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.
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