Ashville College, located in Harrogate, offers a comprehensive and well-rounded education for students aged 3 to 18. The school follows a Methodist ethos, which is evident in its commitment to community, mutual support, and individual development. The admissions process is thorough, with assessments at various stages to ensure students are well-prepared for their educational journey.
For the youngest entrants, informal assessments are conducted at age 2+, and a ‘ready for school’ assessment is required for reception. Prep applicants experience a taster day that includes English and Maths tests, along with reports and references from their current school. External Year 7 entry involves Maths and English tests, as well as verbal, numerical, and non-verbal assessments, plus a reference. Prep school pupils only take tests if they are vying for a scholarship, with many joining in Year 4 to ensure a smooth transition to the senior school.
The sixth form sees around 20 new students each year, with entry based on predicted GCSE grades (five GCSE passes required, with 6+ in subjects to be studied), school references, and an interview. The majority of Year 11 students move up to the sixth form, with over 90% typically continuing their education at Ashville. The school boasts a high university placement rate, with approximately 50% of leavers attending Russell Group universities. Popular destinations include King’s College London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Durham, Newcastle, Birmingham, Southampton, and Bristol. There are also good numbers of students heading overseas, with recent placements in Germany, the Czech Republic, Canada, and the USA.
In terms of academic performance, the latest results show that in 2023, 44% of GCSE grades were 9-7, and 31% of A-level grades were A*/A, with 62% achieving A*-B. These figures reflect a slight dip from the pre-pandemic results of 2019, which saw 52% 9-7 at GCSE and 34% A*/A at A-level.
Teaching and learning at Ashville are highly regarded, with positive and purposeful environments in the prep and pre-prep stages. Specialist teaching in languages begins early, with Spanish taught from reception and both French and Spanish from Years 3 to 6. The school also offers a Mandarin club from reception onwards, which is in high demand. IT is another area of focus, with every prep pupil receiving touch-typing lessons.
The school has made significant strides in monitoring teaching and learning, with changes to the timetable to allow more time for core subjects like English and Maths. Parents have welcomed these changes, although some would like to see more emphasis on business and commerce earlier in the curriculum. The online homework package is well-received by students, despite leaving them with little room to avoid completing their work.
The Future Ready programme in the sixth form offers a wide range of courses, leadership opportunities, guest speakers, and career guidance to prepare students for the next stage of their lives. New A-level subjects such as Politics and Classical Civilisation have been introduced, with Film Studies to follow soon. The focus on academic rigour is already yielding positive results, with sixth formers reporting increased effort and achievement.
Ashville has a significant number of American students, with a dedicated US and international studies department offering various academic pathways that can lead to an American High School Diploma. The school even hosts a Fourth of July graduation ceremony.
Learning support and SEN provision have been reviewed and restructured, with a team of specialist teachers and TAs providing support for students with dyslexia and autism. The arts and extra-curricular activities are exceptional, with impressive work in art, drama, and music. The school offers around 120 activities, including verse speaking, ballet, and tap, with a strong emphasis on student participation and leadership.
Sport is a major strength at Ashville, with excellent facilities including a sports hall, 30-metre pool, 3G AstroTurf, squash courts, climbing wall, dance studio, multi-gym, and 15 tennis courts. The school has a strong sporting tradition, with a wide range of teams and fixtures.
Boarding at Ashville is available in two houses, with a warm and caring atmosphere. The boarding staff are long-serving members of the community, and the facilities are comfortable and well-maintained. The school has won national recognition for its weekend enrichment programme for boarders.
The ethos and heritage of Ashville are rooted in its Methodist foundation, with a strong commitment to community and individual development. The atmosphere is positive and inclusive, with a focus on pastoral care and student wellbeing. The school values its support staff as much as its teaching staff, and the site is meticulously maintained.
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