London’s Best Private A Level College for Academic Progress
Ashbourne College is recognised as one of the best colleges in London for unlocking high academic performance, alongside greater independence, maturity, and a genuine enjoyment of school life. Alongside consistently strong results, with a 10-year average of 52% A* – A, Ashbourne ranks in the top 3% of UK schools for value added – a government measure of how far students exceed their expected A-level grades based on their GCSE performance.
“The senior academic team clearly knows every single student and makes a huge effort to understand each child, what their strengths are, and where their challenges lie. They address this early, with expertise and clear experience, this is then worked on by the whole team.”
Dr Khan, Ashbourne Parent
A*A (2024-2025)
A*A (10 year average)
Russell Group universities
UK schools - performance improvement
Taking a ‘No Ceilings’ Approach to Student Progress
At the heart of Ashbourne’s ethos is a commitment to nurturing students to achieve beyond what they once felt was possible for themselves. This applies not only to academic attainment, but also to vital areas outside the classroom, such as social confidence, independence, and the ability to recover from challenges.
Ashbourne’s team of tutors and senior management play a key role in helping students develop innovative ways to overcome obstacles that may previously have blocked their access to fully realising and enjoying their academic and personal potential. Over the years, we have witnessed extraordinary stories of transformation, with students exceeding their own expectations and reshaping how they view themselves and their future paths.
Small Classes
At Ashbourne, the average class size is just 10 students, a key factor in our academic success. Smaller classes allow teachers to truly know and understand each student, building genuine rapport and trust. This trust is essential: when students feel understood, they are more confident in accepting feedback and using it to improve their academic performance. Small classes also deepen subject knowledge by encouraging discussion and debate, which is vital for A-level success where understanding, not memorisation, leads to top grades. Finally, students feel more comfortable asking questions, contributing ideas, and engaging fully.
Getting Students into Their Top Choice Universities
Over 63% of Ashbourne students progress to Russell Group universities, although not all students choose to apply within the Russell Group, with some pursuing overseas options or alternative first-choice destinations. University College London (UCL) is our most popular destination, and students regularly progress to world-leading institutions including Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE, and London medical schools. Our focused preparation and specialised university programmes ensure students secure places on highly competitive courses that align with their academic strengths and long-term aspirations.
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.
“Pupils respect their teachers. They enjoy professional relationships. Staff have high aspirations for all pupils. In return, pupils are ambitious and driven to achieve the best possible results.”
Outstanding Ofsted Report, 2021
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.