Mission and Ethos

• Parental Survey May 2010

Some files require these free plugins

Ashford School promotes self-reliance, responsibility, compassion and boldness, and also fosters a sense of teamwork, the intellectual freedom to be creative, the confidence and enterprise to initiate and the resilience to cope with adversity. We aim to prepare every pupil and student for future life in an increasingly competitive and complex world.

A diverse community where individuality is valued, we encourage intellectual curiosity and aim to help each pupil to develop independence of mind and spirit. Vitally important to this development is the breadth of co-curricular opportunities available to every member of the School. All pupils have the opportunity to discover their own creativity, abilities and strengths through a range of sporting, artistic, cultural and social activities which run in parallel to their academic development.

Underpinning every facet of our life is a carefully designed and established system of pastoral care and guidance. It is these complementary elements which gives Ashford its character; all pupils are part of a friendly, stimulating community that prepares them well for whatever life they choose to follow.

We set out to create opportunities to realise, recognise and reward the best in everyone. This is achieved through learning that is carefully tailored and adventurous. We embrace diversity and aim to foster understanding between people of different backgrounds. We welcome children of all faiths and of none: our values and traditions are broadly Christian, as is our approach to religious teaching.

The School as a Community

Every pupil, student, parent and employee is welcomed and valued as a member of our School community. We work in partnership with pupils and parents to ensure high expectations are set and achieved in all areas of the School.

A well-developed system of pastoral care is very important to the School and underpins all of its activities. Parents are an integral part of this system. We seek to encourage social contact between families and nurture a sense of belonging.

Teachers get to know their pupils well, keep in regular contact with parents, monitor each individual's academic progress and general well-being, and provide support and advice as well as delivering personal, social and health education.

Boarders make their home at the school and we aim to make them and the staff that look after them into a close-knit family. Senior pupils help to oversee the running of the School and the care of others.