The Ashcombe School
Ashcombe Road, Dorking, RH4 1LYOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Ashcombe School is a secondary school in Dorking for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 512 schools in Surrey. It ranks 1st of 2 secondary schools in Dorking. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2015.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 28 January 2015, report published 26 February 2015
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 22 May 2024
This is a school where pupils are supported to achieve both academically and personally. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn an ambitious curriculum and achieve well. Pupils and staff value how leaders have created a caring school community. Relationships are positive and strong. Pupils are respectful of each other and their teachers. They are proud of their school and feel safe and happy. Sixth-form students are excellent role models for younger pupils, often acting as mentors and coaches. Many pupils develop their leadership and teamwork skills through participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. The school's '6 habits of learning' underpin the sensible behaviour of pupils during lessons and at breaktimes. Pupils' conduct helps to make the school a calm and orderly environment. If bullying happens, which is unusual, pupils have confidence to report it and know that staff will deal with it quickly. Pupils benefit from an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities. There are numerous clubs covering sports and the arts. Pupils are excited to demonstrate their many talents, such as performing in their forthcoming show 'The Addams Family'. The annual activities and charity weeks are popular. Pupils enjoy trips to several destinations in Europe and North America.
What the school should improve
- Some teachers do not always check pupils' understanding well enough. This means that gaps in learning and misconceptions are not always addressed. As a result, some pupils do not embed their learning as well as they could. The school should ensure that all teachers systematically check pupils' understanding so that the learning can be adapted to ensure that pupils secure the knowledge they need.
- Some pupils, especially disadvantaged pupils, do not attend school regularly enough. This holds back their progress and achievement. The school should continue its work with families to secure more regular attendance so that pupils' learning is more secure.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
236 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
139 students
Average A level grade C+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,533 pupils on roll, with places for 1,476
Schools near The Ashcombe School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Priory Church of England School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 40.1 |
| RGS Surrey Hills | 2 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 14.4 |
| St Teresa's School | 3 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 50.4 |
| Howard of Effingham School | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 57.1 |
| St John's School | 4 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 17.6 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- SOUTH EAST SURREY SCHOOLS EDUCATION TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Chris Panting
- Phone
- 01306886312
- Address
- Ashcombe Road, Dorking, RH4 1LY
- Local authority
- Surrey
- URN
- 143901
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.