What Ashbourne’s A-Level ‘Value Added’ Means for Your Child
For the 2023/24 academic year, Ashbourne College achieved an outstanding national ranking: 64th out of 2,561 schools and colleges in England for A-level progress. This places us within the top 2.5% nationally, according to data published by the UK government.
Our Value Added score of +0.47 shows that Ashbourne students achieve, on average, nearly half a grade higher per A-level subject than students of similar prior attainment. For parents considering the best academic environment for their child, this is a powerful measure of the real, measurable progress students make during their time with us.
What the Value Added Score Means
The Value Added score doesn’t just reflect raw grades, it reflects the impact a school has on a student’s academic improvement. It measures how far students progress from their GCSE results to their final A-level outcomes, compared to peers nationwide.
A score of +0.47 means that our students are not only maintaining their academic trajectory, they are significantly exceeding expectations. This progress is particularly valuable for students who may have underperformed previously, or who are aiming for competitive university offers.
How Ashbourne Helps Students Improve Their Grades
Ashbourne is known for its focused, high-support learning environment where every student is treated as an individual. We believe that, with the right teaching and guidance, all students can achieve more than they imagined.
We offer small class sizes, enabling teachers to give personalised attention and address learning needs in real time. Our subject specialists, many of whom are experienced examiners, deliver engaging lessons that focus not only on content but also on the skills and techniques that lead to top exam performance.
Each student benefits from a tailored academic plan and regular support meetings. Progress is closely monitored, with clear goals and consistent feedback, helping students build both knowledge and confidence. Our personal tutors maintain daily communication with the Heads of Sixth Form, enabling timely intervention whenever concerns arise. These one-to-one meetings provide a supportive space to discuss any challenges students may be facing and to identify effective strategies for overcoming them.
We also run an intensive exam preparation programme, which includes four sets of mock exams held during the penultimate week of each of the first four half terms. These mocks give students the opportunity to experience real exam conditions, assess their progress, and identify areas for improvement. After each mock, your child will receive a detailed report highlighting their strengths, areas that need development, and clear guidance on how to improve.
Preparing for University, and Life Beyond A Levels
Ashbourne’s strong A-level progress score reflects more than just academic teaching; it demonstrates a wider commitment to student success. Alongside subject learning, we provide comprehensive UCAS support, interview preparation, and guidance for applications to top UK and international universities.
Our students secure places at some of the world’s leading institutions, not only because of their final grades, but because they are well-prepared, self-assured, and supported throughout the process.
A Supportive and High-Achieving Environment
Choosing the right college is about more than academics. It’s about finding a place where your child will be challenged, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Ashbourne offers exactly that. Our position in the top 2.5% of schools for A-level progress demonstrates the strength of our teaching, the care we take with each individual, and the high expectations we set for every student.
Whether your child is already excelling or needs a new environment to help them thrive, Ashbourne provides a proven path to academic success.
1. What does ‘Value Added’ mean at A-level?
The Value Added score measures how much progress students make from their GCSE results to their A-level grades compared with similar students nationwide. A positive score shows that students achieve higher than expected outcomes.
2. What is Ashbourne College’s Value Added score?
In 2023/24, Ashbourne achieved a Value Added score of +0.47, meaning students, on average, gained nearly half a grade higher per subject than predicted. This ranks Ashbourne 64th out of 2,561 schools and colleges in England.
3. Why is the Value Added score important for parents?
It highlights the real difference a school makes to student progress. For parents, it’s evidence that Ashbourne doesn’t just attract high achievers—students of all backgrounds improve significantly during their time here.
4. How does Ashbourne involve parents in supporting progress?
Parents receive regular progress reports, updates from personal tutors, and clear communication about achievements and next steps. This partnership helps students stay on track and motivated.