A Harrogate school is marking the 40th anniversary of co-education with a special book featuring 40 female former pupils.
In September 1982, and after 105 years of being a traditional boys’ boarding school, Ashville College opened its classroom doors to girls for the first time.
This move, one of the most significant in Ashville’s history, was introduced by the then Headmaster, David Norfolk, who a few years later said it had “certainly enriched the education which pupils at Ashville enjoy”, and “made the school and its pupils better fitted to face an unknown tomorrow”.
As a direct result of girls being admitted, the College began to appoint full-time female teachers, and introduced “a suitable programme of games and physical education”, with girls competing at all levels, in a range of sports, including in mixed teams with boys, in the years that followed.
In addition to the book, which will feature one female former pupil from each year group, a special lunch, hosted by the Ashvillian Society, the College’s alumni organisation, will be held at Ashville in November.
Ashvillian Society President Beth Hartwell, who was elected to the post in July, said: “The introduction of girls to Ashville was undoubtedly one of the most significant and successful points in the College’s continuing timeline.
“It meant sisters could join their brothers, and gave parents another school to choose from for their daughter’s education.
“Forty years on, with pupil numbers nearing 800, the spilt between boys and girls is almost 50-50, and the College has just completed its first year under the leadership of its first female Head.
“This book, which we hope will be printed in time for the 40th anniversary lunch, is a great way to acknowledge the contribution girls and women have made to Ashville.”
Female former pupils interested in featuring in the book – or nominating one of their classmates – should contact the College’s Marketing department at marketing@ashville.co.uk for further details.
Categories: Ashville College School News
