A flagship research study of schools' performance across the UK has confirmed that Ashville College achieved Harrogate's best A level results in 2024.
Compiled independently of both Ofsted and in the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the 32nd Sunday Times Parent Power league tables have just been revealed.
Widely recognised as the most comprehensive assessment of academic achievement nationally, the latest Parent Power annual results confirm Ashville in top spot for A level results in Harrogate.
Two-thirds of Ashville’s students achieved A levels between Grades A* to B this summer.
Every pupil in the class of 2024 who opted to continue in higher education were offered places at a university of their choosing – no fewer than 82% heading to their first choice to pursue the full A to Z of undergraduate degrees, ranging from Archaeology to Zoology.
Of the 100%, two-in-three Ashvillians headed off to the prestigious Russell group of universities.
Head of Ashville College Rhiannon Wilkinson said the Ashville Parent Power performance was a ringing endorsement of the pupils’ achievements, the staff’s performance, and the school’s overall ethos of continuous improvement – the percentage of A*-B grades increased by 6% compared to 2023.
She said:
“Our A level results this year filled both pupils and staff with great pride.
“However, they also provide the school with a strong launchpad for delivering our ambitious masterplan to transform and reimagine our 70-acre campus in the months and years to come, thanks to unparalleled levels of reinvestment.”
Ashville confirmed a move away from boarding earlier this year as it further strengthens and consolidates its offering as a school exclusively for day pupils aged between 2 and 18, who currently make up 95% of its growing co-educational community.
The residential option will be phased out by next summer.
Projects completed already include a new reception area for the Prep School and new social and learning hubs designed specifically for pupils in Years 10 and 11.
The next phase of investment will focus on the refurbishment of the school’s dedicated Sixth Form centre to modernise and enhance the ground floor area for pupils, as well as the creation of another new learning hub – this time for children in Years 7 to 9 in the Lower School.
The school also boasts an Outdoor Learning Area, a Health and Wellness Centre, IT suites, arts and drama spaces and a sports centre which has benefited from a £3.8m refurbishment.
Mrs Wilkinson added:
“We're determined to continue to invest in our facilities to meet the evolving needs of both modern teaching and learning, and our pupils' personal growth in this rapidly-changing world.
“Front and central to this is our custom-made Future Ready programme which prepares pupils for life beyond the classroom, equipping them with the skills required for higher education and the workplace and the exciting journey that lies ahead of them.
“We are investing our resources from the closing of boarding into a major redesign of academic and sporting facilities spanning the whole College campus. This unparalleled amount of planned investment underlines our commitment to ensuring we remain the school of first choice across the Harrogate area.
“This year’s A levels results were excellent, yet a contemporary school isn’t just about academic and sporting and arts achievements. It’s also a place which hones the skills, talents, ideas and capacities of its young people as they develop to face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.”
Both the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission (NEASC) also praised Ashville’s holistic approach to education following visits, which included interviews with over 200 parents, pupils and staff.
Pateley Bridge to host first New Year's Day cyclo-cross event
Harrogate MP welcomes government U-turn on family farm inheritance tax
Santa Paws: Festive photo competition winners revealed
DalesBus reveals timetable over Christmas period
Festive tractor run raises £45,000 for charity
CCTV appeal after Ripon shop theft
Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton meets fans in Harrogate
Santa delivers gifts to Harrogate children on all-electric sleigh
Rudy's Pizza set to open new Harrogate restaurant
75-year-old Ripon cyclist completes epic birthday challenge
Miriam Margolyes to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour
Towns must see benefits of any tourist tax, warns Harrogate MP
Police appeal for wanted man who could be in Ripon
Harrogate school 'takes Law into its own hands' with rare A Level course
CCTV appeal after motorbike stolen in Harrogate
Specsavers Harrogate hosts free after-hours clinic for homeless residents
Man charged following Pateley Bridge hit-and-run
Banyan in Harrogate set to close
Knaresborough boys 'devastated' after beloved cat goes missing
Knaresborough tug-of-war tradition to return on Boxing Day
