We are often asked what the benefits of being an all-through school are. One important aspect is the shared and consistent academic culture that is age appropriate, based on an expectation of high standards, and nurtures a love of learning that equips pupils well as they progress through School. Another is that it enables younger pupils in Prep School to embrace the many key features offered by the Senior School, from specialist teachers in subjects like Modern Foreign Languages, Sport and Science, to the high-quality and varied campus facilities. There’s continuity, community, and an ease of transition between all key year groups – this term and Summer holiday we will have plenty of transition events for both new and current pupils to make that move up as fun and seamless as possible. Parents with children of different ages can all be part of the Ashville family too, as they progress from Prep School to Senior School to Sixth Form.
But we think the best way to explain the benefits of an all-through school is hearing from the pupils themselves. Here is what our pupils of all ages, and varying tenures at the College, have said this past academic year about why they love their School:
We asked: What do you like most about Ashville?
They said:
“Initially, I came here for just one term, to see what life was like at an English boarding school, but I liked it so much here that we decided that I would return for a second term, and then for my GCSEs, and then for Sixth Form (I am about to do my A Levels)! Being in boarding gives you a whole other life experience. You’re away from home, but part of a very special community.”
Julia in Upper Sixth, who joined as an international boarder in September 2020
Julia Upper Sixth
“The education, learning new things, and spending time with my friends. I also really like where Ashville is (you can see the green campus and across to the main building through our classroom window). I also love the food – the cooks are amazing and the food is really healthy too.”
Maxim in Year 5, who joined Ashville in Acorns
Maxim Year 5
“Something I really look forward to each year is all the year groups enjoying being out on the field in the Summer term in the nicer weather. Last year what seemed like our whole year group played a football match together and it was great seeing everyone getting on and having a good time.”
Isabella, one of this year’s Upper Sixth who has been at Ashville since Reception Class
Isabella Upper Sixth
“The sense of community, and not being judged. There is a fantastic atmosphere here, where there is strong communication and good relationships between pupils, and pupils and teachers, and you have the space to breathe and be your own person. I recently showed a prospective teacher around and they commented on how open and supportive the community feels. I couldn’t agree more, and surely that’s the best-case scenario for any school.” Romeo and Juliet trailer 2023
Nick in Lower Sixth, who has been at Ashville since Year 7 (watch him and other pupils in action in the trailer for this year’s Senior School Production)
Nick Lower Sixth
“It has its own Sports Centre, which is really good as I love sport. It goes into a Senior School and my friends will go up to the Senior School with me so it will not be as scary. Everyone is really nice at Ashville and I have been made to feel welcome.”
Ava in Year 6, one of 30 new starters in the Prep School who joined in September 2022
Ava Year 6
There are still limited places remaining at Ashville College for the new academic year (September 2023). To find out more and to enquire, please visit our website.
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