Ashfold in Numbers 2025-26 by ashfoldschool

ASHFOLD IN NUMBERS

School Map

P Visitor Parking

1. School Reception

2. The Mansion

3. The Bursary

4. The Pre-Prep

5. Pre-Prep Playground

6. Clock Court

7. The Church

8. Art & Design Centre

9. Science Labs

10. Computer Labs

11. Music Department

12. Performance Studio

13. Sports Hall

14. Forest School

15. Prep School Playground

Facilities

Set in a stunning Buckinghamshire estate, Ashfold is easily accessible from London, Oxford, Bicester, Thame, Winslow and Aylesbury. Our superb facilities range from the beaufitul Grade I listed Jacobean Mansion to the impressive modern Art & Design Centre.

By Car: Thame 10 minutes

Bicester 15 minutes

Winslow 25 minutes

Oxford 30 minutes

Aylesbury 25 minutes

By Train: Nearest rail stations

Bicester, Thame and Haddenham

By Ashfold Transport Service: Weekly and daily bus routes

Sports Pitches

Entrance

Sports Pitches

5 Science, Computing, Robotics, Food Tech labs, and Art & Design Centre

Sports Hall, heated pool, games pitches and all-weather surfaces

Over 30 acres of grounds, walled garden, woodland, streams and lake

Tennis and Netball Courts Sports

Ashfold at a glance

Individual Attention

Wellbeing

Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do, nurturing each child’s growth through our core values.

We are almost

years old

Our small classes allow teachers to identify and develop each child’s talents and unique learning needs.

Small school with a Big family feel

House System

Strong team spirit and loyalty thrive in our Lions, Dragons, and Gryphons Houses

Healthy Food

Our nutritious, homemade meals are perfect for fueling active and healthy children

Health Care

Experienced, qualified nursing care is provided by our two dedicated matrons

Minibus Routes

We provide safe, reliable, and stress-free travel to and from school each day from local towns, Oxford and London.

The Pre-Prep department is a wonderful place for the children to start their school journey as the variety of subjects, outdoor activities and co-curricular options the children have access to is exceptional.

Victoria - current parent

Year Group

Nursery

Reception

Pre-Prep 1

Pre-Prep 2

8.30am - 12.45pm or 8.30am - 3.25pm 8.30am - 3.25pm 8.30am - 3.25pm 8.30am - 3.25pm 8.15am - 5.20pm 8.15am - 5.20pm 8.15am - 6.00pm 8.15am - 6.00pm 8.15am - 6.00pm 8.15am - 6.00pm

Wrap Around Care

7.30am - 5.15pm

7.30am - 6.00pm

7.30am - 6.00pm 7.30am - 6.00pm 7.30am - 6.00pm 7.30am - 6.00pm 7.30am - 6.00pm

The school day offers flexibility to suit the needs of different families. Wraparound care, including breakfast and after-school tea, can be booked in advance or on an ad hoc basis. Children in Forms 3 and 4 have the option to stay for co-curricular activities until 5.20pm, with aftercare available until 6.00pm. Most of our older pupils in Forms 5 to 8 choose to stay to complete their homework, supervised by teachers until 5.20pm, and enjoy the extensive range of co-curricular activities on offer until 6.00pm. On Fridays, the school day ends at 5.20pm for Forms 3 to 8.

Academic Vision

“

The Rising Tide Lifts All Ships

We believe that a love of learning is the foundation of lifelong success. Our broad and engaging curriculum inspires curiosity, ambition, resilience and independence—values that underpin our academic approach and prepare children for the challenges ahead.

We nurture each child’s potential, encouraging them to develop the skills, confidence and depth of knowledge to thrive both in the classroom and beyond. Our dedicated teachers create a stimulating and supportive environment where learning is purposeful, exciting and rewarding.

Our commitment to academic excellence has been recognised with the prestigious Challenge Award from the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) in 2024— an honour that reflects our belief in stretching and supporting every child to achieve their very best.

Strong Foundation

Our broad and deep education establishes a strong academic foundation for each child’s learning, both now and in the future.

Interdisciplinary Teaching

We have a research-based approach to teaching which includes genuine embedding of interdisciplinary links across subjects.

The school makes exceptional provision for its pupils both within and beyond the classroom. It offers a vibrant and exciting curriculum that promotes learning and builds cultural capital through the wide range of learning experiences both within and beyond the school. The school’s leadership is highly aspirational for its pupils, and provision for More Able pupils is central to that aspiration and woven through all aspects of school life. Behaviour for learning is outstanding with pupils remaining engaged and on task and endeavoring to do their best at all times.

