Ashville To Celebrate 30 Years Of Co-Education

One of North Yorkshire’s best known independent schools is next month (November) holding a special celebration to mark 30 years of co-education.

In September 1982, 105 years of tradition ended when Ashville College – a boys only day and boarding school in Harrogate – opened its doors to girls for the first time.

The 30^th anniversary is being celebrated with a reception and lunch in the school’s Memorial Hall, which is being attended by former pupils and staff, governors and current teachers, on Saturday, November 17.

Initially, there were just 34 girls out of a total number of 412 pupils. However, in a short period of time, the gap narrowed and now stands at 42 per cent of all students being girls.

For the first four years, girls were only admitted as day pupils. In 1986 that too changed with the opening of a girl’s boarding house, Norfolk House, named after David Norfolk, the Headmaster who introduced co-education.

Helen Prince, (then Helen Grayson), one of the first cohort of girls at Ashville – and the first female president of the old pupils association – said: “My brother went to Ashville but I never thought I’d be able to go too, and I was delighted when they decided to admit girls.

“It was a bit of a voyage of adventure at first, with staff and prefects wondering how to relate to the alien presence of girls. We had mixed facilities too – there were so few of us that we had our own common room, a luxury preserved formerly for sixth form boys.

“On the flip side, the girls’ changing room was a portable building near the sports centre, and I remember having to run through the snow dressed in swimming costume, shoes and a towel.

“By the time I left, Ashville was fully co-ed and it felt like it had always been that way. I loved my time there and am so glad they made the decision in time for me to be an Ashvillian.”

Carol Tinker, who was appointed to Ashville in Sept ember 1982 as Head of Economics and Business Studies with responsibility for girls games at Ashville, at the age of 22.

She said: “It was a very exciting time and we were made to feel special. However, I was petrified that first morning being fresh out of University and in what had been a very traditionally male environment.

“Whilst there was some antipathy from older pupils and staff to start with but this didn’t last long. I loved every minute of my time at Ashville and was sorry to leave.”

Ashville College’s Head of Biology, Peter Forster, said: “Having been an all boys, primarily boarding school, for over one hundred years, the introduction of girls into the college in 1982 came, not surprisingly, as a shock to the system for both students and staff.

“The transition to coeducation, however, went surprisingly smoothly. There is no doubt the girls have made a valuable contribution over the years in creating a less masculine, and a more calm and healthier environment in which to teach and learn.”

Ashville College Headmaster Mark Lauder said: “Becoming co-educational was probably the most important – and if not the bravest – decision ever taken by the school.

“It was watched closely by a host of single-sex schools throughout the region, and many subsequently followed suit.

“For more than a century Ashville had a very proud tradition of being a boys’ boarding and day school. When school plays required cast members of the opposite sex, these invariably came from Harrogate Ladies College or Queen Ethelburga’s.”

Mr Lauder added: “From 1982 everything changed, and I’m delighted to say they changed for the better. Girls have made a massive contribution to the school.

“What was regarded by some as a controversial decision at the time has helped shape Ashville into the successful fully co-educational school it is today.”

Further details about the lunch are available from the Ashvillian Society website at www.ashvillian-society.org

 Founded in 1877, Ashville College is a leading independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 4-18 years. It is located in the North Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate, and consists of three schools, Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior.  Ashville College is a member of HMC, IAPS and part of the Methodist Independent Schools Group. 

Picture caption: Three Decades of Co-Educational Success! Ashville College Headmaster Mark Lauder and former teacher Carol Tinker (second right) with (from left) first Ashville girl pupils Kate Considine, Sherry Wright and Helen Prince. 

Death of Former Chemistry Teacher Les Smith

We are saddened to report the sudden death of Les Smith, Examination Officer and Chemistry teacher at Ashville from 1975 to 2011. He was also an Elmfield House master. Les was amongst the scores of former pupils and staff to attend the OA Christmas gathering on December 19, and spent the evening catching up with former colleagues and students.

Further details regarding a memorial service will be posted on this site as they become available. If you would like to pass on condolences to his family, please send any correspondence to the school and they will be forward accordingly.

Downton Abbey Star Helps Old School’s Fund-Raising Efforts

Downton Abbey star Jim Carter has stepped in to help his former Harrogate school’s fundraising efforts by donating a prize for a forthcoming dinner dance.

The actor, who plays Carson the Butler in the hit ITV 1 costume drama and is a former Ashville College head boy, has donated a poster signed by all the cast – including Dame Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville – which will be auctioned off at the school’s Mistletoe Ball on Saturday, November 26.

The event, organised by the Friends of Ashville (the parent/teacher association) is being held at the Crown Hotel to raise money for the school and two local good causes – Chrissy’s Quest and Being Bel.

Friends of Ashville fundraising committee member Sara Buchan said: “Apart from having a really good night out, the aim of the ball is to raise money for the school and the two charities.

“In order to do this, we rely on the generosity of parents and local businesses to donate prizes for the auction. We are very grateful to Jim for sending us the Downton Abbey poster.

“Because the show has a huge following I’m sure this prize will be keenly fought over.”

Friends of Ashville committee member Alison Hartwell said: “In addition to raising money for Ashville we are also supporting two charities that are helping two local children, one with cerebral palsy and another who suffered from a serious spinal injury, and now has breathing and mobility problems.

“The money we raise will go to helping the pair of them lead as normal a life as possible.”

Photo Caption: Ashville College’s Downton Abbey Auction Prize. Friends of Ashville committee members Alison Hartwell (left) and Sara Buchan with the poster sent by actor Jim Carter OA.