Ashville College Archives - Page 2 of 7

Accused in Harrogate schoolboy crash didn’t check road was clear, court hears

A highly decorated colonel in the US military has gone on trial accused of causing serious injury to two Harrogate schoolboys by careless driving.

Benjamin Oakes, 46, was in a white Vauxhall Astra which pulled out of a junction at the end of a driveway next to Ashville College in Harrogate and collided with the back end of a Ford Ranger pick-up truck, York Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Louise Berry said that the Ford Ranger, driven by Sam Goodall, had swerved in an attempt to avoid the Astra.

But the Astra clipped the back of the truck which careered across the road and mounted a pavement on the opposite side of Yew Tree Lane into the path of two teenagers who were walking along the footpath.

The truck struck both boys, who can’t be named for legal reasons, and ploughed through a wall at the edge of the college grounds.

Ms Berry said that at least one of the boys was “buried under the debris” and both were left with serious injuries including a horrific leg injury.

A pick-up trick has crashed into a wall outside Ashville College

The scene of the crash in February.

Ms Berry said it was the Crown’s case that Oakes, of Tewit Well Avenue, Harrogate, had caused the accident because he hadn’t checked that the way was clear before pulling out of the junction.

She said that Oakes’s Astra had been “edging” out of the junction before pulling out completely into the path of the Ford Ranger.

Witnesses said they saw the Astra “edging out” of the junction before “rolling back” and then pulling out again.

Oakes – who according to his Linked In profile was chief of the space policy division for the US joint chiefs of staff at the Pentagon – was charged with two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving.

He denied the allegations and appeared for trial today at the York court in front of district judge Adrian Lower.

‘Aggressive and inpatient’

Ms Berry said it was the Crown’s contention that Oakes had driven carelessly because he had failed to check if the road was “completely clear” before he pulled out.

A female motorist who witnessed the collision described Oakes’s driving in the moments before the crash as “aggressive and inpatient”.

She said he appeared to be “in a rush to leave the junction” before the collision with the pick-up truck driven by Mr Goodall, who said that following the crash Oakes told him: “I didn’t see you.”

Another witness said he saw the Astra pull out of the junction “too far” before “clipping” the back end of the Ford Ranger.

The onus is on the prosecution to prove that Oakes directly contributed to the subsequent collision with the teenagers by pulling out of the junction carelessly, giving the truck driver no chance to take sufficient evasive action to avoid contact with the Astra.

Oakes’s Linked In profile said he had held his current role, which involves directing space policy for the joint chiefs of staff at the Pentagon in Washington, for more than four years.

The joint chiefs of staff consist of the most senior leaders in the United States Department of Defense, who advise the president.

He was previously a political-military analyst in the space policy division and before that was commander of the operational support squadron in the US Airforce.

Hundreds of US military personnel are stationed at RAF Menwith Hill near Harrogate.

The trial continues.

Top US colonel due in court today over Harrogate schoolboy crash

The two-day trial of a highly decorated American colonel accused of seriously injuring two schoolboys in a collision in Harrogate is due to begin today.

Benjamin Oakes, 46, of Tewit Well Avenue, Harrogate, is charged with causing injury by careless or inconsiderate driving on Yew Tree Lane on February 2 this year.

Two 15-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered serious injuries in the collision near Ashville College.

Mr Oakes’ LinkedIn profile, which was taken down before the case first came to court in August, stated he was chief of the space policy division for the US joint chiefs of staff at the Pentagon.

The joint chiefs of staff consists of the most senior leaders in the United States Department of Defense, which advises the president.

Today’s hearing is due to take place at York Magistrates Court.

Mr Oakes pleaded not guilty when the case opened in Harrogate in August. Both he and the magistrates opted not to send the case to crown court, where he would have faced a jury trial.

The schoolboys are expected to give evidence via a video link during the trial.