National Association for Able Children in Education Award

Specialist Teachers

Pupils have subject specialist teachers in some subjects right from the start in our Pre-Prep, and in all subjects from Year 5 upwards.

Supportive Environment

Our focus on desirable difficulty and resilience empowers each child to aim high with confidence, recognising that trying (and failing) is key to success.

Parental Involvement

Regular reporting ensures open channels of communication, helping to track each child’s progress and achieve their academic potential.

MORE ABLE PUPILS PROGRAMME

Pupils with particular talent or ability in any area are identified by their teachers and given personalised targets to ensure their high potential is met and they are continually challenged.

We identify and support more able pupils in the following areas:

• Academic

• Co-Curricular

• Vocational and Life Skills

For older pupils, scholarship programmes and masterclasses stretch their knowledge and skills to levels far exceeding age-related expectations.

22% of Prep School pupils (Forms 3 to 8) are identified as more able learners.

16% of Pre-Prep pupils (Reception to Pre-Prep 2) are also identified as more able learners

LEARNING SUPPORT

Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers and Teaching Assistants (TAs) provide in-class, small group, and one-to-one support for children with additional learning needs, helping them to achieve their full academic potential. All teachers and TAs receive regular training in delivering inclusive classroom support for pupils with additional needs.

Senior School Preparation

Our ‘Next Schools’ process starts early, involving 1:1 consultations with parents, and comprehensive, personalised guidance on entrance exams and scholarships

We can facilitate the following during the school day:

• Speech and Language Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• English as an Additional Language Lessons

• Dyslexia Specialist Tutoring

27% of Ashfold pupils receive additional support from the SEN department in some form.

Pastoral Care & Well being

School Counsellor

A qualified counsellor is available for any child who needs someone to talk to.

ELSA Support

Our ELSA offers emotional support to pupils who need extra guidance.

Pastoral Care and Pupil Wellbeing are central to everything we do. We believe that children must feel safe, emotionally well-regulated, and known and understood as individuals, in order to flourish and gain the best from every opportunity available to them here at Ashfold.

Wellbeing Garden

A calm outdoor space where children can relax and reflect quietly.

Trusted Adults

Children are regularly reminded who they can talk to if they need help.

The Nest

A safe, friendly space open at breaktimes for any child needing support.

To support this approach, every child is assigned a dedicated Form Tutor who not only monitors their academic development closely, but also takes the time to understand their individual pastoral needs and wellbeing.

Mental Health First Aiders

Trained staff are always on hand to offer emotional first aid when needed.

Pupil Wellbeing Surveys

Regular surveys ensure every pupil’s voice is heard and valued.

Worry Boxes

Children can post concerns in a private and discreet way.

Assemblies

Assemblies focus on the Ashfold Values and caring for others.

PSHE Curriculum

Lessons help children build confidence and prepare for life.

Pupil Voice

Pupils help shape school life through councils, Charities Committee, boards and surveys

Ashfold’s strong foundation is enhanced by a wide range of additional support.

The Arts

“

For us what is so special is seeing how our son is totally thriving at Ashfold! The school has provided a happy, safe and supportive environment in which he can have a go at new experiences, challenge himself and have a great deal of fun along the way.

Lucinda - current parent

95%

Children sing o r play a musical instrument

Drama productions for every child to perform on stage

47%

Take LAMDA speech, drama and dance lessons

Arts Scholarship Programmes

Concerts and recitals each year

Masterclasses for pupils applying for Music, Drama, Art and Design Technology scholarships to senior schools.

The Good Schools Guide “

Whether arty, sporty, or musical, there’s something for every child here.

Sports Scholarship Programme

Masterclasses for pupils applying for sports scholarships to senior schools

All-inclusive Sport

Every child in the Prep School regularly represents the school in weekly fixtures

Team Spirit

Developing skills, passion and good sportmanship for life

Elite Coaching

Team of specialist games staff

Athletics

Sport 20+

Sports available to try

Badminton

Basketball

Cricket

Croquet

Cross Country

Equestrian

“

Lacrosse

Netball Rounders

Swimming

Tennis

Triathlon

Yoga

We particularly like Ashfold’s focus on sport every day, and how through the academic subjects the school has built our childrens’ individual confidence in their abilities. Ashfold brilliantly fosters a real sense of ‘can do’ attitude and pride in their achievements, alongside an awareness of working with others and supporting their friends and team mates on and off the pitch.

Lucy - current parent

SchoolTrips

Our programme of trips and visits is both varied and fun. Alongside regular curriculum-based outings to museums, historic sites, galleries, and farms, we also offer a range of residential trips for our older children.

