A Level Retake Courses

Ashbourne A level retake students achieve outstanding results, 73% A*A (2024), and improve their grade on average by 1.5 grades per subject.

For example, a student who attained BBB in their A levels the first time around would have the potential to achieve A*AA – A*A*A at Ashbourne.

Rohan achieved A*AA in A level Maths, Biology and Chemistry at Ashbourne and received offers to study Medicine at UCL and Queen Mary. He previously attained BDD in these A level subjects elsewhere.

Rohan followed the Ashbourne Medical School Programme at the college whilst retaking his A levels.

Ashbourne A level Retake Courses are specifically designed to help students re-build confidence, improve academic performance and attain the grades to get in to the university of their choice.

Extensive teaching time
We build in far more teaching time for our A level retake courses than is typical for most schools. This provision, together with small class sizes, allows students to confidently and thoroughly cover all the required material and still have plenty of time for revision.

Exam board transition
Changing exam boards, where needed, is straightforward and has never been a serious issue for our A level retake students. The core content for all exam boards is almost identical. Most importantly, the unusually high contact time we provide inside and outside of the classroom makes this transition very smooth.

New A level subjects
Students even have the option of replacing one of their original subjects and taking up a new one, as many of our students successfully do. This is a particularly attractive option for Psychology and Politics.

Around 63% of our students applying for degree courses in the UK go on to study at Russell Group universities, regardless of their background. So students should rest assured they will receive plenty of help in their UCAS applications despite being at the college for just a short period of time.

A level students receive one-to-one support from their personal tutor, who is an experienced UCAS advisor. They guide and support students through the whole process, including subject selection, writing a compelling personal statement, completing the UCAS form and preparing for interview.

Lessons take place in small groups, usually fewer than 10. This allows students to engage more effectively in class and receive plenty of one-to-one attention from the teacher. Students are set more assigned work and get personalised feedback.

We put a great emphasis on exam technique as this is vital for achieving the highest grades.

Arsham achieved A*AA in A level Maths, Biology and Chemistry at Ashbourne and was offered a place to study Medicine at Kings College London. He previously attained ABB in these subjects at another school.

Each half term (six weeks) students sit mock exams based on previous exam paper questions, after which they receive a progress report.

Throughout students’ time at the college they will work closely with teachers and Personal Tutors to track and improve performance.

Ashbourne’s approach to education is refreshing and different from most traditional schools. The grown-up relationship between students and teachers encourages critical thinking, imagination and independence.

We offer outstanding opportunities for A level retake students with the option to take up additional one-year courses for A level. This allows students to create an educational pathway that suits their needs and goals. We will then support them to ensure they feel secure, confident and able to reach their potential.

Everyone at the college is expected to help make Ashbourne a friendly, safe and dynamic place to learn. We encourage and support all students to embrace this adult-approach to learning through mutual respect, collaboration, discipline and holding high expectations.

Ashbourne welcomes students from all over the world so there is a wonderful diversity of personalities, interests and goals, in part because we offer more than 25 different A level subjects.

The learning environment is vibrant and collaborative and is complemented with an exciting programme of extra curricular activities, events and clubs so students can quickly settle in and form lasting friendships.

Ashbourne is superbly located in a beautiful part of London near Kensington Palace and Hyde Park, with world-class attractions and venues within walking distance.

Please contact Ashbourne’s friendly Admissions team on +44 (0) 20 7937 3858, email [email protected] or complete the enquiry form.