Ashville College
Catchment Area, Reviews and Key Information

Primary & Secondary
Post 16
PUPILS
790
AGES
2 - 18
GENDER
Mixed
TYPE
Other independent school
SCHOOL GUIDE RATING

How Does The School Perform?

Good
NATIONAL AVG. 2.09
Independent Inspection
Report
(21/09/2023)
Full Report - All Reports
64%
NATIONAL AVG. 38%
5+ GCSEs grade 9-4 (standard pass or above) including English and maths
51%
NATIONAL AVG. 45%
GCSE Grade 5 (strong pass) or above in both English and maths
51%
NATIONAL AVG. 59%
Top grades at GCSE (9-7)
23%
NATIONAL AVG. 11%
3 A levels at AAB or higher inc. two facilitating subjects
55%
NATIONAL AVG. 43.8
Top grades at A level (A*/A)
DATA
GUIDE

Secondary Data
Explained for parents
36.68
A level average point score
NATIONAL AVERAGE 35.48
B
-
Average A level result
NATIONAL AVERAGE B-
Day, Weekly and Full Boarding
Boarding Type
Available
Scholarship Status
£3,562
to
£12,918
Day Fees Per Term

Top Grades Compared With Other Schools

59% Independent Average Ashville College 51% GCSE
43% Independent Average Ashville College 55% A level

Top grades at GCSE (7-9) and top grades at A level (A*/A)


School Results Over Time

2019 2022 2023 58% 63% 64% 2020 Covid-19 2021 Covid-19

% of pupils who achieved 5+ GCSEs grade 9-4
2019 2022 2023 58% 55% 51% 2020 Covid-19 2021 Covid-19

% of pupils who achieved GCSE grade 5 or above in both English and maths
2019 2022 2023 20% 34% 23% 2020 Covid-19 2021 Covid-19

% of pupils who achieved 3 A levels at AAB or higher
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Green Lane
Harrogate
HG2 9JP
+44 (0)1423 566358

See News and Open Days from Ashville College

School Description

School Description: Ashville College is a leading HMC independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2-18 (boarding from age 9). GCSE Statistics for 2022: Percentage of grades 6 to 9 - 75%

News, Photos and Open Days from Ashville College
Last update: 26 March 2024
SHOWTIME SUCCESS INSPIRES ASHVILLE’S STARS OF TOMORROW

It’s quite a challenge to make a giant talking plant believable – never mind the star of a stage show.

Yet pupils and staff are still coming down to earth after a successful run of Little Shop of Horrors which wowed audiences at Soothill Hall.

Six months in the making, the show was led by Director of Performing Arts, Karl Boyd, with a cast of well over 100 successfully combining comedy, drama, song and dance with just the right amount of the macabre.

While the show certainly raised the roof, it also provided pupils with an opportunity to stretch themselves either under the lights or backstage in diverse roles including dancers, band members, performers, costume designers, technicians and even puppeteers.

“As always it has been an absolute dream to work with this cast,” said Mr Boyd. “Their commitment, enthusiasm and talent are simply second to none.”

Head of Ashville College, Rhiannon Wilkinson, said the cast and crew deserved the plaudits after months of hard work.

However, she added the show also reflects the college’s ethos of encouraging each pupil to be the best version of themselves and to leave school with experience beyond study for their academic qualifications.

“Seeing the team behind the production putting their heart and soul into the show is bound to inspire pride among both staff and parents but each and every one of the cast and crew should also take away a sense of achievement for a job well done.

“For some, it may have started and a voyage into the unknown and perhaps even a little daunting but the applause at the end of each show was well deserved – not just for the accomplished performers and technicians but for each and every individual who decided to try something new.”

Credits:

Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman 
Music by Alan Menken 
Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith 
Originally produced in the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director) 
Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization 
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International 
All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk 
Original Vocal arrangements by Robert Billig 
Orchestrations by Danny Troob 
New Arrangements by Michael Kosarin 
Puppets Designed by Martin P. Robin
son 

Little Shop of Horrors was originally Directed by Howard Ashman with Musical Staging by Edie Cowan

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: EMILY SOROKA

One thing you will notice in our Prep School is the genuine family atmosphere created by our friendly, warm and professional staff. 

They include Mrs Emily Soroka, Year 4 Class Teacher. We popped down to meet her. 

How long have you worked at Ashville, Mrs Soroka? 

This is my fifth year now. I joined in September 2019, before the pandemic. Lockdown felt like being thrown in at the deep end coming so soon in a new job, but adapting to home learning was fine because I had a wonderful class. They were all brilliant, and we just found our groove. My kitchen became my classroom though, so I’m not sure my husband enjoyed having to tiptoe around much! (Laughs). 

