Ashton (VA) Middle School

Infobox UK school
name = Ashton (VA) Middle School


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established = 1973 (1887)
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religion = Church of England
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head_label = Headteacher
head = Mr Nick Sharpe
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founder = Francis Ashton
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city = Dunstable
county = Bedfordshire
country = England
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LEA = Bedfordshire
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gender = Coeducational
lower_age = 9
upper_age = 13
houses = Ely, York, Lincoln & Wells
colours = Navy blue and white color box|navy color box|white
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website = http://www.ashtonmiddle.ik.org
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Ashton (Church of England) Middle School is a 9-13yrs Middle school in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Under the LEA control of Bedfordshire.

Intake come from a variety of lower schools in the town and surrounding villages. The majority of graduates move up to one of the upper schools in the town - Queensbury School, Manshead or Northfields.the school is very much friendly to the public as on certain weekends they have fetes and such.

History

Ashton’s famous main building and grounds began as Dunstable Grammar School, founded by Frances Ashton in 1728 and built in 1887. It officially took on its middle school name and status in 1973.

Bedfordshire changed from a two-tier school system to a three-tier system (lower, middle and upper) in 1972 – the concept of middle school originally being mooted in the 1967 Plowden Report. It is now one of fewer than 400 middle schools in England.

Recently, much loved Headteacher Christopher Locke retired from the school, and is replaced by Mr. Sharpe.

Facilities

It has five buildings, the "A" block being the largest and oldest, situated parallel to Watling Street, it is mainly used for Maths and French lessons and secretary duties. It also houses one of two modern IT suites, a matrons office, a library, the main hall and school chapel. The "B" block is primarily for the new intake form classes. The "C" block is multipurpose but includes Science labs and design-technology rooms. The "D" block is used for history and music teaching; and the "E" block contains lockers and storage. Other facilities include, an Astroturf pitch, the towns largest outdoor heated swimming pool with a single heated shower situated on the outside facing towards the swimming pool and changing amenities. There is a PE block with an indoor gym. They have a ball court for the children at break and lunch, also for before school.

School houses

The school has a house system named after four famous English Cathedrals.

Contionous competition exist between the houses including a sports day, swimming gala and merit marks. also including footbal hockey, cricket, rugby, tag rugby, athletics(long jump, high jump, javeline, shot put, and a variety of others), track events.

External links

* [http://www.ashtonmiddle.ik.org Ashton Middle School website]