Fourth Form pupils can opt to take LAMDA lessons as part of a small group or as a pair with another pupil. Pupils who wish to take the Speaking in Public Certificate, may take the exam as soloists but may be taught in small groups. Please note that, if your daughter has taken group LAMDA lessons in UIII or LIV and we do not receive notice that she would prefer to work as a pair or to discontinue, she will automatically be re-enrolled for group lessons for the next academic year.
Fifth and Sixth Form LAMDA
Fifth and Sixth Form pupils can opt to take LAMDA lessons as part of a soloist or as a pair with another pupil. All pupils moving from UIV to LV must re-enrol for LAMDA lessons as the lessons change from working in groups to all pupils working as a soloist or as a pair. If we do not receive notification that UIV pupils wish to continue with LAMDA lessons, their LAMDA lessons will be discontinued. The School sends a reminder to parents to update us on their choice. Paired lessons are not available for new Lower Sixth joiners as the pairing needs to be known in advance so that the lessons can be timetabled.
Modern Languages
In addition to the Modern Languages curriculum, your daughter can study additional languages privately (35-minute sessions).
Please note, UIII pupils may not take up an additional language study until the Summer Term to allow time for her to settle into the School routine. Any initial interest expressed in UIII will be followed up at the end of the Spring Term.
We would discourage choosing more than one language due to the associated study commitment.
During your daughter’s initial private lesson, her teacher will assess her linguistic skills and inform her of the expected additional prep/revision time per week, dependent on the desired outcome.
We offer the following additional Languages: Arabic, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Urdu. If you would like your daughter to study a language other than those listed above, please contact our Modern Languages Administrator, Mrs Hilary Horne, ( horneh@wycombeabbey.com) and the Modern Languages Department will consider availability.
Music
One-to-one tuition is offered across the full range of orchestral and popular music instruments as well as in singing. We deliver over 500 individual Music lessons each week and around 100 girls learn two musical instruments or more in School. On average, 150 pupils take ABRSM practical music exams annually or performance assessments from Grade 1 through to Diploma Level.
Your daughter can take up an instrument for the first time and/or continue with her current instrument or have singing lessons. For progress to be made, she must keep sufficient time free in her week to undertake private practice so please factor this in when considering her overall co-curricular schedule. Depending upon her current standard, she will also be placed into a suitable orchestra, band or choir
A pass in Grade 5 Music Theory is needed to take practical examinations for Grades 6 and above. We start new Grade 5 Theory classes at the beginning of each term. They are taught in small sized classes at an additional cost. The course generally takes three to four terms to complete. Before starting the course, pupils should have a foundation in the basics of music theory: good knowledge of treble and bass clefs and some familiarity with key signatures, time signatures and rhythms. It is, however, essential that they have not yet started Grade 5 theory work as our course covers the entire Grade 5 ABRSM Music Theory syllabus.
We offer individual Music lessons for the following instruments:
Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Double Bass, Drum Kit, Euphonium, Flute, French Horn, Guitar (Bass, Classical, Electric), Grade 5 Music Theory, Harp, Oboe, Orchestral Percussion, Organ, Piano, Recorder, Saxophone, Singing, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, Violin.
If you would like to hire an instrument, please state which (not Piano, harp, drums/ percussion or guitar) and the size (if appropriate). Pupils are expected to buy their own instrument(s) after their first year of tuition.
Pupils are encouraged to join a musical ensemble, band, orchestra or choir if appropriate for their instrument or level. The Music Department staff team includes specialists who are happy to offer advice to pupils or their parents concerning lessons or instruments. They are:
Mr Reid – Director of Music (also oversees the provision of singing teaching) reids@wycombeabbey.com
Mr Acosta – Head of Strings acostag@wycombeabbey.com
Mr Ledingham – Head of Wind and Brass ledinghamd@wycombeabbey.com
Mr Parkes – Head of Keyboard parkesm@wycombeabbey.com
Sport
We are committed to offering competitive and recreational sport for all, where pupils are encouraged to discover enjoyment through activity by being exposed to a wide range of sports and plenty of choice each week. From trampolining to tap dancing, riding to rowing and cross country to cricket, we are sure everyone will find a sport they can thrive in.
Our Extras programme in sport provides more than 350 bespoke weekly lessons for ballet, tap and modern dance, tennis, squash, fencing, trampolining, golf, rowing, horse riding, athletics, swimming and kickboxing, individually or in small groups.