Can you tell us about your professional background leading up to you joining Ashville? 

I always saw myself as a teacher and going to university but when I finished sixth form, I didn’t feel ready, so I went into full-time work instead. Working in the banking sector for a few years confirmed that teaching was what I really wanted to do and gave me the confidence I needed to go for it. I did my degree in Early Years Education at Leeds Trinity, before heading to Northumbria University for my PGCE. My first full-time teaching job after qualifying was at Ripon Cathedral School, a lovely primary school which linked to the Cathedral. I spent four years there before coming to Ashville. I have always taught Key Stage 2; I enjoy working with the children and seeing them progress. My favourite year groups are definitely Years 3 and 4!  

Why did you want to be a teacher? 

I’ve always loved working with children. It’s just fun! No two days are ever the same. It’s so rewarding to support children on their journey through education and to witness their individual ‘lightbulb moments’. 

Do you have a personal philosophy when it comes to providing the very best education? 

I believe in kindness and providing a kind, encouraging, and nurturing environment that allows children to flourish. I consider myself to be a kind and caring teacher, and hopefully the children think that too! 

How do you think children benefit from an independent education in a way they perhaps would not from a state education? 

Having worked in state education I can confidently say that there is a huge difference between the two, mainly the smaller class sizes, specialist teaching, and choice of facilities. I was blown away when I first joined Ashville. The children have so much more available to them here that you wouldn’t get from a state education, for example, the variety of sports facilities and weekly swimming lessons on site, and the children seem more confident and independent.  

Teaching smaller classes is lovely because you get to know the children really well and gain a better understanding of their individual learning needs.  

The Co-Curricular Programme is fantastic too, because there’s something for everyone. The children thoroughly enjoy their activities. Some have something on every day after school, and most lunchtimes too. Such busy schedules need good communication between home and school, to ensure that children are getting enough sleep and can cover all their commitments comfortably. 

What positive changes or developments have you seen since our new Head of Prep, Mr Soutar, joined in September? 

Along with many exciting opportunities for the children. Mr Soutar has been keen to support the personal development opportunities for staff, which is a positive step in the right direction. At the start of the year, Mr Soutar sat down with each of us individually to get to know us all and ask where we see ourselves moving forward. He’s really taken our feedback onboard and provided opportunities for us to grow in our careers. He’s also got to know the children very quickly, which is particularly important in our close-knit community. 

What is your favourite thing about working at Ashville? 

The children and the staff. We really are like one big family. We always support each other in any way we can. The children are just brilliant, and I have loved working with every class I’ve had here. They really do make my day. 

What are you most looking forward to for the rest of this academic year? 

I do love the Summer term. The weather makes such a difference as the children can get out onto the field at break-times, after having spent so much time stuck inside because of the bad weather. The summer term is extremely busy with exciting activities such as Sports day and residentials. I enjoy taking my lessons outside too, whether it’s to simply put our Maths books on clipboards and sit on the grass, do our daily reading outside, or work with Mr Oldham in the Outdoor Learning facility, bringing what we’ve learnt in classroom to life or engaging in team-building activities. 

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working? 

I enjoy lots of long walks at the weekend with my husband and Enzo, our Italian pointer, and spending time with family. During the holidays I love to get away and travel, this year I am returning to Italy, my favourite place to visit. 

Can you share something about yourself that people might not know? 

When I first qualified as a teacher, I knew that Ashville was the school I wanted to work for. I came for an interview as an NQT. Sadly I didn’t get it, but they gave me lots of helpful pointers. I then waited to get more experience under my belt. I really enjoyed working in Ripon but as soon as the Class Teacher role came up here, I knew I had to apply. And I’m glad to say, I got it! 

Visit us at our next Open Doors event and discover why there's never been a better time to join Ashville Prep School
PUPIL SPOTLIGHT: MEET FINLEY

For this edition, Spotlight was fortunate to sit in the Memorial Hall listening in awe to an accomplished young musician.

Aged just 14, Finley T in Year 10 has just produced his first solo album of piano music. We met him to find out more and bring you an exclusive recording of one of his songs.

How long have you been at Ashville, Finley?

Since February 2023.

How have you found Ashville so far?

We chose it because it’s great for music. I’ve had so much support since I joined. At GCSE we have two teachers, Miss Wilby and Mr Simpson. Miss Wilby is highly specialised in the piano, and Mr Simpson is highly specialised in notation, so I’ve learnt so much from both of them.

How long have you been playing the piano?

