150 YEARS OF ASHVILLE
The pioneering and ambitious spirit, which has seen Ashville flourish for its first 150 years, inspires us to be creative and innovative for the next stage of its life. In 2027 we will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Ashville. Further information regarding how we will be celebrating this remarkable milestone will be released shortly.
The First Years
In its first years, Ashville underwent a period of expansion. An East Wing was opened in 1889 in order to house more boys. The year 1890 saw a change in headmaster for the first time, and Dr John Bowick took over from Dr Richardson. Also in 1890, the Old Boys’ Association was founded by Mr F L Armitage, OA. The first president of the association was Mr J Fawcett, OA.
By Ashville’s 25th birthday in 1902, the school had made significant developments. The site now included a cricket pavilion, tennis courts, and a gymnasium. The school’s inspection by the West Riding County Council gave Ashville an excellent report. The clock tower that is so symbolic of Ashville today was built in 1911 as a gift from the Old Boys’ Association.
Lest We Forget
In the First World War, 300 former Ashville pupils were called up and 38 died in the conflict. Eight of those men were killed in the Battle of the Somme, on the first day of action. A cenotaph was built in 1921, funded by the Old Boys’ Association. The cenotaph was unveiled by Ashville headmaster, Reverend A Soothill and General Sir Ivor Maxse. Today, pupils and teachers still gather on Remembrance Day to remember those Ashvillians that fell in battle.
Expansion
In the 1920s and 30s Ashville underwent a period of rapid expansion. The Memorial Hall, library and music rooms were all built by July 1924, thanks to the generous financial support of the Old Boys’ Association.
The most marked expansion began in 1929 when Ashville purchased New College, Harrogate for £40,000. This purchase also came with 27 acres of land. In 1932 Ashville merged with Elmfield College, York and the school reached its largest numbers, totalling 280 boys. Ashville was now the largest private school in the North of England.
In the 1930s the school’s facilities were further improved. A new open air swimming pool was built, more tennis courts were opened and a biology room was made. Workshops for woodwork and engineering also opened.
The Second World War
At the outbreak of war, Ashville's buildings were requisitioned by the RAF and the entire College had to evacuate to Windermere in the Lake District. During the war, 465 former pupils volunteered for the forces and 59 were killed. Ninety decorations were awarded to Old Ashvillians. The College did not return to Harrogate until 1946.
Here Come the Girls
Following a few decades of further expansion to the campus, one of the most significant changes to the College came in 1982, when girls were admitted for the first time. The decision to become co-educational marked a total commitment to adapting and evolving to meet the needs of the changing environment.
Initially, girls were only admitted as day pupils, although a three-phase project over the next few years gradually introduced female boarders to the College.
1990 to present day
The 1990s marked the beginning of significant investment in the creative and performing arts facilities, with a new Music and Drama centre opening in 1990 and a Craft and Design technology centre in 1993.
The College started its fundraising initiative for medical and educational supplies in Malawi, which subsequently developed into a strong link with the ‘Open Arms’ Charity that pupils and teachers still visit today.
Between 1995 to 1997 further renovations took place including a new Science laboratory, new library and IT suite and the first Pre-Prep pupils arrived in the Junior School. Further refurbishments followed to facilities across the College and in 2000 the new dedicated Pre-Prep School was opened.
In 2002, the College celebrated its 125th anniversary year with a service at York Minster and an Old Boys' Association Centenary Dinner at the House of Commons.
In more recent years the College has continued to grow, both in number of pupils and in the size and quality of its facilities.
2014 saw the refurbishment of the Soothill Hall, which transformed into a 600 seater auditorium equipped to hold full College celebration assemblies and Music and Drama performances. In 2016, the Acorns Pre-Prep facility was established and children began their Ashville journey from the age of three.
In 2017, the new multi-million pound Sports Centre was opened and was soon followed by the installation of new outdoor all weather pitches and astroturf pitches.
The new Sixth Form Centre was opened in 2018 and renovated in 2025, providing pupils dedicated study and recreational space for their final years at the College.
Investment through the Campus Masterplan continues and Ashville will celebrate 150 years in 2026/2027.
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