Harrogate school crash: US colonel to face trial next month

The trial of a highly decorated American colonel accused of seriously injuring two schoolboys in a collision in Harrogate is to take place next month.

Benjamin Oakes, 46, of Tewit Well Avenue, Harrogate, is charged with causing injury by careless or inconsiderate driving on Yew Tree Lane on February 2. He has pleaded not guilty.

Two 15-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered serious injuries in the collision near Ashville College.

The scene on Yew Tree Lane in February.

A two-day hearing is scheduled to begin at York Magistrates Court on December 11, a case management hearing in York was told on Friday. Mr Oakes, who is on unconditional bail, did not attend.

He previously appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court in August when both he and magistrates opted not to send the case to crown court, where he would have faced a jury trial.

The schoolboys are expected to give evidence via a video link during the trial.

According to his LinkedIn profile, which was taken down before August’s hearing, Mr Oakes is chief of the space policy division for the US joint chiefs of staff at the Pentagon.

The joint chiefs of staff consists of the most senior leaders in the United States Department of Defense, which advises the president.

He was previously a political-military analyst in the space policy division and before that was commander of the operational support squadron in the US Airforce.

Hundreds of US military personnel are stationed at RAF Menwith Hill, near Harrogate.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate’s Ashville College appoints director of sport

Harrogate’s Ashville College has appointed a new director of sport.

Paul Stansfield, who previously played for Harrogate Town FC and coached the club’s under 18s, will take up the role at the college.

Mr Stansfield spent six years at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, where he was head of year and head of department, and seven years at the town’s St John Fisher Catholic High School, where he was latterly deputy head.

He said:

“I look forward to working with my team to build on Ashville’s strong sporting reputation and excellent facilities.

“Ultimately, my aim is for every pupil in the school to love sport. I was attracted by the variety of sports available at Ashville, from basketball to hockey, cricket to tennis, rugby to swimming; pupils need to first experience many different sports and skills to find their own way, their own passion.”

Harrogate funeral director wins green award

A Harrogate funeral directors has been named green funeral director of the year in a national industry awards.

Full Circle Funerals, which is based on Skipton Road, was recognised for its approach to green funerals, its commitment to being a sustainable business and its wider efforts to improve knowledge about how to achieve net zero funeral care.

Sarah Jones, founder of Full Circle Funerals.

It was recognised at the AGFD Good Funeral Awards, which was held in Solihull.

Sarah Jones, founder of Full Circle Funerals, said:

“We are delighted to have been named Green Funeral Director of the Year and are always pleased to support people who want to consider the environment in the choices that they make.

“We also work hard to try to think about how Full Circle impacts the environment and to support other organisations in our local communities who are doing the same.”

New head begins at Harrogate school

A new head teacher has started at a Harrogate school.

Phil Soutar has taken the helm at Ashville Prep School, a fee paying school for children in years one to six.

The school also announced today it has become a member of the Independent Schools Association, which represents the heads of about 650 independent schools.

Mr Soutar, who is national chair of the ISA, said:

“I look forward to leading the prep school on the next phase of its development journey, and sharing my vision for the year ahead when our focus will centre on optimising creativity, excellence and opportunity for every pupil.

“Becoming a member of the ISA will help us deliver these aims by opening up a greater range of activities and creative experiences for our children.”

Mr Soutar was previously head at Rosemead Prep School and Nursery in Dulwich, South London.

Being part of the ISA enables pupils to take part in regional and national events for sport, art, music and drama and gives teachers access to courses and continuous professional development.

Ashville Prep School is part of Ashville College, which is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged two to 18.

It consists of Ashville Acorns pre-prep, and Ashville’s prep school, senior school and sixth form.

Students celebrate GCSE results across Harrogate district

Thousands of students across the Harrogate district have collected their GCSE results today.

The teenagers, whose preparations for the exams over the last two years were impacted by the covid pandemic, have been celebrating their achievements at schools around the area.