Around six or seven years. I touched a piano for the first time in Reception but didn’t start learning properly until I was in Year 3.

What led to you making your first album?

I am used to improvising a lot when I play the piano, in a classical style, rather than improvisation in the jazz sense. I wanted to branch out and do something different. I’ve always loved listening to movie soundtracks, and so I was inspired by pianists like Ludivico Einaudi to create my own music that you could imagine hearing in films.

Why is the album called The Journey?

The title relates mainly to the journey I’ve taken in my own music, from my first steps in learning the piano, to creating my first album.

Do you see music playing a big part in your future?

I will definitely continue making my own music, but I don’t think it will be my main career. I’m not sure what I want to do yet; I really enjoy Science so I may go in my direction. Either way, music will always be something I do on the side.

You are ‘Keys 2’ in The Band for Little Shop of Horrors. What has the Senior School Production experience been like?

It has been fantastic. So far we have been rehearsing the music in groups, so we are looking forward to our first practice session with all the other players and cast this weekend, and seeing it all come together on opening night!

What are your favourite experiences of Ashville so far?

Any opportunities to perform, from House Music to being in bands, to the Music Tour in Normandy last year.

What co-curricular activities are you involved in?

I play Hockey on a Wednesday after school and in matches as part of Ashville’s U15s Hockey team, and I am also involved in Jazz Band and Soul Band, playing the piano.

What do you like to do when you’re not at school or studying?

I like to play Tennis with my dad at the weekends so I’m looking forward to doing that more when the weather gets better. I enjoy baking with my mum, as well as listening to and playing music.

Who are your biggest musical inspirations?

Both of my biggest inspirations are also musicians I have seen live: Einaudi, and Alexis Ffrench, who performed at the King’s Coronation Weekend.

What types of music do you like?

Classical, contemporary, and jazz – I don’t play it, I just like listening to it!

What do you like most about Ashville?

A lot of things! The music, after school clubs, and the trips. I am really looking forward to going on this year’s Music Tour to Benelux. I definitely see myself staying on at Ashville.

Thank you, Finley, for your time in talking to us and for allowing us to record this rendition of Memories from The Journey.

NO PASSING TREND – THE AIR FRYER REVOLUTIONISES A LEVEL PE LESSONS AT ASHVILLE

Air fryershave helped to bring A Level PE lessons to life for our Sixth Formers learning how to prepare the nutritious food elite athletes need to perform at their best.

Lower Sixth pupils at Ashville, all of whom are accomplished young sportspeople, have participated in a ‘Diet and Nutrition MasterChef’ session, equipped only with an air fryer, a kettle, hand utensils, and their ingredients to create a range of delicious meals.

The idea sprang from a passing conversation in the staff room between Mr Mathieu Medway, Head of Academic PE, and his colleagues about air fryers and the nutritional, energy-saving and cost-saving benefits of their use.

Each group of two to three pupils was tasked with creating a meal for a specific type of sportsperson and scenario, taking into account the timing of the meal relative to their sporting activity, the player’s gender, height, weight and age, their weekly workload, and allergies.

The prerace evening meal for a female 400m athlete was crispy shredded chicken, egg fried rice, peas and a smoothie; the during-match cricket tea for a batsman consisted of chicken breast with rice accompanied by a hydration electrolyte drink, a glass of milk, and a bowl of fruit, yoghurt and honey; and the post-match meal for an international level Rugby player was a sirloin steak, fries, salad and homemade ketchup.

The exercise combined academic theory, sports science and the development of important life skills and each group gained valuable preparation for their A Level examinations in the Summer by preparing the full meal and submitting a report.

Mr Paul Stansfield, Director of Sport, said:

“It has been really inspiring to see how Mr Medway and the team have helped to enthuse the pupils about the course module theory, and encouraged them to develop skills that will be valuable to them in the future. Like all subject specialists at Ashville, we are constantly looking for new ways to engage pupils with their learning and bring curriculum content to life, and this has been a brilliant example of that.”

Mr Medway said:

“From a passing chat, I was inspired to introduce air fryer cooking into our A Level Diet and Nutrition lessons, and it has been fantastic to see this evolve. The group really embraced the project and it smelt wonderful in the classroom as they cooked up a storm!”

Keira, a Lower Sixth pupil, said:

“I was looking forward to this lesson for ages. Learning about diet and nutrition has been very interesting and I enjoyed the cooking aspect of this section, as I was able to prove to myself and my class that I can actually cook something decent and edible! My partner and I worked well as a team to be able to provide a suitable meal for a pre competition performer which would benefit and provide the athlete with plenty of energy.”

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Ashville College Catchment Area Map

This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.