Ashford School review by University of Oxford student.
The great emphasis of Ashford school's academic programme is choice, with the timetable tailored around student's choices, rather than the other way around. This means that every student can study the unique combination of subjects that they are suited to. Class sizes at A level and GCSE are extremely small, with no class containing more than ten students, no matter what the subject, and this means greater interaction between students and teacher as well as promoting debate and discussion. Form tutors undertake constant monitoring and individual discussion of academic progress with students, meaning that parents/guardians are kept fully informed of their child's progress or problems at all times. The workload obviously varies from subject to subject and year to year, but I never experienced more that 3 hours a week per subject, and the great thing about staff at the school was that if anything was ever too much, a quiet chat could resolve the problem - there was no need for conflict. The school gains good results across the board, but particularly in maths and sciences. However, the emphasis is on learning and understanding, rather than just passing the exams.
The school employs a member of staff whose sole responsibility is to advise students on.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Ashford School as experienced by former pupil and University of Oxford student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
The school encourages applications from all ability levels, but well-rounded students have the best chance.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Ashford School by former pupil and University of Oxford student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
Facilities at the school are excellent, and due to massive investment, constantly being upgraded and improved. All boarders have their own ensuite bathrooms, and the school cafeteria food is wholesome and tasty. The local area is relatively crime-free, and older students are allowed permission to walk into town at lunchtime without any harm ever befalling them. Notable social events include joint rock gigs with neighbouring schools, Sixth Form balls and camping trips. The majority of pupils at the school are English, white and middle class, but there is an increasing number of pupils from abroad, with Chinese, Nigerians, Americans joining.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Ashford School as experienced by former pupil and University of Oxford student — Login or Sign Up to access full review