At Ash Hill Academy, our ethos is built on a simple belief: every child deserves the chance to be extraordinary.
As part of Delta Academies Trust, whose mission is Changing Lives, we live out this vision every day through three core values:
- Ambition – setting the highest expectations for every student, whatever their starting point.
- Respect – creating a calm, safe and inclusive environment where relationships are positive and learning can flourish.
- Opportunity – ensuring all students benefit from enrichment, cultural experiences, and leadership opportunities that broaden horizons and build confidence.
“Leaders have high expectations of what all pupils can achieve. This ambition is reflected in the curriculum and in pupils’ outcomes.” – Ofsted, May 2025
A Culture of Excellence
At Ash Hill, excellence is the standard, not the exception. Every lesson begins with purpose, every corridor reflects calm, and every student knows that their education matters.
- Learning comes first – every moment in school is valuable.
- Behaviour reflects values – respect is shown in how we speak, act, and treat one another.
- Hard work is celebrated – through Proud Thursday, assemblies, and regular recognition.
- Resilience is built daily – students are taught to persevere, even when learning feels difficult.
“Pupils are ambitious for their futures. They work hard in lessons and are proud of their achievements.” – Ofsted, 2025
The “Life of a Student”
Education at Ash Hill goes beyond the classroom. Through our Life of a Student programme, we offer opportunities that give children the skills, confidence, and cultural capital to thrive in the wider world:
- Clubs and enrichment – sport, drama, music, STEM, and more
- Trips and visits – from local experiences to international travel
- Leadership roles – Student Ambassadors, Duke of Edinburgh Award, school council
- Careers education – meeting all Gatsby Benchmarks, with encounters with employers, apprenticeships and universities from Year 7
- Character development – building resilience, respect, and the habits of highly effective learners
- Celebrating success – graduation events, awards, and recognition of personal growth
“Personal development at the Academy is a strength. The ‘Life of a Student’ programme is fully integrated, offering students personal growth opportunities and rich cultural capital experiences.” – SEF 2025
Behaviour and Respect
Our culture is one of calm focus and respect. Lessons begin promptly, disruption is not tolerated, and students are supported to learn in an orderly environment.
The Ash Hill Behaviour for Learning expectations are applied consistently and fairly, so every student understands what is expected of them.
We believe in celebrating success and rewarding effort. Through Proud Thursday, attendance awards, and end-of-term celebrations, students see that their hard work is recognised.
“Relationships across the school are respectful. Pupils behave exceptionally well and feel safe.” – Ofsted, 2025
Ethos in Action
Our ethos is not abstract — it is visible every day:
- In the calm start to lessons, where students are met with purpose and clarity.
- In the reading strategy, ensuring every student reaches their chronological reading age by the end of Year 9.
- In our focus on attendance, aiming for 95% across the academy.
- In high-quality teaching, guided by the Ash Hill Learning Principles and weekly CPD for staff.
“The curriculum is ambitious and well sequenced. Pupils develop knowledge and skills securely across subjects.” – Ofsted, 2025
A Community Built on Values
Ash Hill Academy is more than a school. It is a community of aspiration, where families, staff and students work together to create the conditions for success.
We are proud of our Doncaster roots and the trust that families place in us to deliver both care and excellence.
“Staff are proud to work at the academy. They feel valued, well supported, and part of a strong community.” – Ofsted, 2025
Changing Lives
Together with our families and partners, we are determined to give every young person the chance to succeed, to enjoy learning, and to build a bright future.
Ash Hill Academy is more than a school – it is a place where ambition, respect and opportunity change lives every day.