Founded in 1898, Ashford School is a dynamic environment in which our students are inspired by our adventurous approach to learning.
Ashford School is a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school for children from 3 months to 18 years old, situated in the heart of Kent and just 37 minutes from London. We offer an exceptional and inspiring education that promotes the happiness and success of all pupils.
Based on two sites, the School includes: Bridge Nursery (3 months to 3 years) and Ashford Senior School (Years 7–13) on East Hill in Ashford, and 2½ miles away we have The Stables Nursery (3 months to 3 years) and Ashford Prep School (3 to 11 years) in the neighbouring leafy village of Great Chart.
Parents choose Ashford School for many reasons: we achieve high academic success; we work very closely with our students giving attention to the needs of the individual; our class sizes; our challenging and supportive environment; our wide range of co-curricular activities; and our energetic, specialist teachers. We pride ourselves in selecting highly capable adults who are experts from a variety of backgrounds.
At Ashford School we celebrate individuality and provide adventurous learning opportunities. We currently have over 80 co-curricular activities on offer, from Combined Cadet Force, badminton and chamber choir, to debating, jazz band, ceramics, graphic design, food studies, table tennis, modern pentathlon, and Young Enterprise.
We are also extremely proud of the facilities at Ashford School which include a brand new state-of-the-art sports pavilion; sports centre; two indoor swimming pools; two flood-lit astro turfs for hockey, netball and tennis; all-weather netball, basketball and tennis courts; gyms; specialist art, design technology, ICT and science labs; a well-stocked learning centre; a café and atrium; a dining hall; pupil common rooms; playing fields for cricket, football and rugby; an auditorium and theatre; and a music school with several performance areas. We are also one of only 18 All-Steinway Schools in the UK.
Our learning is underpinned by four key factors, namely Celebrating Individuality, Optimising Potential, Academic Rigour and Adventurous Learning. We believe that learning should be challenging, motivating and lead to a sense of fulfilment, which is why we strive to provide an inspiring environment that encourages growth and adventure so that our students can develop into all they are capable of being.
Our School is made up of a diverse community of staff and children from all over the world. We embrace individual talent and consider our School to be a place where students and staff are inspired, and in turn inspire others.
There are nearly 500 students in the Senior School (11–18) and a similar number in the Prep School and Nurseries (0–11). We have capacity for up to 170 boarders in the Senior School, cared for by several resident teachers and support staff; a mix of nationalities represented.
Academic success. In 2024, 96% of GCSE grades were awarded between grade 9 and grade 4, and 42% of the results were graded 7 or higher. At A level in 2024, 68% of pupils achieved grades A*–B and 40% achieved A*–A. We are incredibly proud that 81% have confirmed places at their first-choice university and nearly half are continuing their studies at Russell Group universities, reading subjects such as: Biochemistry, Dental Therapy and Hygiene, Business Management with Marketing, Law, Politics, Neuroscience, and Mathematics.
Entry requirements. Please visit the Admissions section of our website for all details about entrance requirements and the process you will need to follow to apply for a place at Ashford School.
Scholarships. Academic, Art, Sport, Music, and Drama scholarships are available for Years 7, 9 and 12. Please visit our website for further information.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Day: Prep £4,365–£6,195; Years 7 to 13: £7,265. Full boarding (from 11 years): £14,895; Weekly boarding (from 11 years): £10,750.
Where relevant, fees include lunches for day pupils/children and all meals for boarders, as well as most books, equipment, and compulsory visits. Public examinations, such as GCSEs, A levels and music exams, are charged as extras in arrears. All fees are payable in advance of the start of each term in September, January and April.
Charitable status. Ashford School is part of United Learning which comprises: UCST (a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England, number 2780748, and a Registered Charity, number 1016538) and ULT (a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England, number 4439859, and an Exempt Charity).
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
Chair: Mrs Kate Richards
Mr J B Rimmer
Ms Y Areeson
Ms J D Marriott
Mr W Fletcher
Archdeacon D Miller
Ms S Morris
Ms N Ratchford
Ms C Court
Headmaster: Mr Michael Hall, BA Liverpool, MA
Head of the Senior School: Mr Michael Hall, BA Liverpool, MA
Senior Deputy Head: Ms N Timms, BEng Loughborough
Deputy Head (Academic) & Director of Staff Development & Training: Mrs J Russell, BA Leeds
Deputy Head (Operations Co-curricular & Community Partnerships): Mr T Grieves, BA Durham
Head of Ashford Prep School: Mrs Philippa Archer, BA Reading
Deputy Head (Teaching & Learning): Mrs R Clifford, BSc
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Mr C Neesham, BA