Ashford, United Kingdom Day & boarding · Co-ed Age range 0–20 993 pupils Founded 1898Ashford School
Located in the heart of Ashford, this independent school offers a nurturing environment where academic excellence and personal development go hand in hand....
About Ashford School
Ashford School was founded in 1898 as Ashford School for Girls, established by the Reverend H. P. Crawshaw and his wife as a Church of England girls' school in the Kentish market town of Ashford. The school operated as a girls' school for over a century before becoming fully co-educational in 2010. Since 2008 the school has been part of United Learning — the largest schools group in England, operating around 90 state and independent schools. Ashford School today educates around 993 pupils ages 3-18 across an integrated Prep, Junior and Senior School structure. The Head is Michael Hall.
The school is a member of the GSA (historically) and is inspected by the ISI. The campus sits in central Ashford, Kent, immediately adjacent to Ashford International railway station — the principal English terminus of the Eurostar high-speed rail link to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, which provides direct access to continental Europe within 35 minutes of the school gates. This geographic position has shaped a particularly strong modern-languages programme: French is offered from Reception, and the school maintains active exchange relationships with French and Belgian partner schools.
The school's academic profile is strongest in modern languages, the sciences and drama. The boarding house accommodates a significant cohort of international pupils, particularly from continental Europe and East Asia. The school operates a substantial bursary programme via the United Learning charitable foundation, intended to provide educational access for Kent families regardless of family means.
Programmes & strengths
University destinations
Memberships & accreditations
Pupil breakdown
- Boys
- 523 (53%)
- Girls
- 470 (47%)
- SEN support
- 274 (27.6%)
- SEN EHCP
- 7 (0.7%)
Notable alumni
Frequently asked questions
What type of school is Ashford School?
Ashford School is a co-educational independent mainstream school for pupils aged 0 to 20, located near Ashford in Kent. The school offers education from Nursery through to Sixth Form, with pathways leading to GCSEs and A Levels.
How do I apply to Ashford School?
The admissions process usually starts well in advance of entry and may involve assessments and interviews. The school admissions timeline guide outlines key stages and deadlines. https://schoolscout.uk/posts/uk-private-school-admissions-timeline
What are the fees at Ashford School?
Fees at Ashford School are approximately £5,046–£17,311 per term, depending on the year group and whether pupils board. Families can learn more about UK private school fees and what is typically included. https://schoolscout.uk/posts/how-much-do-uk-private-schools-cost
Is Ashford School a day or boarding school?
Pupils at Ashford School can attend as day and boarding.
Is Ashford School selective?
Entry to Ashford School is based on overall fit and, where relevant, academic assessment.