Ashbourne College is an independent school and sixth form located in Kensington, London, England. Ashbourne was founded in 1981 by its current principal Michael Kirby. The college offers A-level and GCSE courses in a coeducational environment and it's affiliated to the CIFE group of independent colleges. Their students are selected from all over the world, resulting in the general ratio of around 50% British and 50% International students. On of their primary focuses is securing students places at Russell Group Universities, whilst maintaining a strong performance in grade outcomes which was 50% A*A in 2018. Ashbourne College is rated as Good by OFSTED in 2018, and Outstanding in the 2010 report.
Most students take two-year A-Level courses, but there is also a small number of GCSE students. Ashbourne also offers Easter revision courses, available to both internal and external students. For their GCSE middle school, they provide a one year intensive course. Students take five core subjects: Maths, Science, English Literature, English Language and a major European language. They can also choose from a range of optional subjects. Students also take part in PSHEE and PE for two hours each per week. Lessons take place between 9am and 4pm, including one hour lunch break from 1pm to 2pm. Each subject receives four hours’ teaching per week. Where there are fewer than three students in a class the teaching time per subject is two hours. For sixth form they offer standard two year courses, as well as intensive programs which are either a one year or 18 month course. These may be useful for either international students who are looking to enter the British education system, or if they are looking to retake their A levels.
Retake programs
The college specialises in A level retake programmes]. Ashbourne was initially a retake school which over the past 35 years has evolved and grown considerably. They offer a 18 month and a one-year intensive A Level course, providing a wide range of subject choices. In 2018, it was confirmed that the average retake student outcome was +1.5 grades, translating to BBB improving to A*AA.
Specialised Pathway Programmes
They have developed extra-curricular programmes in the areas of medicine, finance, engineering and art to help students enhance their knowledge and understanding of their prospective university pathways. The programmes include workshops, group activities amongst other external opportunities such as public competitions.
The tuition fees for 2017–18 are £8,000 per term for UK students and £8,500 per term for overseas students. Ashbourne offers a limited number of partial scholarships, particularly in Drama and Music.
