Admissions
Our Catchment Area
Aysgarth’s Prep School catchment area is quite large. There are boys from Scotland, and boys from the London area, but most boys are from northern England. About 50% are from Yorkshire, and there are boys from Cumbria, Northumberland, Lancashire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire. About 10% are from overseas including France, Spain, the Middle East and Russia.
Our Requirements
Aysgarth is not an academically selective school. The ability range of pupils is very wide. We can stretch the most able and support those with mild learning difficulties to help every child to reach their potential.
Initial Enquiry
To make your initial enquiry, please fill out the form below.
For enquiries, Admissions and Marketing Manager, Niki Pargeter will send you a Prospectus in the first instance and then if you would like to book a visit we would be delighted to see you.
If you are a parent from overseas or an overseas agent, please check the relevant box within the form. If you are looking at applying for a bursary or a scholarship, please make a note of this within the notes section of the form.
Visit the School - Every Day is an 'Open Day'
We always like to show around prospective parents however early in the process as we feel it is important to meet with parents to learn as much as possible about your child and your hopes for them. The Prep school tour includes meeting some of the boys so you can learn more about the school and ask them as many questions as you like. Niki Pargeter books appointments for visits throughout term time. It is advisable to book as early as possible. Please note that we do not arrange visits to the school during the holidays or at the start or end of term.
Remote Aysgarth Tour
While we recognise that nothing can beat an in person visit to the School, we understand that this is not always possible. We are pleased to be able to offer prospective parents the opportunity to tour the School through our Remote Aysgarth platform and to meet the Headmaster online to find out more about what Aysgarth has to offer your child.
Booking a Place
Places are given throughout the year for the next academic year but it is always advisable to contact us as early as possible to ensure that your child starts Aysgarth at the most appropriate time and that there is a place allocated (each year group is limited in size). Once you send back your registration form, deposit and signed terms and conditions, your child’s place has been allocated.
Admissions policies
Admission is at the discretion of the Headmaster. Aysgarth is not an academically selective school and there is no entrance examination. All pupils will however, prior to their arrival, be given an assessment test to establish their current level of ability and likely potential. Aysgarth aims to identify pupils who are able to benefit from our balanced and well rounded education and to make a positive contribution towards the life of the school. The usual point of entry into the Prep school is at 8 years old (Year 4). We admit pupils into other year groups when there are places but the school reserves the right to use its discretion when applications exceed the number of available places within a year group.
Aysgarth does not discriminate in any way regarding entry. The school welcomes pupils with special educational needs providing that our learning support department can offer them the support that they require and they can cope with our curriculum. We welcome pupils with disabilities provided that our site can accommodate them. However, we strongly advise parents of children with special educational needs or physical or mental disabilities to discuss their child’s requirements with the school before visiting or attending the assessment so that we can make adequate provision for them. Parents should provide a copy of an educational psychologist’s report or a medical report if they have one. The school will discuss thoroughly with parents and their medical advisers the adjustments that can reasonably be made for the child if he/she becomes a pupil at the school.
Full details of our admissions policy can be found here.
Registration
We recommend that children are registered for the School as soon as possible. The cost is £40 and it ensures that your child will be given priority (subject to assessment and payment of the Entry Deposit when entering the Prep School) and that you are kept in touch with developments in the School.
One year before starting
It is advisable to visit in the year prior to entry with your child, so that you and they can become more familiar with the School. At the Prep School we organise a New Boys’ Day in the Summer term, prior to starting, when all the boys definitely starting in the next term can spend a fun day at the school, and prospective boarders can stay the night. This is a good opportunity for boys to meet their peers, and for parents to meet their fellow parents.
Entry deposit and Terms and Conditions
We request payment of an entry deposit of £500 and agreement to the School's Terms and Conditions about 9 months before a pupil is due to start. This is refundable after the end of a pupil’s final term in the school, and is offset against their final extras bill.