At Harrogate Grammar School, 83% of the 284 students sitting exams this year gained five standard passes in English and maths.

Headteacher Neil Renton said:

“We celebrate the success of all our students. Their remarkable achievements reflect not only their drive for success, but our emphasis on providing a broad and balanced curriculum that meets the differing needs of all our learners.

“These exceptional outcomes recognise the hard work, resilience, and determination of our students and we thank them for all their efforts.”

Harrogate Ladies’ College students performed well in sciences, with more than 75% of results graded 9-7.

Across all subjects, 57% of grades were 9-7 and 36% were 8 or above, while more than 60% of pupils at the school achieved five or more 9-7 grades.

All results in French were 8 or above, and almost 90% of grades in textiles were at that level too. Seven of the school’s textiles pupils were individually congratulated by the exam board for being among the highest performers in the country.

Other high achievers include Maisy Lindley and Ella Marshall, who both achieved a clean sweep of 9-7 grades.

Principal Sylvia Brett said:

“Our results were excellent across all subjects, but as a girls’ school, I’m particularly pleased that we’re leading the way in STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths], an area where women are still hugely underrepresented in the careers market.

“If we want to change this, we need to inspire and encourage girls while they are still at school.”

Harrogate Ladies’ College students Hattie Dixon, Chloe Homer, Ella Marshall, Maisy Lindley and Amelie Coyle.

At Ripon Grammar School, more than 90% of grades were 9-5, the equivalent of A*-B, while 57.3% were 9-7, or A* and A.

The 122 students in the year group achieved a total of 432 top grades of 8 and 9.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said:

“I am delighted so many of our GCSE students have done so well this year. With the regrading of results to pre-pandemic levels there has been a degree of national uncertainty as overall pass rates have fallen.

“Our year group have worked through adversity and disruption to achieve a strong set of results which now allow them to access their chosen pathway for further study.”

Rossett School‘s students were also celebrating after 63% of the year group achieved five standard passes including English and maths.

Among those achieving grades 9 to 7 across the board were Sam Barker, Arlo Collins, Harry Duffy, Maya Dunmore, Daniel Golding, Danni-Mae Hampson, Robyn Heywood, Henry Hull, George Park, Abbie Ramsden, Mariia Sorokina and Adam Taverner.

Headteacher Tim Milburn said:

“It’s been lovely to see our students this morning and to hear how well they’ve done. The results they have collected today are a real testament to their resilience, commitment and dedication.

“Young people have faced unprecedented disruption to their education over the last three-and-a-half years but that only makes these results more remarkable.”

Rhys Wolf of Ashville College

Among Ashville College‘s high-scoring pupils was Rhys Wolf, who achieved 10 grade 9s and is staying on for sixth form at the school, before setting his sights on a degree in maths or economics.

The school has not released its overall results. Headteacher Rhiannon Wilkinson, said:

“Every success has been incredibly well deserved, and we are proud of what our Year 11 pupils have achieved both in and out of the classroom. They can now focus on the future and the opportunities that lie ahead in our sixth form.”

Queen Mary’s School, between Ripon and Thirsk, has also not released details of its results, but headteacher Carole Cameron said:

“It is truly heart-warming to witness long-standing Queen Mary’s pupils achieving outstanding grades after many years of dedication.”

St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate has not released its results, but interim headteacher David Thornton said:

“Our students have been there for each other, supporting their friends and classmates.

“St Aidan’s is a close community with parents, carers, staff and students all working together to ensure each student achieves their potential. We all celebrate with them and are immensely proud of each and every one of our students.”

The Stray Ferret contacted all other schools in the Harrogate district for their results and comments, but had not received responses by the time of publication.

Man pleads not guilty to seriously injuring teens in collision outside Harrogate school

A man has pleaded not guilty to causing serious injury to two teenagers in a collision outside a Harrogate school.

Benjamin Oakes, 46, of Tewit Well Avenue, Harrogate, was charged with causing injury by careless or inconsiderate driving in the incident on Yew Tree Lane on February 2.

He appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court this morning, where he confirmed his name and address, and entered his not guilty pleas.

Both he and magistrates opted not to send the case to crown court, where he would have faced a jury trial.

Instead, the trial will be heard a York Magistrates Court, with provisional dates set for December 4 and 5.

Mr Oakes was released on unconditional bail.

The court heard the two 15-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered serious injuries in the collision outside Ashville College.

They were not present at the hearing today, but are expected to give evidence via a video link during the trial.

Headteachers unite to support 20mph speed limit near Harrogate schools

The leaders of 13 schools and education settings in Harrogate have called for councillors to commit to urgent road safety improvements when they meet on Tuesday

The road safety group, which also includes campaigners and local councillors, met yesterday at Ashville College as part of its ongoing bid to create safer streets for 9,000 pupils.

North Yorkshire Council will consider on Tuesday how to respond to a petition calling for a maximum speed of 20mph across south and west Harrogate — covering Oatlands and parts of Pannal, Stray, Hookstone and St Georges areas in Harrogate. The agenda for the meeting is here.

Councillors on the Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee passed a motion supporting the measures last year. But it requires the support of the council’s ruling Conservative-controlled executive to proceed.

Cllr Keane Duncan, the Conservative executive councillor for highways, appeared to dampen hopes this week when he said the council planned to draw up a speed management strategy rather than agree to 20mph limits.

Cllr Pat Marsh, the Liberal Democrat chair of the area constituency committee, described the move as “kicking the can down the road”.

But school leaders and campaigners remain hopeful of a successful outcome. In a joint statement, they said:

“There is strong evidence from studies of the positive impacts of maximum speeds of 20mph, and we urge the members of the executive to approve the motion, so safer roads can be created for our schools and the wider community, with a clear programme and timeframe for delivery.

“A maximum speed of 20mph is a key foundation in creating a safer urban environment for all and it encourages healthy active travel choices, from door to destination, around the community. “

The road safety group added whatever the outcome, it will “continue to push for investment in the safety of the roads around our schools, including: maximum speeds of 20mph, upgraded crossings, better use of double yellow lines, and repairs to damaged or outdated pavements, barriers and kerbs”.

Hazel Peacock hands the road safety petition to Elizabeth Jackson of North Yorkshire Council

Campaigner Hazel Peacock handing the road safety petition to North Yorkshire Council in May.

Cllr John Mann, a Conservative who represents Oatlands and Pannal, said he welcomed the council’s recommendation “to undertake a series of planned speed limit reviews delivered over a period of time, which will generate a pipeline of schemes”.

He added:

“Given the tragic road accidents that have recently occurred near to schools in Oatlands this year, I am calling for my recent applications for 20mph limits for Yew Tree Lane, Green Lane and Hookstone Road to be given a high priority in the highways pipeline of schemes for the introduction of 20mph limits.”

Cllr Mann said he would allocate his £10,000 locality budget, which each councillor receives to spend on local initiatives, for road safety schemes.

The school leaders who attended yesterday’s meeting were:

Richard Sheriff, chief executive, Red Kite Learning Trust
Jane Goodwin, interim chief executive, Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust
Dave Thornton, interim headteacher and Iain Addison, deputy head at St Aidan’s CE School
Neil Renton, headteacher, Harrogate Grammar School
Tim Milburn, headteacher, Rossett School
Rhiannon Wilkinson, headteacher and Richard Rooze, bursar at Ashville College
Corrine Penhale, headteacher, Rossett Acre Primary School
Tim Broad, headteacher, Western Primary School
Zoe Anderson, headteacher, Oatlands Infant School
Estelle Scarth, headteacher, Oatlands Junior School
Steve Mort, headteacher, St John Fisher’s Catholic High School
Dr Helen Davey, headteacher/Emma Mitchell, business manager, Willow Tree Primary
Jane Turner, headteacher, Pannal Primary School
Victoria Kirkman, executive headteacher, Admiral Long and Birstwith CE schools and interim executive headteacher, Ripley Endowed CE, Beckwithshaw & Kettlesing Schools
Danny Wild, principal and Kate Herbert, performance and projects co-ordinator, Harrogate College