Living Tennis
In addition to curriculum PE and Games, the Living Tennis programme is based on-site, led by well-qualified external coaches. Pupils can choose extra tennis coaching and progress through the Evening Academy and into the Advanced Academy Programme. Performance players are channelled into the Delgado and Lee Pro Academy at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre if appropriate.
Individual, paired or group (up to eight with a minimum of three) lessons are timetabled.
In addition to Extra Tennis Coaching, for pupils wishing to develop their tennis training further, Living Tennis offers Academy training and Advanced Academy training. Pupils can only undertake Academy and Advanced Academy training if they are also taking Extra Tennis Coaching.
Advanced Academy training is by invitation only.
Payment for Academy training will be made at the point of booking, directly to Living Tennis. Please click here www.livingtennis.co.uk/wycombeabbey and use the Access ID WAETC20245 to book Extra Tennis Coaching and Academy training.
For any queries regarding our tennis provision, please contact Mrs Shona Rennie at rennies@wycombeabbey.co.uk
Dance
RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern Dance and Tap as individual, pair or group lessons (up to Vocational level) are timetabled according to your daughter’s level of experience and take place during free periods in the School day and in the evening. Alongside Modern, we also offer ISTD Jazz medals (Bronze, Silver, Gold).
To undertake Pointe work, girls must be RAD Grade 5+ in ballet due to level of technical strength necessary. Pointe is charged as an additional extra and cannot be taken without ballet.
Dance Exams
Our dance programme is extensive with companies having a mix of pupil- and staff-led choreography and rehearsals. RAD and ISTD syllabi are followed for ballet, tap and modern with exam sessions taking place each term, catering for pupils from beginner to vocational level.
If your daughter takes RAD (ISTD) Dance Exams there will be additional costs associated. The exam fees range from £55 to £165 depending on the grade. We start at Grade 3 Ballet and Grade 2 for Tap and Modern. For most pupils, we recommend they take up to three exam preparation lessons. These will be charged at the usual lesson rate as outlined in the Welcome Guide for Parents.
Fencing
Individual lessons are timetabled during the day in free periods. A weekly Fencing Club is available on Thursday evenings for pupils who take lessons. If your daughter wishes to take Fencing lessons, you will need to invest in some personal protective kit, including breeches, long socks, level two plastron and glove.
You will be contacted with further details if lessons are requested, and the approximate cost of equipment is in the region of £150–£200.
Kickboxing
Group sessions take place on a Monday evening and cater for all abilities.
Your daughter will learn self-defence, discipline, respect, increase in focus and concentration and will gain confidence as well as improving flexibility and balance whilst also undertaking a full body work out.
Girls take Gradings termly, if they wish, the cost of which varies from £50 to £150 depending on the grade taken. They also need a yearly licence the cost of which is currently £35.
Squash
Individual or paired lessons are timetabled during the day in free periods. A weekly Squash Club is available for girls involved in the Extras programme on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening, along with regular competitive opportunities.
Non-squad Swimming Lessons
Group, paired or individual lessons are available during the day in free periods. Swimming clubs also run during mornings and evenings and further detail is provided at the beginning of the Autumn Term to all girls. If you would like more information, please contact our Head of Swimming, Miss Lettie Tay (tayle@wycombeabbey.com).
Swimming Deep Water Assessment
Until your daughter passes the deep-water test, she will not be able to take part in any water-based activities for weekend trips or school trips. Free lessons will be offered to those who do not initially pass the test. At Wycombe Abbey, we operate a deep-water assessment which comprises the following activities to ascertain aquatic competence:
Jump in at 2m depth and submerge
Swim 25m on front
Swim 25m on back
Tread water for 30 seconds in 2m water
Climb out of the pool unaided in 2m water
Trampolining
Group sessions take place on a Monday and Tuesday evening and cater for all abilities. They work on the British Gymnastics level awards throughout the year.
Off-Site Activities
Our excellent grounds and facilities enable most of our sport programme to take place onsite. However, for specialist facilities we travel locally after lessons and at weekends. Pupils travel in school transport and are accompanied by a member of staff where sessions are led by expert coaches in the following activities:
Athletics Little Marlow athletics track
Golf Wycombe Heights Golf Club (on-site in the simulator during winter months)
Horse Riding local stables
Rowing Dorney Lake, Eton
Skiing Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead
Tennis Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre (for high performance players)
Please bear in mind that off-site Extras have a longer time commitment than on-site activities and require a minimum of five participants.
