School Description
Please join us for one of our Senior School Open Mornings to find out more about our nurturing environment, exceptional teachers and superb facilities.
15 Ashford School students travelled to The Netherlands to embark on their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition this August. Steering away from the norm the students took on the challenge of cycling a staggering 245 kms, on average, over their 4-day expedition, with temperatures soaring to over 30 degrees during the week resulting in the groups having to take extra precautions to avoid heat stroke and exhaustion.
On completing their four-day expedition, they gathered at Oosterbeek Church where Ashford School’s chaplain, Reverend Bellamy joined them to share the church’s significant role in World War II. The students then made their way to the War Cemetery where Reverend Bellamy led a very poignant service. Despite their tiredness, the students paid respect to the thousands of soldiers who had lost their lives in Arnhem, with James and Immy reading prayers, and Patrick laying a wreath.
• Inspire the minds of all our learners to be adventurous inside and outside of the classroom.
• Create a supportive environment where the wellbeing of the child is paramount as we believe that happiness breeds success.
• Foster a sense of respect for individuality by encouraging intellectual freedom and creativity, determination and leadership.
• Encourage academic confidence and curiosity.
• Empower our community of learners with the confidence to make a difference to their changing world.
As a highly experienced leader in the independent schools’ sector, Michael Hall joined Ashford School in August 2018, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Previously, he spent almost eight years as Head of Bedford Modern School in what was a very successful period of growth.
His career includes significant experience in co-educational, all-through education, as well as both day and boarding settings. He studied economics as an undergraduate at the University of Liverpool before training as a teacher and completing a Master’s degree in Educational Management.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
My inspiration is not what you might expect, as it was from a less than positive experience.
I attended a boys grammar school in the 1980s amid industrial action which adversely affected my education (especially the co-curricular offering). I was convinced that there had to be a better way and that a broad and balanced education should be about optimising potential - my mission has always been to achieve this in the schools which I have led.
What achievement are you most proud of as Head?
I am very proud that Ashford School is a genuinely diverse and inclusive school community. Throughout its history, the school has had a long association with nearly 50 pupils of different nationalities. This tradition of families from parts of Europe, Africa and Asia, along with pupils from the East Kent area provide a rich diversity of culture and perspective. I am also immensely proud of how Ashford School effectively triangulates academic success with pastoral care and co-curricular participation. Careful and individualised tracking helps us deliver tailored support to each of our students. This again refers to our educational philosophy that happy students are successful students.
What does a successful school look like to you?
I often use the line with my students: qualifications will secure you the interview, but not the job. Success is ultimately about developing young adults who you would want to employ. Yes, we aim for the best qualifications for each student, but I also look for my students to have refined emotional intelligence with the social skills to benefit all those around them.
What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?
Humility – in its purest sense, it demonstrates deep self-awareness and empathy with those with whom we engage.
Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.
Calm, caring, respect, humility, opportunity.
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.
24/7 Customer Service: [email protected]