Campaigners who attended:

Hazel Peacock and Dr Vicki Evans – Oatlands Road Safety and Active Travel Campaign
Dr Jenny Marks and Ruth Lily – Pannal Ash Safe Streets

Business Breakfast: Harrogate’s Ashville College appoints head of prep school

Staff well-being and culture have rapidly risen up the priority list for many employers. At the next Stray Ferret Business Club we’ll hear from award winning employer, LCF Law, on how organisations can ensure their teams are productive and happy.

The lunch event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Harrogate’s Ashville College has appointed Philip Soutar as head of prep school.

Mr Soutar will take up the role in September, having previously been head at Rosemead Prep School and Nursery in Dulwich, South London, for the past six years.

He is currently national chair of the Independent Schools Association. In this role, he serves on the Independent Schools Council, the overarching body of the seven associations representing over 1,400 independent schools nationwide.

Rhiannon Wilkinson, head of Ashville College, said:

“Philip’s passion for preparatory education, and inspiring and nurturing young people, shines through.

“He has dedicated the whole of his successful career to preparatory education and this unrivalled experience, coupled with his national high-level insight, makes him ideally-placed to lead Ashville through the challenges and opportunities in our sector.

Mr Soutar added:

“This is a return to the north of England for my family and I and we cannot wait to become part of the Ashville community.

“My philosophy is based around high academic expectations whilst achieving the balance of opportunity through art, sport, music and drama.

Founded in 1877, Ashville is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2-18 years.

Johnsons of Whixley supplies £130,000 worth of plants for holiday parks

Plant nursery Johnsons of Whixley has supplied £130,000 worth of plants for two luxury holiday park developments

The local horticultural business has been chosen as the primary supplier of plants for the project by Darwin Escapes, which will see one, two and three-bedroom lodges constructed in the grounds of the Blenheim Palace estate.

Johnsons has also received an order to supply the grounds of Plas Isaf Lodge Retreat in North Wales, another project by Darwin Escapes.

Eleanor Richardson, marketing manager at Johnsons of Whixley, said:

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Darwin Escapes.”

Harrogate man appointed UK ambassador to Iraq

A diplomat from Harrogate has been appointed the UK’s new ambassador to Iraq.

Stephen Hitchen takes over the role from Mark Bryson-Richardson, who has been in post since July 2021.

On his Twitter feed, Mr Hitchen said:

“Delighted to be appointed as the next UK ambassador to Iraq, really looking forward to getting to know this fascinating country and building UK and Iraq’s partnership.”

The son of a solicitor and Methodist lay preacher, Mr Hitchen has deep family roots in the area, and was a pupil at St Peter’s CE Primary School and Ashville College.

Upon graduation he joined the civil service and worked for the Ministry of Defence for eight years, including 18 months’ full-time Arabic language training.

Following postings to Cairo and Kuwait, he became head of the Iran political team in the Middle East and North Africa directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In 2012 he was made head of Middle East reporting in the same department.

After three years as counsellor regional affairs based in Amman, Jordan, he became the FCO’s director of national security for the Middle East and North Africa, and lastly was appointed director of the counter terrorism department at the renamed Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

In a video post on the British Embassy’s Facebook page, Mr Hitchen, who is fluent in Arabic, said:

“The mission of our embassy is to help our friends in Baghdad and Erbil to strengthen the prosperity, and stability and sovereignty of Iraq. […] I’m hugely looking forward to my arrival in Iraq.”

Mr Hitchen will take up his post next month. Most UK ambassadors to Iraq over the last 20 years have spent two years in the post.

Read more: