What Are the Entry Requirements for Ashbourne? Will My Child Need to Sit Exams?
If you are thinking about applying to Ashbourne College for your child, one of the key questions you may have is whether they will need to sit entrance exams. It is a natural concern, especially if you want to understand how the school assesses applicants and whether your child is ready for A-level study.
The short answer is yes. All students who apply to Ashbourne are asked to complete academic assessments as part of the admissions process. These are not meant to be barriers. They are designed to help the college understand your child’s current academic level, guide them towards the right subjects, and identify the type of support that will help them succeed.
Year 12 Entry
If your child is applying to start A-levels in Year 12, they will be asked to complete a written task. This varies depending on the subjects they plan to study.
All applicants complete a written activity to assess their academic thinking. Students who apply for English Literature will complete an English-based task that looks at their comprehension, written expression, and ability to analyse ideas. It is not about how many books they have read, but how well they can express a thoughtful response.
Applicants for other subjects complete a Critical Thinking task. This does not require subject-specific knowledge. It is designed to assess how students organise their ideas, respond to new problems, and communicate clearly. The aim is to understand their thinking, not to test facts.
Students applying for subjects such as Mathematics, the Sciences, Psychology, or Economics also sit a Maths Diagnostic Test. This ensures they have the basic mathematical understanding needed to progress. A strong foundation in algebra, numbers, and data handling is expected.
Those applying for Further Mathematics take an additional Maths Aptitude Test. This helps assess readiness for a subject that is significantly more demanding and faster-paced than standard A-level Maths.
For creative subjects, additional assessments may apply:
– Music applicants may complete a short theory test and attend an audition
– Fine Art, Graphic Communication, and Textiles applicants submit a small portfolio of recent work
– Drama and Theatre applicants attend an audition
These subject-specific elements help ensure your child is placed in a programme where they can develop their talents fully.
Year 13 Entry
If your child is applying to join in Year 13, in some cases they may be asked to sit an AS-level paper in each of their intended subjects. This helps assess how much of the A-level content they have already studied and where support may be needed.
In some cases, a subject interview may also be arranged to discuss their previous learning and long-term goals. Since they will be joining the second half of the course, a strong academic match is especially important.
One-Year A-level Retake Courses
For students applying to retake one or more A-levels in one year, entry is based on both assessment and past results. Applicants are usually expected to have achieved at least a grade C in the subject they wish to retake. This helps ensure the one-year format is a realistic and effective option. In some cases, students may also have individual meetings with the subject teachers in order to identify key areas for improvement.
To Sumarise
Every applicant to Ashbourne completes academic assessments as part of the admissions process. These assessments are not there to discourage students. Instead, they are used to place each young person in the right subjects, with the right level of challenge and support, from the very beginning.
Whether your child is applying for Year 12, transferring into Year 13, or planning a one-year retake, the goal is always to help them thrive. At Ashbourne we believe that academic success starts with careful planning and personal attention, and that process begins with understanding each student’s potential.
1. What are the entry requirements for Ashbourne College?
All applicants must complete academic assessments as part of the admissions process. These help Ashbourne understand each student’s academic level, subject suitability, and support needs to ensure the best chance of success.
2. Does my child need to sit exams to get into Ashbourne?
Yes. Entrance assessments are required for all applicants, whether joining Year 12, transferring into Year 13, or applying for a one-year A-level retake course. These exams are designed to place students on the right path, not to exclude them.
3. Do creative subjects at Ashbourne have special entry requirements?
Yes. Music applicants may be asked to sit a short theory test, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, and Textiles students must provide a portfolio, and Drama applicants attend an audition. These subject-specific assessments evaluate creativity, performance, and potential.
4. What are the entry requirements for Year 13 transfer students?
Students joining Year 13 complete AS-level papers in each intended subject. These assessments confirm how much A-level content has already been studied and help identify areas needing support before continuing into the final year.