A Level Courses

Ashbourne students consistently achieve outstanding a level results, 46%  A*A (2023-2024), 51% A*A (10 year average), making us one of the best A level colleges in London.

The individual attention and quality tuition students receive leads to impressive improvements in academic performance, which puts Ashbourne in the top 5% of UK schools and colleges for ‘value added’.

As a result our students are extremely ambitious, with around 63% of those applying for degree courses in the UK going on to study at Russell Group universities, including UCL, King’s College London, Imperial, Warwick and Cambridge.

Ashbourne is quite different from traditional schools. Students enjoy much more freedom and are encouraged to think independently, express themselves and explore their imagination.

Within this university-style learning environment we offer students the individual and comprehensive support needed to achieve their goals. We find that confidence drives success.

We work with each student to design a unique education programme that best suits their needs and ambitions.

There are more than 25 different A levels subjects to choose from with very little restriction, if any.

This allows students to select which courses to study and when, whilst we provide the expert tuition, guidance and support necessary to attain the highest grades.

Student happiness
Everyone at Ashbourne is expected to play their part in making the college a friendly, safe and dynamic place to learn.

Mutual respect, tolerance and collaboration reflect our grown-up approach to education and is vital for student happiness which we consider our most important goal.

Students are on first name basis with their teachers and take lessons in small groups, typically with fewer than 10 students.

This is ideal for greater engagement, lots of individual attention and time to cover more ground.

It also gives students the space and opportunity to explore and develop their ideas to help them become more independent thinkers.

On course for success
The teaching time we offer for each subject significantly exceeds the national average.

So, students are rarely under pressure to complete the syllabus in good time and consequently almost always have plenty of time for revision at the end of the course.

Teachers are experts in their subjects. They go above and beyond the examination requirements in lessons. Pupils typically said this makes their learning ‘three dimensional’.

Outstanding Ofsted Report, 2021.

High performance
Exam technique is vital to achieving excellent results so students get plenty of guidance and practice throughout their course; teachers set mock exams for each subject every half term (six weeks).

Progress reports
After each set of mock exams, teachers write a report giving an overall assessment including detailed consideration of the quality and quantity of homework, mock exam grades, attendance and effort for their students.

Students get the chance to discuss their progress and other issues with their Personal Tutor. Parents and guardians will be able to access this information via the online portal and discuss progress too at any point. We also hold two parents’ evenings each academic year.

In addition to the very high levels of individual attention students receive in the classroom, they will also be able to access extensive support through weekly meetings with their Personal Tutor, subject-specific clinics, support classes and peer group mentoring.

Personal Tutors
Each A level student will be assigned a dedicated Personal Tutor at the start of their course who will provide them with individual academic and pastoral support and guidance throughout their time at the college.

This includes expert careers guidance and UCAS support, from choosing the right course, writing the perfect personal statement and interview practice all the way to accepting the best offer.

Getting involved in the many clubs, activities and events the College offers is a great way to make friends, discover new passions and develop skills.

The Ashbourne Revue and the European Trip are real highlights for many students (and staff). The Revue offers the chance to showcase talents from dance, music and theatre to fashion, poetry and martial arts.

There is also a great selection of clubs featuring the successful Ashbourne Allstars football team, Bollywood dancing and Creative Writing, just to mention a few.

Ashbourne is superbly located on the borders of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, in the heart of London, and is within walking distance from some great world-class attractions.

London is undoubtedly a fantastic place to live and study with so much on offer, from galleries and museums, architecture, theatre and film, festivals, restaurants, nightlife and shopping.

Ashbourne attracts a diverse range of students from all over the world, accounting for around 50 different nationalities, who are keen to take advantage of the wide selection of subjects on offer and the high level of individual attention.

This makes the College an exciting place to learn with students bringing a wealth of ideas, talents and culture.

We hope every student will develop a great affection for Ashbourne and form some wonderful friendships, as most of our students do.

Please get in touch to apply for a place at Ashbourne. Email, [email protected], call +44 (0) 20 7937 3858 or complete the enquiry form below.