About Ashville College
Ashville College is a co-educational independent day school in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Ashville College is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #434 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 38%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Ashville College
Ashville College Admissions Criteria
Ashville College is a co-educational independent day school in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Ashville College to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Ashville College. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Ashville College's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at Ashville College.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Ashville College. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Ashville College Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Ashville College.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Ashville College 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Ashville College
Step 1 — Visit Ashville College at an Open Event
Visit Ashville College at an Open Event or arrange a personal tour (Harrogate, North Yorkshire)
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 5 — Your child attends a Year 7 Taster Day at Ashville
Your child attends a Year 7 Taster Day at Ashville — meeting Head of Year 7 in morning, lunch with current Year 7 students, fun activities (science experiments, cookery, language lessons, drama workshops) after the assessment
Step 6 — Sit the 11+ Entrance Assessment Day
Sit the 11+ Entrance Assessment Day — English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Ashville College
Scholarships & Bursaries at Ashville College
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic Scholarships plus MADS scholarships (Music, Art, Drama, Sport). Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced following assessment
Additional notes: Ashville College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Harrogate, North Yorkshire (founded 1877 by the United Methodist Free Church, co-educational since 1982). Open to non-Methodists. Junior school children are not automatic into senior school — must meet entrance exam requirements.
Independent Practice Papers for Ashville College
Ashville College uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Ashville College 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Ashville College (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Ashville College is one of the leading independent schools in the Harrogate area, with a Methodist ethos and high academic expectations across a broad curriculum.
- GCSE: a wide range of subjects with strong individual progress and low staff-to-pupil ratios.
- Sixth form: over 20 A-Level subjects plus BTECs, and — unusually for the UK — accreditation to award US High School Diplomas through NEASC.
- Progression: pupils progress to a range of leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Ashville College
Ashville College is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Harrogate and the wider area, with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on a campus of around 60 acres on the south side of Harrogate; having phased out boarding in 2025, it is now exclusively a day school for pupils aged 2 to 18.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1877 by the United Methodist Free Churches, Ashville College is a co-educational independent day school (ages 2–18) in Harrogate, comprising Ashville Acorns Pre-Prep, a Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form. Co-educational since 1982 and guided by its Methodist ethos and motto ‘Esse quam videri’ (to be, rather than to seem), it is known for individualised pastoral care in a close-knit community, and is a member of HMC.
Its facilities support a broad co-curricular programme — around 25 sports plus a strong tradition in music and performance, served by an indoor pool, sports halls, studios and two performance venues. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ashville College
How do I get into Ashville College?
To gain entry to Ashville College Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does Ashville College use?
Ashville College sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at Ashville College?
Ashville College uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Ashville College?
Yes. Ashville College offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Ashville College?
Most independent schools including Ashville College accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Ashville College?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Ashville College. No registration required.
When is the Ashville College 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Ashville College is See school website for Entrance Assessment Day registration. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Ashville College 11+ results announced?
At Ashville College, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.