A level scholarships

Ashbourne A level scholarships students will benefit from the high quality tuition, individual attention and support provided to achieve excellent A level results and go on to top UK universities.

The College carefully assesses each student’s application to ensure they meet the criteria and have the potential to benefit both academically and personally from the scholarship.

A level scholarship students are expected to lead by example, both in lessons and outside the classroom, inspiring fellow students to work diligently, behave responsibly and positively support the Ashbourne Community.

There are many excellent opportunities for students to engage in College life where they can make friends, discover new passions and develop skills.

Scholarship students are expected to be proactive to initiate positive change at the College and often take up roles of responsibility, such as being a member of the student council. This helps to improve leadership skills for the future and allow students to make a real difference in how the College runs.

A level scholarship applications are carefully assessed and take into consideration personal statements, participation in school activities, positions of responsibility, hobbies, interests and achievements outside of school, as well as ambition.

Students will only be considered for an A level scholarship if they have the academic capability to gain AAA or higher in Year 13 examinations; students applying for higher scholarships must show the potential to attain a minimum of A*A*A* in Year 13 exams.

A level scholarship role models

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 the College’s grown-up approach to education and is vital for student happiness which is considered the College’s most important goal. Responding positively to staff feedback and always looking to improve are commitments the College looks for.

I had the best two years of my life as an A level student at Ashbourne. Not only did Ashbourne prepare me extremely well for the A level exams, the music opportunities I was exposed to during my time really helped to develop myself into a better musician.

Verena, Music A level scholarship

Scholarship students are expected to be role models in their behaviour, academic endeavours and wider engagement in College life. This means making every effort to achieve outstanding A level results and gain entry to a top ranking university on a competitive degree course, for example:

• positive and encouraging half-term reports
• preparing thoroughly for all assessments
• seeking to consolidate knowledge, in and outside of lessons
• making a timely, well-planned and compelling university application including super curricular activities, where appropriate, and other initiatives to support the application.

They must comply with the core rules of the College as set below, as well as others in the Student Behaviour and Expulsions Policy:

• attend all classes on time
• submit all assigned work to the best of their ability and on time
• show full commitment to their studies inside and outside of the classroom
• respect fellow students and members of staff.

A level scholarship students must exhibit exemplary behaviour, and College staff should not have to spend time addressing behavioural issues with them.

Respectful behaviour is key and includes not having to be asked more than once to rectify behaviour, e.g., for failing to wear the Ashbourne Lanyard at all times or not complying with the dress code.

Ashbourne Ambassadors

Scholarship students are encouraged to play an active role within the community and to positively contribute to its running, for example by:

• participating in key events, e.g. open evenings and parents’ evenings
• actively engage in the Ashbourne Community, e.g., sports day, The Revue, clubs and activities
• being courteous and polite
• showing flexibility and adaptability to help out the College when reasonable requests are made.

Verena received a Music A level scholarship to study at Ashbourne. After graduating she went on to study Instrumental Performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Ashbourne is a fee-paying, private sixth form college in London. Scholarships may range from 10 to 100% of tuition fees; please check the tuition fees before making an application. Scholarships are awarded by bands which can be found on the Scholarship Policy.

A level scholarship award winners will still be required to pay examination fees, practical fees and other such incidental fees and expenses associated with their studies at the college.

Applicants are asked to attend auditions, interviews and take written tests depending on the scholarship they apply for and meet the scholarship and admissions requirements.

A level scholarship auditions

Students applying for Music and Drama scholarships will be required to attend auditions.

Each student will be assigned a 15 minute slot where they will perform in front of a panel and asked further questions, including about their performance.

• All performances must be around 1-2 minutes in length.
• Drama applicants must prepare a monologue from an established dramatic text.
• Music applicants must prepare a piece of at least Grade 6 ABRSM standard or above.
• Students who are doing both Drama and Music will do their audition consecutively in the same slot.

Where auditions take place
Students should come to the college’s main building:

17 Old Court Place,
Kensington,
W8 4PL

Nearest tube station – High Street Kensington (District & Circle line)

The outcome
Students need to complete the audition as well as attend an interview and take some admissions tests before decisions are finalised. Scholarships will be awarded on a first come first serve basis and therefore it is best to have your interview and complete the tests prior to the audition.

Charli received a Music A level scholarship and achieved grade A in Music, Film and English Literature

She created some exceptional and creative work during her time at the college, and won the WJEC Eduqas Moving Image Awards Best Short Film ‘8’ and overall winner and composed and performed her own music.

If you wish to apply for an A level scholarship please contact the Admissions team to book an interview and complete the admissions requirements.

Please contact [email protected], call +44 (0) 20 7937 3858 or submit the enquiry form below to begin the application process.