Ashton House School
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Some Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we use independent education rather than state education?
Will it be very expensive?
Will there be many extras?
Do you have after school care?
What are class sizes like?
What are your results at 11+ like?
Is discipline good?
What sports do you offer?
How accessible are staff if I have a problem or a query?
Why should we use independent education rather than state education?
Independent means precisely that. With so many changes and new initiatives being introduced by the Government, state schools seem to be in a constant state of flux. We have a proven formula which works and you can have confidence that we will not change it. Ashton House is a member of the Independent Schools Association which ensures the highest standards are maintained and we are subject to inspections by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. We are also able to offer considerably smaller classes with our average class size being 16 pupils – about half that of a state school class.
We strive to keep fees as competitive as possible without jeopardizing our high standards. However, teachers` salaries increase annually and as we wish to attract and retain high quality staff there will inevitably be an annual increase to fees. You will always be kept informed of any increases which will be kept as low as possible.
No. Apart from school visits which take place two or three times a year, there are very few extra costs and these are outlined on our fee list. Visits costs will be modest to cover the outing and coach hire if required. Children in Years 5 and 6 (10 and 11 year olds) have the opportunity of a residential journey in May but this is not compulsory and may be paid for in instalments.
Do you have after school care?
Yes. Our after school club has been run by Mrs Mitchell and an assistant since 1995 and is open from the end of the school day until 5.45 p.m. Children have a tea-time snack and are supervised until their parents collect them. We are very flexible about use of the club so you can use it every day or just occasionally to meet your particular needs. We also have many after school activities, details of which will be given to you when you child joins the school.
The maximum number in Nursery is 13 and in Reception is 23. Our average class size is 16 pupils. The Pre-Prep is run by an experienced and fully qualified teacher aided by four well-qualified teaching assistants giving a staff:pupil ratio 1:7. Both our infant classes (Years 1 and 2) have a teacher and teaching assistant assigned to them.
What are your results at 11+ like?
Our pupils are very well prepared for selective examinations for entry into popular and successful independent and grammar schools. A table showing results over the past five years is attached to this information pack.
Yes. We expect and achieve high standards of behaviour. In our opinion it is as important as academic achievement. This was particularly commented on in our last inspection. As we are a relatively small school every pupil is highly visible and learns to take responsibility for their actions at an early age. We have an ethos of rewarding positive behaviour and all children can earn stickers, house points and certificates for good work, helpful, considerate behaviour, showing initiative and achievement and effort in a particular subject. Our house system encourages a team spirit which is particularly evident at our Sports Day and Swimming Gala.
Sports offered at Ashton include swimming, football, netball, cricket, rounders, gymnastics and dance. Our youngest children have PE every day except Tuesday when they have music and dance and infant classes have weekly PE and Sports sessions. Juniors all have weekly PE classes and go off-site for swimming and sports at the local swimming pool and playing fields. Upper Juniors regularly take part in matches and tournaments against other schools in football, netball, cricket and rounders. In the Spring term we hold our annual swimming gala at Richmond Pools on the Park and in the Summer term one of our highlights is our annual Sports Day where all our children are represented. We also offer after-school sports for both Infants and Juniors as well as a Netball Club for Junior girls.
How accessible are staff if I have a problem or a query?
We believe in openness and cooperation. The vast majority of issues can be quickly resolved through communication with either a child’s class teacher or the Head Teacher. Appointments can be made through the school office.