Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ampleforth exclusively for Catholics?
A substantial majority of the boys and girls who come to Ampleforth are baptised Catholics, but for some years we have accepted into the school a number of students from other Churches and traditions. Most of these - but not all - are Anglican. Their parents have had particular reason to seek education for their children here, and we are happy to support such families. Further information regarding Ampleforth's approach is also set out in the Prospectus under the heading Faith and Virtue.
Of course, Ampleforth welcomes parents who are not themselves in full communion with the Catholic Church.
Can students stay at the school before they join?
It is possible for students to spend a night or two at the school to get some idea of what it is like.
Can we meet any parents who currently have children in the school?
Yes.
Ampleforth has a network of parents' representatives around the country They will be happy to answer any questions and to address any concerns you may have. For example, you may wish to ask about practicalities such as travel arrangements and clothing, or you may want to know more about academic or religious aspects of the School; this may be your first experience of a monastic school and you may want to get a parent's perspective. In any event please do not hesitate to contact them.
In addition we hold a number of meetings around the country for those people who have expressed an interest in Ampleforth. Current parents are always present. As and when there is a meeting due in your area we will send you an invitation. Some of these meetings are held overseas - both in Europe and in the Far East. But wherever you live it should be possible to put you in touch with someone who has a child in the school who lives in your region. Please let us know and we will do our best to make an introduction.
How often can we see our son or daughter during term time?
With the exception of one weekend in September, Ampleforth does not have exeats. There are half-terms (eleven days in October, nine days in February and eight days in May). We are a full boarding school and exeat weekends are impractical for many who live so far away from the school itself. However, parents are welcome to visit as often as they choose, and even take their child out for an overnight stay. It is quite usual, for example, for parents to come up for a weekend, take their son or daughter out after commitments on a Saturday, and return for High Mass on Sunday morning.
Requests for absence for special family occasions and other special events are always considered sympathetically.
Do we have to travel to Ampleforth at the beginning and end of each term?
Transport to and from York station to connect with trains to and from King's Cross is arranged by the school for the beginning and end of each term and half-term. Members of staff accompany these trains. Transport to and from some other destinations is also arranged.
Where do Ampleforth students come from?
Ampleforth's students can be divided roughly into four: one quarter come from London and the south-east, one quarter from overseas (about a quarter of these are the children of ex-patriates). The third quarter comes from Yorkshire and the north-east, and the remainder come from all parts of the United Kingdom.
Which feeder schools do students come from?
Between 35% and 40% of those who join Ampleforth at 13+ come from St Martin's Ampleforth. The remainder come from feeder schools from all over the country.
What provision is made for the academically able?
There is a demanding academic programme for the academically able; their academic curriculum is closely prescribed up to GCSE. Latin and Greek (if appropriate) are studied, together with two modern languages, and the three sciences are taken as separate subjects. To these are added English, Mathematics, History, Geography and Christian Theology. In addition all take the Ampleforth Certificate in English Literature, an externally moderated syllabus devised by our English Department as a more challenging alternative to GCSE Literature, involving the study of five substantial texts, including Chaucer. Able students are taken well beyond the GCSE syllabus within the subjects. This broad academic base prepares students to select from a wide range of A level subjects.
There is a Head of Academic Scholars, Dr Jane Weston who is responsible for providing a programme that challenges the more able in the first three years of the school.
How do the academically able perform at Ampleforth?
The top half of any academic year group at Ampleforth could be expected to have gained entry to any of the highly selective grammar schools. Over the last four years this cohort have achieved the equivalent of more than three A grades at A level. They have also passed an average of 3.6 A levels each. Such a performance would place this group in the top dozen schools in the country.
Each year about 10% of a year group gain Oxbridge places.
What are the academic results like?
Details of our recent examination results are also given in the Prospectus. Results are important, but it should be emphasised that Ampleforth does not select - and never has selected - students for entry to the school on purely academic grounds. Our intake has always been a broad one because we have more to offer than academic excellence. The College is concerned that students should achieve the highest standards of which they are capable, regardless of ability.
What help is given to those with learning difficulties?
The School has worked successfully with dyslexic students for years, with many going on to read for degrees at university, one at least at Oxford, another at Cambridge. Currently over forty students are receiving help. They are given specialist teaching and have dedicated facilities, including appropriate computer support. Those with difficulties are often identified before they come here through our contacts with feeder schools, but all students are tested within a short time of arrival to enable us to identify any problems not already apparent. Our aim is to give dyslexic students support within the curriculum. They may receive individual tuition in specific problem areas. Professional assessments are regularly carried out, and extra time is given for public examinations.
If you would like to see our facilities and to meet Mr Derek Lloyd, our specialist in this area, please do not hesitate to ask.
How many monks are there in the Community?
Ampleforth is the largest monastic community in the country with about one hundred members. About a fifth of these are in training, with a growing number of young novices from a variety of backgrounds.
How many monks are involved in the school?
Currently seventeen monks teach in the school full or part-time.