Ashton (VA) Middle School

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Ashton (VA) Middle School
Established	1887
Religious affiliation	Church of England
Headteacher	Mr Nick Sharpe
Founder	Francis Ashton
Location	Dunstable Bedfordshire England
LEA	Bedfordshire
Gender	Coeducational
Ages	9 to 13
Houses	Ely, York, Lincoln & Wells
School colours	Navy blue and white
Website	http://www.ashtonmiddle.ik.org

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.

1 History
2 Facilities
3 School houses
4 External links

[edit] History

Ashton Middle School

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.

[edit] 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 full shower 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.