Founded in 1802 by Benedictine monks, Ampleforth has grown exponentially both in terms of student numbers and the buildings that they occupy. Ampleforth is a catholic school but take pride in the varied intake over recent years. Few schools can compete with Ampleforth in terms of having such beautiful grounds. The school buildings are arranged around the abbey and surrounding this are 3000 acres of magnificent rolling countryside. Broad range of outdoor activities matches the setting, with rugby particular strong at the school.
Ampleforth isn’t a straight a school though their mission statement is admirable: we ask much of the gifted and encourage the weak. ‘they never discard,’ says a parent. ‘the pupils gain self-respect, the staff have an ability to unlock potential.’
Although on the surface Ampleforth seems quite remote, it is only 1 hour 45 minutes from kings cross to York on the fast train and a couple of hours to the nearest major airport in Manchester.