Form 6 Bushcraft trip

Form 7 French trip to Normandy

Form 8 Geography field trip to Dorset

Form 8 Outward-bound expedition to Brecon Beacons

Forms 7 & 8 Sports tour

Our children have absolutely flourished in their first year at Ashfold. Having joined from a local primary school, the wealth of new experiences offered, both academically and through the co-curricular activities, have seen their confidences shoot through the roof.”

Anabelle - current parent

“

Children’s successes are celebrated, whether they are achieved on the sports field, in extra-curricular pursuits or in the classroom and the emphasis is on fun as well as hard work...and to try new challenges.”

The Week Independent Schools Guide

Co-curricular

60+ activities - find your passions!

22 Rifle Shooting

Ancient Greek Club

Art Masterclass

Pottery Club

Badminton

Bullet Journalling

Bushcrafting

Cartoon Club

Cards and Board Games

Chess Club

Choir

Cookery Club

Crochet

Current Affairs

Dance

Debating

DT Masterclass

Eco Committee

Film Club

First Aid Training

Fishing

Football Coaching

Wild Cooking

Gardening Club

Graffiti Club

Gymnastics

Hammer Bead Club

History Podcast

Hockey Coaching

Indoor Hockey

Cricket Masterclass

Karate

Lego Club

Linger in the Library

Lifeguard Swim Training

Mandarin

Mixed Ball Sports

Model and Warhammer Club

Nature Artists

Netball Coaching

Newspaper Club

Orchestra

Play Rehearsals

Puzzle and Word Games

Read and Relax

Rugby Coaching

Scrapbook and Journal Club

Spanish

Sports Masterclass

STEM Club

Subbuteo

Swim Coaching

Table Tennis

Tennis Coaching

Think Tank Club

Touch Typing

Ultimate Frisbee

VEX Robotics

Vintage Crafts

Willow Weaving

Boarding and Bus Routes

Boarding is a much-loved part of Ashfold life, with many of our children in Forms 5 to 8 choosing to board regularly. Whether just for one night or every week, boarding builds confidence, independence and lasting friendships.

ccasionalBoardi

Occasional boarders choose different nights each week, depending on their family schedule.

3 Boarding options to suit every family

Flexi-boarders commit to regular nights each week, often boarding with friends.

Getting to Ashfold is Easy

Weekly boarding gives children the very best of both worlds – the fun of boarding with friends all week and home for treasured family time every weekend.

Our weekly boarding option runs from Monday morning to Friday evening (or Saturday morning, if preferred).

The all-inclusive termly fee of £10,355 covers both tuition and boarding – the same price as a typical day school in London or Oxford!

We’ve made weekly boarding simple and accessible with dedicated transport routes designed for busy families:

• Weekly return service from West London (Hammersmith)

• Daily return routes via the M40 corridor: Oxford, Bicester, Aylesbury, Winslow and Thame

Carefully timed and thoughtfully planned, these routes ensure a smooth start and end to the school week — with children home in time to enjoy their weekends with you.

Ashfold and The Stowe Group

Ashfold is part of The Stowe Group - a dynamic and forward-thinking family of four schools united by a shared vision of educational excellence, character development, and opportunity. This partnership brings tangible benefits to every Ashfold pupil, enriching their school experience and opening doors to a seamless and inspiring education.

Belonging to Something Bigger

Being part of The Stowe Group allows Ashfold pupils and staff to benefit from the collective strength, resources, and shared expertise of a wider educational community. From collaborative events and initiatives to professional development opportunities for teachers, the Group fosters a culture of innovation and excellence across all its schools.

A Natural Step to Stowe

For families who choose to continue their child’s education at Stowe, the transition is fully supported. A shared philosophy, aligned values and close working relationships ensure pupils move forward with confidence, already familiar with the ethos that underpins both schools.

Ashfold leavers joining Stowe benefit from a 5% discount on the Day Fee or a 10% discount on the Boarding Fee for the duration of their time at Stowe.

Shaping Futures Together

At the heart of The Stowe Group is a bold vision: to shape young people who are not only academically successful but confident, compassionate and ready to lead change. Ashfold pupils benefit from this forward-thinking approach every day – and those who move on to Stowe continue that journey, equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Fees and Policies

Day Fees per Term

Forms 5 - 8

Forms 3 - 4

Pre-Prep 2

Reception - Pre-Prep 1

Nursery

• every day

• one full day per week

• one session per week

Boarding Fees

Pre-booked Weekly Boarding

Casual Boarding

Stowe School Trust Limited: A company limited by guarantee.

Registered in England and Wales No. 187251

Registered Office: Stowe School, Stowe, MK18 5EH.

