Ash Hill Academy is a vibrant, ambitious, and inclusive community where every student is supported to thrive. We are proud to offer the benefits of a private school education without the fees. From modern facilities and a carefully designed curriculum to high-quality teaching and exceptional care, our students enjoy the best possible start to their secondary journey.

Families often describe our academy as calm, purposeful, and welcoming. Students are proud to belong here and our culture of high expectations ensures they feel motivated to succeed. Choosing a secondary school is an important decision, and we are committed to giving every child an outstanding experience that opens doors and shapes bright futures.

We believe every student has the right to an excellent education. Our broad and balanced curriculum is carefully sequenced to inspire curiosity, build resilience, and prepare students for life beyond school. Teachers bring learning to life, know their students well, and consistently challenge them to achieve their best.

Our outcomes are consistently strong. In 2025, 68% of students achieved a pass in both English and Maths, with half of all students gaining higher grades. These results place us well above local and national averages and reflect our commitment to raising aspirations every day.

At Ash Hill Academy, learning extends far beyond the classroom. We provide enrichment opportunities that rival those of the best independent schools. Every student has the chance to take part in fully funded residentials at our Trust’s Outdoor Education Centres in North Yorkshire and the Lake District. These experiences build teamwork, independence, and a love for the outdoors.

Students also benefit from theatre trips, STEM competitions, sports tournaments, cultural visits, and Trust-wide events. Whether performing on stage, competing in national challenges, or exploring new environments, these opportunities broaden horizons and create memories that last a lifetime.

We are committed to removing barriers to learning. That’s why every Year 7 student receives a complete school uniform and PE kit free of charge, including a blazer, tie, shirts, trousers or skirt, and sportswear. This ensures every child starts the term feeling confident and part of our community.

Alongside uniform, students are also provided with planners, knowledge organisers, and access to high-quality online learning resources such as Sparx Maths and Languagenut. Families can feel reassured that their child has the tools they need to succeed from day one.

Well-being sits at the heart of everything we do. We know that when students feel safe, supported, and valued, they achieve more. Our pastoral system, praised in our 2025 Ofsted inspection, ensures that every student is known as an individual and receives the right support at the right time.

Each child has daily contact with their tutor and access to a dedicated Learning Manager within their year group. Our leadership team is highly visible across the academy, reinforcing a calm, respectful environment. We also offer specialist spaces such as The Bridge and our Personalised Learning Centre (PLC), where students can access short-term or longer-term support to re-engage with learning and manage social or emotional challenges.

We are ambitious for every learner, regardless of starting point or additional need. Our inclusive culture means that students with SEND are fully supported to thrive. Each student has access to a personalised Learning Passport, created in partnership with families, which outlines strategies to help them succeed in the classroom.

Our experienced SEND team, led by our dedicated SENDCO, works closely with teachers, parents, and external agencies to provide tailored interventions and high-quality classroom support. From transition into Year 7 to GCSE success, every child receives the guidance they need to flourish.

We believe education is about more than qualifications; it is about character, confidence, and resilience. Students can take part in a huge variety of enrichment clubs including sport, music, drama, dance, art, and STEM. They also have opportunities to represent the academy as ambassadors, join the student leadership team, and take part in community events.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a central part of our personal development programme, helping students to build independence, teamwork, and leadership skills that are recognised by universities and employers worldwide. Events such as Mental Health Day, World Book Day, and Proud Thursday further celebrate our culture of inclusion, well-being, and ambition.

At Ash Hill Academy, careers education starts in Year 7 and grows with each student. Through structured lessons, impartial advice, and meaningful experiences, we ensure every young person leaves us ready for their next step.

Students benefit from workplace visits, employer encounters, CV workshops, mock interviews, and university trips. Our strong links with further and higher education providers, including the University of Sheffield and New College Doncaster, raise aspirations and provide valuable insight into future pathways.

We are proud to hold the Quality in Careers Standard, recognising the excellence of our programme. Ofsted praised our provision in 2025, noting that “careers education, advice and guidance at the school is very effective.” Whether aiming for university, an apprenticeship, or direct employment, our students leave with ambition and confidence.