A Harrogate school is succeeding with a subject being neglected in places across the UK.

While some schools have chosen to withdraw the option of Law completely from their curriculum, Ashville College has instead enjoyed success from its AQA A Level, with pupils progressing to study Law at leading UK universities.

Despite its national decline, the independent Harrogate school, named this month as one of the leading independent schools in the North of England, has been offering its specialist Law course since 2023.

Four of its initial cohort have gone on to study the subject at university, with two at Newcastle, one at Keele, and one at Northumbria.

Harrogate’s Ben Ewing believes his A Level Law grounding was not only crucial in securing his degree place but has already proven invaluable during his first term of university studies. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Harrogate’s Ben Ewing believes his A Level Law grounding was not only crucial in securing his degree place but has already proven invaluable during his first term of university studies. (Picture contributed)

Amongst the current crop of Upper Sixth (Year 13), there are also eight pupils who have taken up work experience placements with leading law firms such as Addleshaw Goddard, Ison Harrison, and Gordons LLP.

Harrogate’s Ben Ewing, one of the former Ashville pupils now studying law at Newcastle University, believes his A Level Law grounding was not only crucial in securing his degree place but has already proven invaluable during his first term of studies.

“Law is an amazing gateway and a great degree for many career options,” said Ben, who was chosen as one of 12 students for the prestigious Sequentus programme, a pro bono experience helping students get unparalleled access to criminal defence work by assisting clients with wrongful conviction applications.

“It has also made the transition to being an undergraduate much easier.

"Law is attached to every aspect of life.”

One of the many Sixth Form options now available as part of the school’s new Six@Ashville educational pathway, the A Level course is run by Graeme Stonehouse, a former senior lawyer who specialised in civil litigation before becoming Yorkshire Water’s Senior Litigation Lawyer.

Based in Ashville’s new Six@Ashville, the concept offers a fresh look at the way further education courses are managed with a dynamic curriculum, flexibility, individual support, greater opportunities and more balance, a place where pupils are treated like young adults.

The Six @ Ashville Taster Day will take place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Information: https://www.ashville.co.uk/sixth-form-taster-day-13-january-2026/