Registered Charity No. 310639

£9,072

£8,284

£6,072

£5,412

£4,575

£915

£685

£1,283 per term

£150 per week

£55.00 for 1 night (Mon-Thurs 6.00pm-8.00am) & 2nd night free Friday Boarding (6.00pm-10.00am)

£60.00 per night

Optional Extras

Individual Learning Support

Included in Fees

Most School Trips Included in Fees

Curriculum Workshops Included in Fees

Breakfast Club (7.30-8.15am)

After-School Club

• Nursery - PP2 (3.25-4.25pm)

• Nursery - PP2 (4.25-5.15pm)

• Pre-Prep 1 & 2 (5.15-6.00pm)

• Forms 3 & 4 (5.20-6.00pm)

Individual Music Tuition

Individual LAMDA Tuition

£8.50 per session

£10.00 per session

£12.00 per session

£26 per lesson

We accept childcare vouchers from most companies.

All our policies are available to view on our website: www.ashfoldschool.co.uk/1362/policies

AfterAshfold

CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOLS

• Berkhamsted School

• Bloxham School

• Blundell’s School

• Bradfield College

• Cheltenham College

• Cokethorpe School

• D’Overbroecks

• Haileybury

• Kingham Hill School

• Lord Williams’s School

• Marlborough College

• Millfield School

• Monkton Combe

• Oundle School

• Princes Risborough School

• Rugby School

• Shiplake College

• St Edward’s, Oxford

• Stowe School

• The Oratory School

• Uppingham School

• Waddesdon C of E School

BOYS’ SCHOOLS

• Abingdon School

• Bedford School

• Eton

• Harrow School

• Magdalen College School

• Radley College

• Warwick GIRLS’ SCHOOLS

• Headington Rye School

• Oxford High School

• Queen Anne’s School

• Queenswood

• St Helen and St Katharine

• Thornton School

• Tudor Hall School

• Wychwood School

• Wycombe Abbey School

At age 13, our leavers head to a diverse range of senior day and boarding schools, many with scholarships: 2025

• Wellington College

• Wycliffe School

If you are looking for a school that develops well rounded, confident, kind and bright children, this is your school.

Francesca - current parent

100% Success rate for senior school entrance

45% Awarded Scholarships

2 x Academic

2 x Art

1 x Design & Technology

1 x Drama

1 x Sport

Word on the Ground

We are quietly proud of our school and hope you will love it too. But don’t just take our word for it. Read our ISI inspection report and the independent reviews of our school on www.ashfoldschool.co.uk/AboutUs.

We are honoured to have been awarded the Best of the Best Prep School in the UK by The Week Independent Schools Guide, winning in the categories of Great for Co-curricular in 2024 and Great for All-rounders in 2023. We are very grateful for both of these acknowledgements.

“ “

Ashfold has an impressive academic record, but entrance is non-selective and the school is absolutely not a hothouse...the emphasis is on fun as well as hard work. Individual strengths are nurtured and pupils are encouraged to try new challenges.

The Week Independent Schools Guide

Not a place for the sharp-elbowed.

Outdoorsy, relaxed children, passionate about everything from tree-planting to Taylor Swift, run free in 30 glorious acres. ‘It’s just incredibly nurturing and kind,’ as one mum told us: a country prep doing what country preps do best.

Good Schools Guide

Excellent ISI inspection report

We are thrilled that Ashfold has been awarded “EXCELLENT” in all areas following our latest school inspection.

A double “excellent” is the highest possible outcome for a school and the inspectors stated that Ashfold was: excellent, both for the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements excellent, for the quality of pupils’ personal development

ASHFOLD PARENTS’ COMMITTEE

Ashfold is a friendly, family-orientated school. Parents are involved in many different aspects of school life - from cheering on the touchline to attending concerts. Our Parents’ Committee run regular social events throughout the year, such as our fabulous May Ball.

A Strong Community

This bucolic co-ed prep school is family-oriented with a deserved reputation for its all-rounder offering. Ashfold mums will talk your ear off about how nurturing the school is. They love it.

Muddy Stilettos | The Urban Guide to the Countryside

CHARITY AND OUTREACH

Each year we encourage our children to support a charity and think about the world around them. These fundraising events provide fun opportunities for our whole school community to come together to support other communities, both at home and abroad.

OLD ASHFOLDIANS

Our Old Ashfoldians tell us that they regard their time at Ashfold as simply the best years of their lives. We take great pride in hearing their news and keeping up with their achievements. We are always happy to welcome ‘our children’ back for visits.

What next?

We warmly invite you to come and meet our pupils and staff to experience Ashfold’s tremendous spirit for yourself.