Bruern Abbey is now proudly co-educational. In September 2026, girls joined our Prep School in Oxfordshire, marking an important new chapter in Bruern’s history. Our Senior School in Buckinghamshire will welcome girls from September 2027.
Staying True to Our Mission
This important development is firmly rooted in Bruern’s founding mission: to provide an ambitious and inclusive mainstream education tailored to neurodiverse pupils; something we have been proudly doing for over 35 years.
We believe the decision to welcome girls is both timely and necessary. While boys have historically been more frequently diagnosed with neurodiverse profiles such as dyslexia or ADHD, national data highlights a significant rise in the number of girls experiencing similar challenges, many of whom remain under-identified and underserved. Too often, girls go without the specialist support they need.
We understand that girls can be particularly adept at masking their challenges, sometimes while excelling academically, in sport or in other areas. However, as parents and teachers of neurodivergent children know, maintaining these coping strategies can come at a hidden cost, gradually eroding confidence and increasing anxiety. Unfortunately, some girls receive the support they need only once difficulties have become acute. Traditional assessment tools have also historically been informed largely by male patterns of presentation, meaning that girls with learning differences can be diagnosed later, or not at all, and may miss out on early, tailored intervention.
Bruern Abbey’s Unique Position
Bruern Abbey is uniquely positioned to help address this imbalance. Our tailored curriculum, small class sizes and therapeutic, strengths-based approach have transformed the educational experiences of hundreds of pupils. Girls are now benefiting from this approach at our Prep School, and from September 2027 they will have the opportunity to continue their Bruern journey into the Senior School.
An effective learning environment for neurodivergent children is one that adapts to them, rather than expecting them to adapt to it. At Bruern, this means:
- Small class sizes and a high staff-to-pupil ratio, allowing a deep understanding of each learner’s individual profile and first-rate pastoral care rooted in trust and empathy
- Twice the number of lessons for English and Mathematics
- A strengths-based curriculum that celebrates neurodivergent thinking. For some pupils, this may mean nine academic GCSEs; for others, vocational courses and professional qualifications; and for some, a combination of both
- Dedicated support for dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, slow processing, working memory difficulties and more, including embracing the benefits of technology and AI to give pupils the tools they need for success in life, not simply at school
- Access to regulation spaces, flexible routines and sensory-aware environments, particularly within boarding
- Curriculum content and PSHE frameworks that are inclusive of neurodivergent experiences
- Ongoing staff development to ensure that our team understands the different ways in which neurodivergence may present in girls and boys
- The benefit of a mutually supportive and collaborative parental community
Start Your Child’s Bruern Journey
We recognise the dedication of many schools in supporting pupils with additional needs. However, there will always be some children for whom a more specialist mainstream environment is the right fit.
If you are the parent of a child, or a professional supporting a pupil within your school community, who is finding it difficult to access learning because of dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ASC, slow processing, working memory challenges or related barriers, we would be very pleased to start a conversation. Whether you are exploring options for your own child or supporting a family within your school community, we are here to help.
Our admissions process is designed to be personal, supportive and straightforward. Whether you are a parent exploring the best fit for your child or a school helping a family navigate their next steps, we encourage you to reach out early. We are happy to answer questions, arrange a visit or talk through whether Bruern might be the right environment. You can view our Bruern Specialisms here.
Bruern Abbey is an inclusive, independent setting situated within a 19th-century building, with extensive facilities supporting learning both inside and outside the classroom. The environment provides extensive opportunities for independence, social interaction and physical development. However, the open nature of our 20-acre site and the level of support available may not be suitable for all pupils.
With girls now part of the Prep School community, we are delighted to be extending the distinctive Bruern education to more children and families. We look forward to building on this important step as the Senior School prepares to welcome girls from September 2027.
