Ashford School
Secular, Founded 1898
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSEAccreditations
COBISLanguages
English
French
Spanish
GermanAshford School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 0-18, located in Kent. It is dedicated to inspiring minds by providing an exceptional education that balances academic rigour with a wide range of co-curricular experiences.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school aims to provide an ambitious and personal education that pairs academic excellence with the development of character, curiosity, and resilience. It emphasizes evidence-informed teaching, global perspectives, and a commitment to pastoral care, ensuring every child is known, valued, and supported. The school seeks to educate pupils for life, fostering compassionate, capable young adults who contribute to society with integrity.
Programmes
The school offers a continuous educational pathway from nursery (0-3 years) through to the Sixth Form. The curriculum includes the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate in the Prep School and a comprehensive programme of subjects from Key Stage 3 to 5 in the Senior School, including GCSE and A Level pathways. The academic offering is supported by the Ashford Advance programme, which focuses on learning habits and skills development.
Outcomes
The school maintains a strong track record of academic success, with leavers progressing to a variety of competitive university destinations and pathways in the UK and abroad. Pupils are encouraged to develop intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the skills necessary for success in a complex world. Recent achievements include high rankings in national sports competitions and successful completion of prestigious awards like the Gold Duke of Edinburgh.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides inclusive learning support tailored to individual needs. This includes a dedicated Learning Enhancement department, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, and an Academic Scholars Programme for enrichment. Small group and individual support sessions are available, with the level of intervention determined through consultation with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Ashford School offer?
- Ashford School offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Ashford School?
- Annual tuition at Ashford School is £11.7K–£54K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Ashford School a day or boarding school?
- Ashford School is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does Ashford School hold?
- Ashford School holds accreditations including COBIS.
- Is Ashford School co-educational?
- Ashford School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Ashford School located?
- Ashford School is an international school in Ashford, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026/2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Nursery | 3–4 | £11.7K |
| Reception to Year 2 | 4–7 | £15.6K |
| Year 3-6 | 7–11 | £22.2K |
| Year 7-13 | 11–18 | £26.1K |
| Full Boarding (7 nights), Years 7-9 | 11–14 | £48K |
| Full Boarding (7 nights), Years 10-13 | 14–18 | £54K |
| Weekly Boarding (5 nights) | 11–18 | £39.7K |
Other fees(6)
| Registration fee· The Nurseries | £120 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Prep School and Senior School | £145 |
| Deposit· Prep School and Senior School Day Pupils Refundable Deposit | £500 |
| Deposit· Boarding Pupils Refundable Deposit: One term's fees | — |
| EAL· Additional English Language Tuition (per term, including VAT) | £972 |
| Mealsterm· Lunch fee (included in total termly fee) | £375 |
Admissions
The school provides a structured admissions process for day and boarding pupils from nursery through to Sixth Form. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open morning events, and the school offers scholarships, bursaries, and financial assistance to support access. Registration requires a fee, and a refundable deposit is held for all pupils upon acceptance of a place.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term structure (Autumn, Spring, and Summer). The academic calendar includes formal assessments, examinations, and a wide range of co-curricular activities, sports fixtures, and community events. Term dates are published on the school website, and parents can subscribe to a digital calendar for updates.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is situated in Kent, with a Prep School campus in Great Chart and a Senior School campus on East Hill. Facilities include the Somerville Library, an atrium for exhibitions, and specialized spaces for design and technology, science, and the arts. Sports facilities support a wide range of activities, including swimming, and the school maintains dedicated boarding houses, such as Alfred House and Brabourne House.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a dynamic co-curricular programme designed to develop character, teamwork, and leadership. Activities include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Combined Cadet Force, debating, community service, and extensive opportunities in the creative and performing arts, such as music, drama, and art. A robust sports programme features fixtures in athletics, swimming, biathlon, hockey, netball, rugby, and cricket, supported by a dedicated sports development programme.
Ashley CurrieHeadmasterMr Currie joined Ashford School from Repton School in Derbyshire where he was Principal Deputy Head. He holds a Master’s Degree in Theoretical Physics from Durham University and a second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and has held various leadership positions at St. Edward’s School, Giggleswick School, and St John’s, Leatherhead.
Nicola TimmsSenior Deputy HeadNicky joined Ashford School in 2008 as a Maths teacher and progressed through roles including Assistant Boarding House Mistress, Educational Visits Coordinator, and Director of Years 9-11. She served as Deputy Head Pastoral for five years before becoming Senior Deputy Head.
Joanne RussellDeputy Head (Academic) & Director of Staff Development & TrainingJoanne joined Ashford School as Head of English in 2013 and became Deputy Head (Academic) in 2018. She holds a degree in English and French, a Masters degree in Education from the University of Exeter, and is an ILM Level 5 qualified coach.
Toby GrievesDeputy Head (Operations Co-Curricular & Community Partnerships)Toby graduated with a degree in Sport from Durham University and joined Norwich School in 2012, where he eventually became Director of Sport. He joined Ashford School and was promoted to his current role, overseeing co-curricular and community partnerships.
Philippa ArcherHead of the Prep SchoolPhilippa is an alumna of Ashford School and an experienced educational leader who previously served as Deputy Head and Head of Boarding at Marlborough House School. She holds a BA in English Literature and History of Art and Architecture from Reading University.
Rosie CliffordDeputy Head of the Prep School (Teaching and Learning)Rosie joined Ashford Prep School in 2014, having previously worked for a schools expedition company. She is passionate about the school's adventurous learning ethos and has been a Brownie leader for 12 years.
Chris NeeshamDeputy Head of the Prep School (Pastoral)Chris joined Ashford Prep School in September 2016 after a career in the IT industry and experience in international education and boarding. He is focused on the use of technology in teaching and learning.