Golf – minimum of five girls for the activity to run
Golf lessons are offered to all abilities on Thursday evenings between 5:30pm and 8:30pm. With our state-of-the-art on-site Golf simulator, we can now offer both on-site and off-site coaching. When on-site, the girls will be allocated to specific coaching groups, depending on ability and experience.
From September to October Long Leave off-site at Wycombe Heights Golf Club
From October to end of Spring Term on-site in Golf Simulator
Summer Term off-site at Wycombe Heights Golf Club
Horse Riding
Group sessions take place at local Equestrian Centres on a Tuesday and Thursday evening. These sessions are primarily for beginners and less experienced riders and pupils will be assigned according to their experience.
If your daughter wishes to take up Riding lessons, investment in some personal protective wear will include a body protector, hat and suitable footwear. You will be contacted with further details if lessons are requested, and the approximate cost of equipment is £150 to £200. Due to the stables and staffing costs, you will still be charged if your daughter does not attend the session once she is signed up.
Parents are asked to consider and indicate their daughter’s ability based on the following criteria:
Beginner: lead rein, walk off lead, trot off lead
Intermediate: competently walk, trot and canter off lead, jumping up to 90cm
Advanced: intermediate skills plus jumping 1m+
Your daughter will need to have Pony Club Membership for one of our providers and this will be confirmed once her ability is confirmed.
Rowing (LIV and above) –
minimum of five girls for the activity to run
Indoor land training is available during the week, and water-based sessions take place on Wednesday afternoons (season dependant) and on Saturday afternoons at Dorney Lake, the rowing venue for the London 2012 Olympic Rowing Regatta. Please note that if your daughter is involved in other competitive sport (e.g. Lacrosse), fixtures may clash with Rowing and she will have to choose which to do. Your daughter needs to be a confident swimmer to attend sessions at Dorney Lake.
Rowing lessons for UIII pupils are all land-based, free of charge and take place during the week at school on ergometers. No sign-up is required for these sessions until September.
We are a British Rowing affiliated club, and will be competing in external events and competitions as a school. To compete for the School, your daughter will need a British Rowing membership and you should contact Mrs Mainwaring mainwaringc@wycombeabbey. com if your daughter is interested.
Athletics
The Athletics sessions run at Little Marlow Athletics Track from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on a Monday evening throughout the year. The costs include transport and external coaching.
These sessions aim to focus on improving event-specific fitness and developing technique in preparation for the summer Athletics season. The sessions focus on a full range of Track & Field events: sprints, hurdles, middle distance, jumps and throws.
Terms and Conditions
Fees
Charges for Extras will be in arrears and billed termly. Detailed charges for individual Extras are shared annually in the preceding Summer Term from the Bursar’s office. Permission will not be sought for recharged costs which are under £50. Fees can be found in the Welcome Guide for Parents.
Fees relating to Extras in the 2025–26 academic year are included at the end of this booklet as an indicative guide.
Notice Periods
The School is in a contractual relationship with each individual Extras teacher and, to maintain the calibre of our specialist teachers, there is a notice period for discontinuation. If your daughter wishes to discontinue any Extra, notice must be provided in writing by Long Leave for the termination to apply at the end that term. Discontinuations always coincide with the end of a term. To discontinue, please email extras@wycombeabbey.com
Absence from Extras
There will be occasions where your daughter will need to miss an Extra, for example because she is involved in another School activity, which may include internal or public examinations. In many cases, it is possible to rearrange a missed Extra and this will always be our teacher’s priority. Where this isn’t possible, however, and the missed Extra is due to a School-organised activity, your termly fees will be adjusted.
Department administrators maintain attendance registers for Extras and follow-up with individual girls each time an Extra is missed; parents are notified when their daughter misses three Extras. Please note, the School will not cover the cost of missed Extras due to illness or injury, unless it is likely that the illness or injury will be longer-term, typically more than three weeks. In these circumstances, please contact the relevant department administrator who will be able to assist.
If your daughter is unwell and therefore unable to attend her timetabled Extra, she must attend the Health Centre who will authorise her absence for medical reasons and notify the relevant department. It is important your daughter does not self-diagnose and authorise her own absence from an Extra.
Reporting
In line with academic reporting, you will receive termly reports from your daughter’s Extras teacher. The schedule of reporting can be found on the final page of the Useful Information Booklet, issued to parents at the beginning of each term. If you have any queries or concerns about your daughter’s progress in her Extra, then please contact the relevant Department Administrator or Head of Department in the first instance.
Frequently Asked Questions
LAMDA
Can my daughter continue with LAMDA grades they have completed outside Wycombe Abbey?
