A brief overview of Ashford School
Locations:
- Ashford Prep School: Great Chart, Ashford, Kent
- Ashford Senior School: East Hill, Ashford, Kent
Type of school: co-educational independent boarding school
Ashford School is committed to providing a comprehensive education that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth. Their philosophy centers around creating a supportive environment where students feel happy, secure, and motivated to learn.
By celebrating individuality, optimizing potential, and encouraging academic rigor, Ashford School aims to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Key features of Ashford School include:
- A focus on personal development: The school emphasizes the importance of developing key personal characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors.
- A supportive and nurturing environment: Ashford School strives to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where students feel valued and supported.
- A commitment to academic excellence: The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum designed to challenge and inspire students.
- A focus on experiential learning: Ashford School provides students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills through a variety of extracurricular activities and experiences.
Ashford School: A Century of Excellence
Ashford School has a long and distinguished history dating back to the late 19th century. Originally established as a girls' school, it has evolved into a co-educational institution offering a comprehensive education to students of all ages.
Over the years, Ashford School has undergone several significant changes, including relocating to larger premises and expanding its curriculum. Notable milestones include the merger with Friars Prep School and the introduction of boys to the student body.
Throughout its history, Ashford School has maintained a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education that fosters both academic achievement and personal development. Today, it is a thriving institution with a reputation for producing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to succeed in the modern world.
Ashford School Admissions
Apply to Ashford Prep School (4-11 years)
Ashford Prep School offers a comprehensive admissions process designed to ensure that incoming students are a good fit for the school's academic, cultural, and pastoral environment.
- Initial Inquiry: Prospective parents can submit an initial inquiry online or visit the school
- Register for a Place: Complete the registration form and pay a non-refundable £100 fee.
- Online Assessments: If students is in Year 2 or above, they will be invited to take online assessments in Reading/English and Math.
- School Reference: Provide a reference from student’s current school.
- Taster Day: students will be invited to attend a taster day to experience school life and meet their potential classmates.
- Interview: Applicants may be invited to interview with school representatives to discuss their academic interests, personal goals, and fit with the school's culture.
- Accept Offer: If student is offered a place, accept the offer by completing the acceptance pack and paying a £500 deposit.
Apply to Ashford Senior School (+11 years)
Register for a Place: Complete the registration form and pay a non-refundable registration fee.
School Reference: Provide a reference from student’s current school.
Entrance Assessments: students will be required to take academic assessments to evaluate their skills and knowledge. These assessments may include non-verbal reasoning assessments for Years 7-10.
Details of entrance assessments
Year 7 Entrance Assessments
UK applicants to Year 7 are required to participate in school assessment day, if possible. The assessment consists of an online test created by Atom Learning. This multiple-choice test evaluates English, non-verbal reasoning, and numerical skills.
If students unable to attend their Year 7 Assessment Day, they will need to take the online Atom Learning assessment under supervised conditions. This can be done at their school, the agent's office, or a British Council location.
UK applicants to Year 8 will be invited to take the Atom Learning assessment on-site, depending on availability. This online test evaluates English, non-verbal reasoning, and numerical skills.
Applicants to Year 9 are encouraged to attend our assessment day, if possible. The assessment includes subject papers in English Language, English Literature, and Mathematics, as well as a non-verbal reasoning test.
Year 10 Entrance Assessments
Applicants to Year 10 must complete subject papers in English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and Science, along with a non-verbal reasoning test. These assessments can be taken at Ashford School, your child's current school, the agent's office, or a British Council location.
Sixth Form Entrance Assessments
Sixth Form applicants need to complete subject papers in the three A-Level subjects they've chosen. Like Year 10 assessments, these can be taken at Ashford School, student’s current school, the agent's office, or a British Council location.
Accepting Place at school
After reviewing assessments and reference, school will offer student a place. To secure spot, online acceptance paperwork should be done and pay a refundable deposit of £500.
Life in Boarding Houses
Thriving International Boarding Community
School offers a vibrant international boarding community with over 100 boarders. Boarding provides a unique opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds and cultures to connect, learn, and grow together. Through shared experiences, they develop valuable life skills and discover their talents.
Boarding program is supported by a strong pastoral care system, ensuring a friendly and supportive environment with excellent facilities and opportunities.
Boarding Houses and Pastoral Care
School currently operates two boarding houses: Alfred House (for boys) and Brabourne House (for girls). Each house is overseen by Houseparent’s and Assistant Houseparent’s, supported by a team of tutors. During school hours, boarders seamlessly integrate into the wider school community.
Beyond the school day, boarding houses offer a vibrant and engaging environment. After dinner, students have ample time for homework, with dedicated staff available for guidance and support.
Boarding House Activities and Experiences
boarding houses offer a diverse range of activities and experiences for students. From sports fixtures and organized excursions to cultural events and recreational activities, there's always something new to explore. tutors encourage boarders to step outside their comfort zones and try new things, whether it's a trip to London or learning to ice skate. their goal is to provide a well-rounded boarding experience that fosters personal growth and development.
Ashford School Fees
School fees cover lunches for day pupils and all meals for boarders, as well as most textbooks, equipment, and mandatory excursions. Additional charges apply for public examinations like GCSEs, A-Levels, and music exams.
Fees are due in advance at the beginning of each term (September, January, and April).
Registration Fees:
- Stables Nursery, Bridge Nursery, and Prep School: £100.00
- Senior School Day Pupils: £120.00
- Senior School Boarding Pupils: £150.00
Deposits:
- Prep School and Senior School Day Pupils: Refundable Deposit of £500.00
- Boarding Pupils: Refundable Deposit Equivalent to One Term's Fees
Deposits are refunded upon departure, minus any outstanding fees.
Fees for Academic Year 2024/25
Prep | fees |
Reception, Year 1, Year 2 | £4,365 per term |
Year 3 - Year 6 | £6,195 per term |
Senior School |
| Fees |
Day | (Years 7-13) | £7,265 per term |
Full Boarding | (7 nights/week) | £14,895 per term |
Weekly Boarding | (5 nights/week) | £10,750 per term |
Flexi Boarding | (3 nights/week) | Please enquire |
Occasional Boarding | (Subject to Availability - Maximum 2 Nights per Week) | £75 per night |
Other Charges | Fees |
Additional English Language Tuition | £745 per term |
Individual Music Lessons | £275 |
Individual Speech and Drama Lessons | £275 |
Public Examinations such as GCSEs and A Levels | In line with individual programmes |
Small Group Specialist Learning Enhancement lessons (Senior School) | £17.50 per lesson (usually £350 or £700 per term depending on the number of lessons required) |
1:1 Learning Support (Prep and Senior Schools) | The specific fees and level of support provided to students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) will be determined through consultation with the Prep School or Senior School SENCO.. |