Ashford School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent co-educational day and boarding school
• Age Range: 3 months to 18 years
• Location: East Hill, Ashford, Kent
• Current Enrollment: Approximately 1,055 students
• Headmaster: Michael Hall (since 2018)
• Trust: United Church Schools Trust
• Notable Features: All-Steinway music school, extensive sports facilities

About Ashford School

Nestled in the heart of Kent, Ashford School represents a distinguished educational establishment with over 130 years of heritage. This co-educational institution serves families seeking academic excellence combined with comprehensive personal development for their children. The school's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals is evident in its impressive facilities, including specialised science laboratories, multiple sports centres with swimming pools, and the prestigious all-Steinway music school designation.

As part of the United Church Schools Trust, Ashford School maintains strong Christian values whilst welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. The school's ethos centres on developing confident, compassionate, and capable young people who are prepared for the challenges of modern life. With approximately 1,055 students across its preparatory and senior divisions, the school maintains an intimate community feel whilst offering the resources and opportunities typically associated with larger institutions.

The school's location in Ashford provides excellent transport links, making it accessible to families across Kent and the surrounding areas. This strategic position allows students to benefit from both the tranquil learning environment and easy access to London and the continent, enriching their educational experience with cultural and academic opportunities.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Ashford School publishes day fees of £8,685 per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £15,999 per term, taken from the school's own fees page in October 2026. Registration dates for the next 11+ round are published by the school's admissions office. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Ashford School's 11+ entrance assessment is carefully designed to identify students who will thrive in the school's academically rigorous yet supportive environment. The assessment process evaluates candidates across multiple disciplines to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each student's potential and suitability for the school's educational programme.

Assessment Components

The entrance examination comprises four key areas:

• English: Candidates demonstrate reading comprehension skills through analysis of both fiction and non-fiction texts, alongside creative and analytical writing tasks that assess grammatical accuracy, vocabulary range, and written expression
• Mathematics: The assessment covers numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level, including arithmetic, geometry, and data handling
• Science: Students are tested on fundamental scientific principles across biology, chemistry, and physics, with emphasis on scientific reasoning and practical application of knowledge
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: This component evaluates logical thinking abilities through pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and abstract reasoning tasks

Assessment Preparation

Successful candidates typically demonstrate strong foundational knowledge across all subjects, coupled with the ability to think critically and express ideas clearly. The school values intellectual curiosity and resilience alongside academic achievement, seeking students who will contribute positively to the school community.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry at Ashford School is straightforward yet thorough, designed to ensure the best possible match between student and school:

Application Timeline and Steps

1. Initial Enquiry and School Visit: Families are encouraged to attend one of the regular Open Days or arrange a personalised tour to experience the school's atmosphere and facilities firsthand
2. Application Submission: Complete the comprehensive application form available through the school's admissions portal, including all required supporting documentation
3. Current School Report: Provide the most recent school report from your child's current educational establishment, demonstrating academic progress and personal development
4. Entrance Assessments: Attend the scheduled assessment day where candidates complete the four-component entrance examination
5. Personal Interview: Selected candidates participate in an informal interview with senior staff members to discuss interests, aspirations, and suitability for the school community
6. Admission Decision: The school communicates outcomes promptly, with successful candidates receiving detailed information about the next steps

Early application is strongly recommended as places are competitive and the school maintains selective entry standards to preserve its academic excellence and community ethos.

Preparing for the Ashford School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Ashford School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.