January Places
Our 18-month A-level and GCSE programmes have consistently unlocked transformational academic outcomes. They offer A-level and GCSE students the chance to join us mid-year without disrupting their academic progress.
Our students progress to the UK’s most competitive universities, with 63% progressing onto Russell Group Universities last year, and UCL is consistently our top university destination. Ashbourne is known for its warm yet highly ambitious environment where students are treated as young adults, leading to incredible academic improvement. Last year our A-level students achieved 52% A*A results and we rank in the top 3% of UK schools for ‘Value Added’ a government generated score which tracks exceptional progress from GCSE to A Level.
“Teachers encourage pupils to do their utmost to improve their understanding of subject content. They are readily available to give students extra support and in addition, many subjects run a weekly clinic that pupils can attend and ask for extra help.”
A*A (2024-2025)
A*A (10 year average)
Russell Group universities
UK schools - performance improvement
Who is the 18-Month Course Designed For?
Our January-start A Level and GCSE courses are designed for students who need a high-quality alternative route partway through the academic year. This includes:
• Students who have realised early on that their current school is not the right fit
• International students completing high school in November or December who wish to progress to A Levels in the UK
• Students relocating to the UK mid-year who require a smooth and structured transition
• High-achieving students who, after beginning university, decide to change direction and reapply for competitive courses such as Medicine
• Students wishing to change subjects that their current school cannot accommodate
These programmes are designed to give students the best possible chance to rebuild confidence, rediscover motivation and remain on track to fulfil their potential despite joining mid-year.
Why do students excel on our 18 month programme?
Ashbourne’s January-start pathway allows students to adapt their educational journey without waiting until the following September which is essential in protecting students’ sense of momentum and ambition while avoiding unnecessary disruption.
Students excel on our 18-month programmes because of:
• Small class sizes that enable individual attention, rapid feedback and targeted academic support
• A strong emphasis on exam technique from the very start, helping students become efficient and strategic learners
• A fresh start in a new academic environment that allows students to reframe how they see themselves as learners
• A culture of high expectations paired with a less formal atmosphere that supports the rapid development of confidence, feeling comfortable in the school environment and independence.
How Does the Programme Work?
Our January-start A Level and GCSE courses follow an 18-month structure that balances pace with depth:
• January to June: Core content teaching with a strong focus on foundations, skills development and guided revision
• Summer: Independent study and consolidation supported by tailored summer work
• September to exam period: Full integration into the main academic year with continued structured teaching, mock exams and regular progress assessments
January-start students join existing classes in their year group and receive an additional two hours of teaching per subject per week. Thanks to Ashbourne’s warm and welcoming social environment, 18-month students integrate quickly into the wider college community. Our priority is that every student feels supported, settled and academically secure from the moment they join.
Application Process
To begin an application, please contact our admissions team, who will advise on the documents required. Once received, we arrange an individual appointment for interview and admissions assessments. After reviewing all elements of the application, we aim to communicate outcomes within the following days.
If you are considering a January start, we encourage you to contact our admissions team as early as possible to discuss subject availability and next steps.
“A fantastic place with some of the most supportive teachers that enable you to achieve whatever you set out to do. Couldn’t recommend it more to anyone looking at a sixth form college.”
Agatha gained AAA for Biology, Economics and Philosophy – she went onto to read Philosophy and Psychology at University of Edinburgh
College life
Getting involved in the many clubs, activities and events the College offers is a great way to make friends, discover new passions and develop skills.
The Ashbourne Revue and the European Trip are real highlights for many students (and staff). The Revue offers the chance to showcase talents from dance, music and theatre to fashion, poetry and martial arts.
There is also a great selection of clubs featuring the successful Ashbourne Allstars football team, Bollywood dancing and Creative Writing, just to mention a few.
Beautiful Location
Located on High Street Kensington, Ashbourne offers a truly inspiring learning environment in the heart of London. Students are within walking distance of world-class museums and leading universities that host free public academic lectures. Beautiful parks, iconic architecture, and an exceptional range of global cuisine surround the college, creating a vibrant and intellectually stimulating setting that naturally complements academic ambition and curiosity.
Ashbourne community
Ashbourne attracts a diverse range of students from all over the world, accounting for around 50 different nationalities, who are keen to take advantage of the wide selection of subjects on offer and the high level of individual attention.
This makes the College an exciting place to learn with students bringing a wealth of ideas, talents and culture.
We hope every student will develop a great affection for Ashbourne and form some wonderful friendships, as most of our students do.
How to apply
Please complete the fields below and a member of our team will be in contact with you shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Ashbourne’s A-level courses stand out in London?
Our students consistently achieve outstanding results, with 52% A*A in 2024–2025 and a 10-year average of 51% A*A. We rank in the top 2.5% of UK schools for Value Added, showing how much students improve from GCSE to A-level.
2. How many A-level subjects can students choose from?
Students can select from more than 25 A-level subjects, with flexible course lengths of one year, 18 months, or two years. This allows each student to create a pathway tailored to their ambitions and strengths.
3. What class sizes can students expect at Ashbourne?
Classes are typically fewer than 10 students, ensuring plenty of individual attention. This small-group teaching style allows for more engagement, feedback, and independent thinking.
4. How does Ashbourne support students outside the classroom?
Students benefit from weekly Personal Tutor meetings, subject-specific clinics, support classes, and peer mentoring. This extra support helps them stay on track academically and personally.