Address Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG2 9JP
Pupils 750, Upper sixth 75
Fees ÎŁ2298−ÎŁ3923 (Day), ÎŁ4963−ÎŁ7680 (Boarding), ÎŁ4745−ÎŁ6997 (Weekly)
Description Founded in 1877 by the United Methodist Free Church, it has incorporated two other non-Conformist schools: Emfield College and New College. It first accepted girls in 1983 and is fully co-educational. It owns a fine estate of 60 acres on the south side of the spa town. During the 1990s extensive additions were made and it now possesses many excellent facilities, including most recently an all-weather pitch. Religious services are compulsory but the religious ethos is ecumenical. Its aim is to develop the broadest range of an individual's talents to their optimum. The academic record is sound and examination results are very good. There is a range of extra-curricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
School Head Headmaster: Mark Lauder in post from 2010. Educated at Aberdeen University (history and English literature). Previously Deputy Head at Felsted, Housemaster and Head of History at St Edward's, Oxford and Head of History at Shiplake College. Teaching staff: 65 full time, 8 part time.
Results GCSE: 75 pupils in fifth, 95% gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 70 in upper sixth, 91% passing in 3+ subjects.
Furtherhigher 93% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (18% after a gap year). 33% went to Russell Group universities, including some to Oxbridge. Others typically go directly into employment.
Arts Music: 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including string ensembles, jazz bands, 3 choirs. Drama: Drama offered; GCSE and LAMDA exams may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 2 AS-level, 17 A-level.
Sport Rugby, cricket, netball compulsory to age 14; some 6 further options including squash, swimming. Also bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; community service. Up to 20 clubs, eg chess, debating, drama, rock-climbing, rocket club.
Boarding Sixth form in rooms for 1-3. Houses of approximately 35, single-sex. 3 exeats each term (2 nights) plus half-term. Visits to the local town allowed on Saturday mornings.
Alumni The Ashvillian Society, run by the President, Mr David Bulmer, c/o the school.
Formerpupils Sir Alastair Burnett (journalist); Henry Iles (brass band promoter and entrepreneur); Arther Balfour (steelmaker and industrialist); Eugen Weber (historian); Simon Heywood (actor); Tony Richardson (theatre and film director); Robin Walker (Michelin Star chef); Jim Carter (Downton Abbey actor).
