Individual Attention and Support
Confidence building is one of Ashbourne’s main goals as we believe it makes all the difference in helping our students achieve their best.
Confidence building is one of Ashbourne’s main goals as we believe it makes all the difference in helping our students achieve their best.
Ashbourne works closely with each student to carve out an education programme that best suits their needs and ambitions, offering them the flexibility, choice and comprehensive support and guidance necessary to attain the highest grades and achieve their personal and academic goals.
My teachers went above and beyond to offer support to help me prepare for the exam. The small class sizes meant we could thoroughly discuss different theories and develop strong critical evaluations, which definitely prepared me for university.
In the classroom
Ashbourne offers an adult approach to learning which is friendly, informal but disciplined. Students take lessons in small groups of fewer than 10 students, which provides an ideal environment for them to fully engage and allows the teachers to offer excellent levels of individual attention, set more homework and provide feedback on assigned work. This gives students the space and opportunity to explore and develop their ideas, encouraging them to become more independent thinkers.
Outside the classroom
In addition to the very high levels of individual attention students receive in the classroom, they are further offered extensive support outside of the classroom through weekly meetings with their Personal Tutor, one-to-one sessions with teachers, subject-specific clinics, support classes and peer group mentoring.
Each A level student is assigned a dedicated Personal Tutor who works with them, their parents, their teachers and the Director of Studies to monitor and guide them in their academic progress, welfare and personal development during their time at the college.
First year A level students meet their Personal Tutor weekly for two hours as part a group comprising around 15-20. These sessions give students the opportunity to discuss their academic progress, mock exam results and any pastoral issues that may arise. In addition, a wide range of activities take place including supervised study, career counselling, study skills workshops, CV writing workshops, exam writing technique and UCAS preparation.
Ashbourne provides a comprehensive English language programme for international students so they can confidently undertake their academic studies at A level and attain the language proficiency required for all UK universities. Students are timetabled 2-hours per week in a group from the start of year 12.
Ashbourne’s Personal Tutors are experienced UCAS advisors who guide and support students throughout the whole university application process from making the right choice of subject and visiting potential universities to writing a compelling personal statement, completing the UCAS form and preparing for interview.
Students discuss their personal interests, ambitions and academic aptitude with their Personal Tutors to help carve out the right career or study pathway. This may include apprenticeships, work placements and foundation courses as well as applying for particular degree courses or university.
On the whole, our students go on to further education. Around 64% of our students applying for degree courses in the UK go on to study at Russell Group universities, including UCL, King’s College London, Imperial, Warwick and Cambridge. We offer well-established, specialist programmes to prepare students applying to Oxbridge, Medical School and Finance and Engineering degree courses.
Students attend special ‘UCAS days’, when they register on UCAS, complete drafts of their personal statements and visit London universities such as UCL, King’s College, Imperial College and LSE. Ashbourne invites guest speakers from top universities in London and beyond, including Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburg and Ravenbourne.
The modern job market is extremely competitive with increasing numbers of young adults earning degrees. Gaining direct and hands-on experience in a working environment can provide students with a realistic understanding of what to expect once students leave university.
Ashbourne helps students find work experience opportunities that directly relate to their chosen university course. We also run drop-in sessions where students can receive support on job application, CVs and advice on how employment experience can enhance university applications. Previous student work experience include placements at companies such as Barclays, Steelo, LovePR and KCW today.
“Ashbourne quickly proved to me I was more than capable of achieving whatever I put my mind to. I was pleasantly shocked to see how much effort the college put in to get me to the finish line. I am doubtful you could receive this anywhere else other than at Ashbourne.” Harry, Finance Degree Apprenticeship, J.P. Morgan.
Ashbourne organises guest speakers from local businesses and businesses from around Greater London to talk with students about work placements, internships and apprentice programmes.
Ashbourne promotes a culture of mutual respect, tolerance and collaboration between all members of the college community. We believe that student welfare and wellbeing is vital to personal happiness, development and academic success.
Pupils feel safe at school. Their mental health is given high priority. Behaviour is exemplary. Staff do not tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind. Outstanding, Ofsted Report 2021
Teachers, personal tutors, senior leaders, designated safeguarding leads and SEND advisors provide a comprehensive academic and pastoral support network for all students. The student council also plays a role in representing and voicing students’ rights and responsibilities. The value of positive behaviour and healthy relationships is further reinforced through the compulsory PSHEE and Personal Tutor programmes.
The college maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence, bullying in any form and racist and sexist behaviour and abuse. Students are encouraged and supported to report any concerns or experiences, however small they may feel they are, so that appropriate and timely action can be taken and support offered.
