Ashville College
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Ashville Prep School has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Ashville Prep School is the only prep school in the area to be shortlisted in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2024.

Head of Prep School, Phil Soutar, said he was delighted the school’s achievements had been recognised at a national level.

“We have an incredible team of staff, and this is testament to their hard work and dedication. I’m proud to say our school is a shining example of exemplary education and we work hard to ensure our pupils have the best possible start in life.

“It’s wonderful that a national light has been shone on our everyday commitment and enthusiasm to education across all areas. Ashville continues to lead the way in primary school education in Harrogate and the surrounding area,” he said.

The awards, organised by Independent School Parent magazine, are in their seventh year and attract entries from hundreds of schools across the country.

The finalists will be announced in September and the winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony in London in October.

Two pupils from Ashville have celebrated their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Awards as guests of royalty at Buckingham Palace.

Daisy A and Niamh A attended a garden party hosted by His Royal Highness and awards patron The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, who welcomed thousands of young people and their loved ones from across the UK.

Guests were addressed by famous speakers including broadcaster Vick Hope, BBC news anchor Clive Myrie – both DofE Award holders themselves – British astronaut Tim Peake, and TV chef Matt Tebbutt.

Career advice was also offered by other well-known actors, presenters, authors and campaigners invited to take to stages throughout the garden to tell their own stories.

One of a total of four events held at the palace over several days, the celebrations recognised a total of over 8,000 young people who have shown extraordinary perseverance, creativity and resilience to complete their Gold DofE in schools, community organisations, youth groups and workplaces all over the country.

To cover volunteering, physical and residential aspects of the award, Daisy, 18, spent a year as a volunteer netball coach while also completing a Level 1 coaching qualification in the same sport, which in turn opened doors to a place with the Elite Netball Academy, touring UK schools.

Daisy also joined a challenging expedition in the Lake District and added learning to drive to her Gold Award accomplishments.

She said:

“I think the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to always look for the positives and how communicating with one another – particularly in team environments – is so valuable in so many different challenges.

“Having the opportunity to visit the palace gardens was also such an incredible opportunity and being able to meet and see so many other people who have been on the same journey as you was definitely inspiring – but it also gave me the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work I dedicated to my Duke of Edinburgh award.”

Niamh also chose netball as well as developing her skills on the piano as part of her award and also joined the four-day Lake District expedition, trekking in all weathers.

However, she extended her outdoor adventures thanks to sponsorship from Harrogate Rotary Club, joining a week-long outward bound leadership course which she described as the highlight of her programme.

She said:

“I’ve had so many amazing experiences whilst completing this award, with the most memorable being building a zipline over a river on my 17th birthday, whilst on my residential.

“I’m so proud to have completed my Gold DofE; at the beginning it seemed almost impossible to balance with my A Levels but I’m so glad I did. DofE has made me so much more confident and willing to try new things.

“The celebrations at Buckingham Palace were a perfect reward and I loved having the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens, alongside lots of other DofE achievers.”

College Head, Rhiannon Wilkinson, said:

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award fits perfectly with the school’s ethos of encouraging all of our pupils to be the best possible version of themselves – and not just in the classroom.

“Our Outdoor Learning provision and co-curricular activities are good examples too, yet the challenges set by the DofE really do encourage young people to see and then seek out wider horizons, relish a personal challenge and enjoy the sense of achievement which comes with reaching a long-term objective.

“Daisy and Naimh thoroughly deserved their opportunity to celebrate the school’s sense of pride in what they have achieved and the satisfaction which comes with completing a job well done.”

CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Ruth Marvel, said:

“The young people who attended have achieved something exceptional, and it was wonderful to see them celebrating together, sharing their experiences and hearing their aspirations for the future.

“DofE is all about proving to yourself just what you are capable of, and the young people showed the world that their potential is limitless. I can’t wait to see what they go on to do next.

“As a charity, we’re working hard to give as many young people as possible the chance to have a DofE experience and we’re delighted to announce that last year 330,948 young people started a DofE Award – another record-breaking year.

“This growth in participation shows just how much appetite there is amongst young people for enrichment and development opportunities beyond formal education and, together with our partners, we are determined to keep extending our reach until every young person has access to these types of life-changing experiences.”

Successful events and famous faces have rounded off a historic academic year for us before we begin to work on the first phase of its three-year development plan this summer.

In our own version of ‘Super Saturday’ (June 29), Olympic runner Roger Black MBE, who took silver in the 400m in the 1996 Olympics, was guest speaker at our traditional Senior School and Sixth Form Speech Day. A 550-strong audience of parents, staff and pupils watched as young achievers received prizes for their significant contributions to academic and school life throughout the year.

That same day, in the evening, guests from across the Harrogate and Yorkshire community enjoyed excellent food, exciting fundraising activities and musical entertainment at the ‘Dinner for David’. This was organised by our alumni organisation, the Ashvillian Society, in aid of Disability Action Yorkshire.

Last week, Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle MBE, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics in London, presented prizes at the Reception and Prep School Speech Day. She encouraged pupils aged 5 to 11 to follow their dreams and reach for the stars.

Mrs Rhiannon Wilkinson said:

“For me, these occasions show how far Ashville has moved on in the last three years, something we should all be proud of. I truly hope we all feel proud of and pleased with our contributions to the success of the College. The sense of belonging together as a community was palpable at these events and it was clear that everyone, whatever their age or connection, was delighted to be part of Ashville.”

Other recent events included the Graduation Ceremony for pupils bound for onward study in the US and internationally; Sports Days for every area of the school; a traditional Head’s Concert featuring performances from Senior School and Sixth Form musicians; the Year 11 Prom (a fantastic opportunity for those who have just finished their GCSEs to let their hair down); and the Boarders’ Ball.

These occasions followed the Year 8 to Upper Sixth Summer Show of Wychwood Part Two. This saw the Drama Studio transformed into the draughty corridors of Wychwood House once again as pupils presented four more Edwardian tales of ghostly goings on, following on from Wychwood Part One in June 2023.

Mr Jamie Search has been Chair of Governors at Ashville since 2019, but his connection with Ashville dates back much further.

We met him for a special Staff Spotlight, before he was due to step down as Chair of Governors on the final day of the academic year, Wednesday 3 July.

For those not in the know, could you tell us a bit about your family history with Ashville?

My father attended Ashville in the 50s. My elder brother and I were here from 1975 to 1982, and 1977 to 1984 respectively, both as boarders in what was then called Briggs (now Riverdale) House. My three sons all had years here between 2003 and 2011. My father became a governor in the early 90s and was Chair between 1998 and 2004. I became a governor in 2009 and then Chair from 2019 to 2024.

What are your standout memories of attending Ashville?

Sport was a massive part of Ashville life for me. I was never much of an academic. I played for the 1st XV rugby team, which was a very committed and together group of players. Oddly enough the inter-House rugby matches had an extra level of edge over the interschool ones. My 1st XV No. 8 (I was scrum half) even broke my collarbone in one House rugby match, not intentionally I might add. In addition, the friendships we made at Ashville are very special and continue to this day.

How has Ashville changed from when you were a pupil to now?

It was predominantly boarding with a few day pupils. It was an all-boys school for the first five years I was here. We became co-educational in 1982 and I remember the first, very brave, three girls joining the Lower Sixth that year. There was no Prep, Pre-Prep or Acorns either. Ashville pupils joined only at age 11.

Give some examples of the elements of school life it has retained, for the best reasons?

The House system is a massive part of school life and gives you a real sense of purpose and camaraderie with your peers.

What are the most important things you’ve learned during your tenure as Chair of Governors?

I have learned nothing during those six years that I did not already know; Ashville is a great place to learn and work. With a continued collective desire, Ashville can only go from strength to strength in the future.

How do you feel about Ashville’s future?

I am hugely optimistic about Ashville’s future. We have a strong Head and leadership team who have so positively impacted the direction of the College. The ambitious five-year strategy plans will greatly enhance the campus and therefore the experience for all the pupils. There will be headwinds, but Ashville is in a great position, and I have said in many meetings, with any adversity comes opportunity, and Ashville will certainly take every opportunity afforded it.

What are you most excited about when it comes to that five-year plan?

First and foremost, it is an ambitious plan for an ambitious school. There has been a lot of great discussion on the best way forward for governors and the senior team and with this collaborative approach, I know we are on the right path. At its core is a desire to deliver for the benefit of the whole Ashville community and that can only be a good thing.

Why is this plan and investment important for cementing Ashville’s position as the independent school of first choice in Harrogate?

You can’t stand still; you always have to improve and now more so than ever with many independent schools struggling to keep their doors open. If we can show stability and ambition, which we are, we will achieve that goal.

Why did you initially want to be a governor, and what drove you towards becoming Chair of Governors?

It has always been for me about giving something back to what was a huge part of my life and that of my family. If in some small way I am able to contribute to the continued success of Ashville, then I will have succeeded.

How would you describe the Ashville College community?

A family which encompasses all its elements, the pupils, the staff, both teaching and non-teaching, parents, and governors. By working together, we can achieve great things and I believe there is a real sense of purpose and desire to work together. As the lead ISI inspector said to me “there has been transformational change at Ashville”, such a positive message that makes all the effort worthwhile.

What are you the most proud of about your contribution to Ashville College to date?

I suppose it was probably at the most difficult time in living memory for Ashville, when we went through the trauma of a Head sadly dying in post and then quickly followed by the global pandemic that I was able to support the staff and guide them to get through that period.

Our new Chair of Governors from September is Greg Styles, who has been a governor since 2022. What do you hope he will bring to the role of Chair?

I know Greg will continue to do what is best for Ashville and has a pragmatic approach. He already has a good working relationship with the Head and the senior team, so I know Ashville is in safe hands.

What are your plans after you step down as Chair of Governors this week?

I have committed to stay on as a governor next year to support Greg Styles as our new Chair.

We heard that you were once an aspiring Olympian – can you tell us more about this?

Not an Olympian, I just enjoyed three-day eventing and was privileged to represent Team GB on three occasions, two at Junior European Championships, and was fortunate enough to win a Team Silver in Poland in 1984. Unfortunately work got in the way of riding so I retired from competing a few years after that. Now it is mainly golf, although I don’t get to play as much as I would like to!