Yes, however, UIII pupils will all work in groups in their first year at Wycombe Abbey. This gives our staff time to assess their ability and past experience and also provides the pupils with an opportunity to meet new friends. Pupils can then opt to work in pairs in LIV, where it may be possible to pick up LAMDA grades they have done previously.
Music
Which instruments can we hire from school?
We are able to organise hire of most instruments. The School has plenty of pianos which girls can use both in House and the Music Department; there is a also a dedicated harp room with two pedal harps which girls can use for their private practice. As guitars are relatively inexpensive, we encourage pupils to purchase their own as hiring is not costeffective.
How much weekly practise time is recommended?
Our recommendations for pupils starting in UIII is that, if they learn one instrument, they should aim for at least four 20-minute practice sessions per week. If they learn more than one instrument, they should aim for at least three 15-minute practise sessions per week on each instrument. However, pupils at a more advanced level will need more weekly practice time.
How and where can my daughter practise?
Girls can practise before and after school as well as in their free periods and breaks. We have dedicated practice rooms in the Music Department and in individual Houses.
Can my daughter take her music examinations in school?
We offer termly ABRSM examinations as well as online examinations for Drum and Guitar.
How can my daughter buy new music and peripherals to support her music lessons?
Your daughter’s individual music teacher can order sheet music and peripherals such as strings and reeds and these can then be passed on directly to your daughter. The cost of these items is then added to the bill at the end of term.
I am concerned about my daughter missing academic lessons for her paid Extras.
No paid Extra takes place during an academic lesson. Lessons are scheduled during a pupil’s free time and subsequently take place at the same time each week.
Sport
Do I need to advise my teacher if I cannot attend my sport extra?
Yes, your daughter should email her extras teacher and copy in mainwaringc@ wycombeabbey.com if she is unable to attend a sport Extra. In the case of Riding this is important as the stables are then advised and a horse will not be made ready for her.
Transport can also be adjusted to accomodate a lower number of girls if necessary.
Does any equipment required for Fencing and Riding need to be from a specific providers?
No, but it does need to conform to the relevant specific British Standards and have a CEN marker. We can confirm the requirements if your daughter signs up for these sports.
Are sports squads selective?
All pupils are welcome to attend squad training; we do not turn anyone away. Once a member of a squad, teams are selected on ability and this is reviewed throughout the season as players progress.
How does Wycombe Abbey support athletes who still want to train and compete for clubs outside of school?
A number of our pupils are members of external sports clubs and teams and we support this wherever possible. We encourage pupils to join a local club to minimise travel time so the demands of playing for club do not become too much, especially in the younger years. Arrangements for pupils going out of school for club training and matches need to be organised between parents and House staff.
How big is your Rowing programme?
The Rowing programme is in a development phase and although growing and becoming more established, Rowing is not one of our mainstream sports. We offer regular land and water based training and there are a few opportunities throughout the year for pupils to compete. We also have a good club link with Marlow Rowing Club to support our more ambitious or established rowers.
How does club swimming work at Wycombe Abbey?
We have a partnership with Wycombe District Swimming Club (WDSC) which allows most of our swimmers of a club level to access all of the School and club swimming in school. WDSC train in the Wycombe Abbey pool twice a week and our swimmers have access to these sessions once members of WDSC. We then compliment these sessions with school squad training on all other week days.
Please note that these fees are for the 2025–26 Academic Year and are included for indicative purposes only. Fees for 2026–27 are configured in the Summer Term.
Non-Sport Extras
Includes instrumental or singing lessons. Instruments can be hired, either from the School (if available) at a charge of £108 to £120 per term or from a specialist supplier. The cost will depend on the instrument. Music pieces and repairs to instruments will be added to the end of term bill at cost.
Pupils in LIV and UIV are taught in groups of between four and six. Thereafter, pupils can be taught in pairs or individually, whichever they prefer
Please note that these fees are for the 2025–26 Academic Year and are included for indicative purposes only. Fees for 2026–27 are configured in the Summer Term.
Sports Extras
Athletics
11.70
Training takes place on site or at Little Marlow running track. Transport costs for training at Marlow will be additional.
Pupils need to purchase their own protective equipment before starting lessons.
Horse riding
Tuition is provided by a qualified golf pro at a local course and on the School site in small groups. The cost includes transport where required.
65 The School offers one-hour weekly riding lessons in the evening at Shardeloes.
Rowing 25 Pupils can receive expert coaching at Dorney Lake, Eton in a two-hour session which includes the cost of transport.
See ‘Living Tennis’ information above for further details.
