A strong academic curriculum also includes A level Business Studies, History of Art, Theatre Studies and Technology, GCSE Art, Music and Drama. Physical Education Activities include swimming in the indoor heated pool, trampolining, badminton and the major girls' sports. The National Curriculum is followed in broad outline, though more freedom of choice is allowed at the GCSE stage, and Classics, more modern languages and single sciences are still taught. Current strengths are a high success rate at GCSE (95% pass rate), A levels (97% pass rate) and university entrance levels; a good careers structure; a strong music tradition; science; a large and varied number of extra curricular and weekend activities. Many inter-house competitions. Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Boarding at Ashford provides a caring atmosphere in which girls are encouraged to develop their own interests in extra-curricular activities that range from pets to photography and from drama to trampolining. Each of the three Houses has a resident Tutor, Matron and Assistant Matron and there is a medical centre manned by a trained nurse. Adjacent to the School swimming pool is the Sixth Form House, where spacious accommodation is provided in single or double study bedrooms. An excellent working environment has been created with ready access to computers, music rooms, art studios and libraries. Boarding is entirely flexible. Short-stay and weekly boarding are popular, and for those in school at weekends, outings and clubs are available. Ashford's position at the centre of a European-wide rail network makes it the ideal choice.
Girls are met and delivered to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. Escorted travel is arranged to and from London, and Dover and Folkestone for the Continent.
The school is situated in 23 acres of grounds bordering the River Stour in Ashford, close to the International Station. By train, just over an hour from London, 20 minutes from Canterbury, 2 hours from Paris.
The Junior Department and Nursery occupy separate, attractive buildings on the same site with their own play area and generous staffing. National Curriculum principles are followed where relevant. Transfer to the Senior School is usual although not automatic.
