A Note from our Head – The Strength of Independent Education

Published by Ashville Harrogate on Monday 3rd of March 2025

Ashville’s Head, Rhiannon Wilkinson, reflects on the strengths of an independent education:

“Throughout its history, the independent sector has faced challenges and the sector has come out stronger. There will be change in the next few years, but to me this is an opportunity to state clearly what independent education stands for and to shout about – with conviction – its many strengths and benefits.

Independent education affords choice and that is very important in the world we live in. State-directed provision tends to be large-scale provision.  Education should be about inspiration, about learning through personal contact and nurturing relationships, about being part of a supportive community.  Teachers teach best those they know.  Even more importantly, pupils learn best from those who know them.

Independent education rests upon the foundation of a commitment to holistic education. I am at the front of those who believe in the importance of academic education, but, equally readily, I am passionate about the importance of a broader education which not only acknowledges the importance of co-curricular activities, but which also does its best to ensure that pupils participate in a whole range of activities outside the classroom.  So many vital life skills. Interaction across the age groups is so important for personal growth and development.

Ashville is the right size, being large enough to provide a whole host of opportunities whilst being a small enough community to offer more personal interaction.  At a time when, unfortunately, it is clear that young people face great challenges to their mental health, smaller, holistically-based schools – found mainly in the independent sector – offer a greater chance of a healthier, greener, spacious environment in which young people can grow and develop their individual personalities and personal qualities.

All this will help to prepare young people for the undoubted issues they will face in their lives in the increasingly challenging twenty-first century.  It might be argued that it is unfair that not all children can have access to these benefits.  It is unfair, and, in an ideal world every child would have those opportunities.  However, it would seem perverse to destroy beacons of excellence which can and should provide a model of excellence for the educational system as a whole.

And that points to what I would consider to be the great responsibility of those who are fortunate enough to enjoy the benefits of independent education.  They need to be conscious of their good fortune and use the advantages they undoubtedly gain for the good of all.  That is something we try hard to inculcate, through our opportunities for service and ‘give-back’ in our pupils here at Ashville.

At Ashville we subscribe to the view that everyone has the capacity to flourish – if given the opportunity.  This belief lies at the heart of all independent schools which have their origins as charitable foundations.  Independent schools exist to make the world a better place for everyone.”