Apply to Portsmouth Abbey School | Grades 9–12 Admissions

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applICATION PROCESS

 

We look forward to getting to know your family and introducing you to the many opportunities waiting for you at Portsmouth Abbey School. Throughout the admissions journey, you’ll experience what makes our community distinctive—from the people who inspire and support our students to the experiences that challenge them to discover their strengths and pursue what’s possible. 
Because at the Abbey, you’re not simply preparing for what comes next. You’re discovering who you can become—and finding the confidence, community, and opportunities to rise to the challenge. 

are you ready?

Take the next step! In order to begin your Application Process you will first need to Create an Account and establish a profile through our Admissions Portal. This helps us get to know you better and provide specific support and steps accordingly. 

Create An Account

 

Next Steps

Schedule your campus tour and interview

Excited by the idea of becoming a Raven? Let's get you on campus! Our Admissions Office hosts prospective students and their families on campus whenever school is in session, including Saturdays. Visits usually take 1.5 to 2 hours and include a student-led campus tour followed by an interview with a member of our Admissions Office. Appropriate attire for your campus visit is business casual. If unable to visit in-person, we'll gladly meet you over Zoom for your interview.

SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT & INTERVIEW
Submit your standardized testing scores 

You may choose to submit your standardized test scores with your application for admission, however, excluding them will not impact your candidacy. 

If you are applying for the Third or Fourth Form (9th or 10th grade), you may take the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) prior to January 31.  

Submit your scores

(Our school code is 5860)

If you are applying for the Fifth Form (11th grade) or higher we will accept the PSAT or SAT.  

The (Test of English as a Foreign Language) TOEFL is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants.  

Register for the test

(Our school code is 2227)  
Submit an application 

Submit an application through our Admission Portal. This is the same portal system used to Create Your Account in Step 1.

Apply Now

Instead of our online application, we also accept the following: 

 

 

Decision Timeline 

Early Decision 

If Portsmouth Abbey School is your first choice, Early Decision may be the right direction for you. Applying early means you’ll receive your admission decision sooner, giving you clarity about your plans well before spring. It demonstrates your strong interest in the Abbey while allowing you to move forward confidently with your future plans. 

December 1, 2026 
Admission and financial aid application due for Fall 2027 enrollment. 

December 18, 2026 
Admission decisions for all Early Decision applicants will be released on this date. If admitted, your decision to enroll is binding, and we ask that the student withdraw all applications to other schools. 

January 15, 2027 
Admitted applicants must sign an enrollment contract and provide a deposit (30% of tuition). 
Regular Decision 

Regular Decision offers the flexibility to make your choice while giving your application full consideration. You’ll follow the standard admission timeline and receive your decision in the spring, giving you plenty of time to determine which opportunity is the best fit for you. 

January 15, 2027 
Application due for day students for Fall 2027 enrollment. 

January 31, 2027 
Application due for boarding students for Fall 2027 enrollment. 
Financial Aid application for both boarding and day students must be submitted. 

March 10, 2027 
Admission decisions for all Regular Decision applicants will be released on this date.

April 10, 2027 
Admitted students must sign an enrollment contract and provide a deposit (10% of tuition). 

 

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faqs

What do you look for in an applicant? 
We’re looking for well-rounded students who will be interested in participating in all aspects of community life. This means students who are engaged in the classroom, passionate about extra-curricular activities and excited to live in a residential community.
What are the classes like?
Our classes are small and dynamic. Many of our teachers have advanced degrees in their fields and design their classes to excite and involve their students. Through class discussion, students also learn from each other and from the diverse perspectives they each bring to the table.
Do you offer academic support?
Yes, in many ways. Our teachers hold a conference period (think office hours) at least three times a week, which is a great opportunity to work on drafts or clarify lessons from class. We have a full-time study skills coordinator who can help our students with organizational and time management strategies. Lastly, we have a robust peer tutoring program.
Classes on Saturday… really?
Yes, but don’t worry; you’re done before lunch! Saturday classes help ensure that the social scene is on campus rather than most students going home each weekend. The downtime on weekends is truly one of the best parts of boarding school and is a chance to fully immerse yourself in a community of students from all over the world.
What do students do on the weekends?
Most of our students start their weekends with sports games on Saturday afternoons. From there, it is up to the individual. There are always events planned on campus and trips off campus, which are planned in part by our student social committee. That said, you’re also welcome to hang out in house common rooms or by the Bay with your friends.
What is it like living in a dormitory-style house?
Living in a house is one of the best parts of Portsmouth Abbey. Just imagine living with 30 of your best friends! Through living together and participating in Raven Cup competitions, each of our houses builds a strong sense of camaraderie and togetherness. Each house has at least three faculty members who also reside there, as well as a handful of selected student leaders (called prefects) to keep things running smoothly and keep morale high.
Do you have an advisory program? 
Yes, we do. When you start at Portsmouth Abbey you’ll be grouped with a few other students in your Form and a faculty member. This group will stay together until you graduate from the Abbey allowing everyone to build trust and cohesion. Advisory groups hold weekly meetings but often meet up more often than that for things like cookouts or ice cream. This faculty member will be your mentor, your advocate and a primary point of contact for your parents.
What is the food like?
Portsmouth Abbey uses Sodexo for our food service. There are always lots of options: main course, hot sides, grilled items, soup of the day, sandwich bar, salad bar, cereal, fruit, etc. Even the pickiest of eaters can find something they like at each meal. There are professional bakers on the staff, so desserts are tasty too!
What is the school day like?
Students at the Abbey take four classes per day. The academic day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends by 2:55 p.m., at the latest. After your first two classes of the day, you will get a break for events like all-school assembly or advisory, which is followed by a conference period. After that, you will have your lunch block and two more classes. If you play an instrument, music block immediately follows your last class twice per week. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, classes finish earlier so that athletes can get to their games. Below is a sample Form III weekly schedule. 

 

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