Moving to Ashford

[Platti]

I am moving to Ashford and would be interested in info on secondary schools in the area. We are coming from Brussels and I don't know Kent at all! I have two boys aged 10 and 12. Thanks

Try Ashford School if you are considering an independent school.

If not looking for Independent bear in mind that Kent has the 11+ and the Grammar/ High school system. The grammar has no catchment area as such, and will take your DS if he passes the 11+. Grammars are single sex. If not there are 3 High schools (mixed). I haven't had to send a child to secondary for many years so don't know what the situation is like wrt applying for one or other of the high schools.

There is a comprehensive quite a way out of town but traditionally they refused to take anyone who'd entered for the 11+. May have changed now.

Hi there Platti
Canterbury has a better choice of schools, 3 grammars, 2 single sex and 1 mixed, 2 faith comprehensives, 1 Catholic and 1 Anglican, and 2 high schools. The 2 faith comprehensives are attended by children from Ashford, the bus is free if you are of the faith of the school, as it is your nearest "appropriate school". Plenty of children take the 11+ and pass and still choose the comprehensives.

The grammars take the top 25% in the county. If arriving after the 11+ and you want to apply for a place, then you take a modified exam.

My colleague goes back to Ashford at weekends and she used to be a school secretary in Ashford, I'll ask her what the general consensus on the Ashford High schools are.

Just remembered, one of the High schools is an Anglican one, now known as John Wallis academy, its intake has traditionally included the poorest area of Ashford.

I think from memory that The North school is seen as the best of the 3 high schools, it's the nearest to the centre. I know someone whose daughter goes there, the other daughter is at Highworth, the girls' grammar. Norton Knatchbull is the boys' grammar.