Ashbourne suits ambitious, hardworking and independent students who are aiming for A and A* so they can study at the best British universities. Such students will not settle for second best and have the resilience and courage to try again, despite the initial setback of disappointing results. Ashbourne provides the extensive support, encouragement and discipline that these students need to re-build their confidence and reach their full potential. Ashbourne retake students’ achieve excellent grade improvements, with almost 95% at B grade or higher. The majority of our students go on to Russell Group universities.

Our approach to education is refreshing and exciting. Lessons in groups of fewer than 10 students develop engagement, individual attention and a relationship between teachers and students which is grown-up and informal. These small groups allow teachers to interact closely with students and provide feedback with much more assigned work than is customary. Each student has a personal tutor who will guide and direct the UCAS process and oversee their academic progress.

Moving to Ashbourne may involve a change of syllabus but the knowledge a student has already acquired at their previous school makes this task quite straightforward. This prior knowledge means completing the syllabus in one year is equally straightforward and allows our students sufficient time to focus on detail that they missed previously. In fact, many of our retake students succeed in their retake year whilst taking a new A level subject from scratch. Politics, Philosophy, Psychology and Film are frequent choices whose exam results rarely disappoint. Moving to a new environment might seem daunting but students should be optimistic. More than half of our students have never been here before; the environment is stimulating, never intimidating, so students quickly settle in.

We are much more focused on exams and exam technique than is usual, and each half term there is a mock exam based on previous exam paper questions. After this mock exam a progress report will be prepared for the student and their parents by each subject teacher.

Just over one third of our students come from abroad with Russia, China and Vietnam among the greatest representations. Among our students there is a wonderful diversity of personalities, interests and goals, in part because we offer more than 25 different subjects at A level. These range from Art and Design and Performing Arts to Maths, Sciences and Economics, including traditional subjects as well as Psychology, Classics and History of Art. These are complemented with an exciting array of co-curricular activities.

What to consider before retaking your A level courses

Most universities will regard a decision to retake as a sign of determination, perseverance and ambition. Nonetheless, any student considering retaking their A levels should always ask the relevant university faculty to confirm that a re-application will be welcome and to specify the grades that might now be required.

If you have missed your offer by a small margin you should contact the university’s admissions department who may be pleased to accept you regardless. If not, the university might be able to offer you a place on a course that is closely related to your first choice. You may need to be patient getting through to the department during busy application periods.

Benefits of retaking A levels at Ashbourne

• Outstanding grade improvement Ashbourne is committed to helping students reach their potential. A student who has achieved BBB could, on average, attain A*AA on retake.
• Lots of teaching time means that you may complete the syllabus in a relaxed and confident manner, with plenty of time for engagement and structured, supervised work in class.
• Specialist courses Ashbourne offers more than 30 years’ experience in delivering highly successful A Level retake and one-year courses.
• A fresh, more grown-up approach to education provides a clean break from stale mind-sets and attitudes. Students are in good company with colleagues who share similar ambitions and aspirations.
• Exam practice is too often in the background at traditional schools. In any field, excellence is achieved through dedicated effort guided by inspired and inspiring teachers and coaches. Our straightforward focus on examination preparation is simple, effective and transformational.
• Individual attention, communication and feedback. The importance of small classes cannot be overstated but they are more effective when complemented by Personal Tutors. These dedicated teachers encourage and guide students to realise their academic potential and are a reassuring point of contact in dealing with parents’ concerns.

See previous retake results…

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A level retake results 2019

Ashbourne Grades	Original Grades	University Destination
Further Maths A* Maths A* Physics A*	Further Maths D Maths A Physics A	Aerospace Engineering Bristol University
Economics A Further Maths (one-year intensive) A Maths A*	Economics B Maths A	Economics Bath University
Further Maths A Maths A* Physics A	Further Maths C Maths A Physics C	Computer Science with Industrial Studies Southampton University
Chemistry A*	Chemistry B	Medicine Manchester University
Biology A Physics A Chemistry A	Biology B Physics B Chemistry B	Biological Sciences Durham University
Biology (one-year intensive) A Maths A*	Maths A	Economics King’s College London
Biology A	Biology B	Neuroscience Nottingham University
Art A	Art B	Foundation in Fine Art Art Academy London
Economics (one-year intensive) A Politics (one-year intensive) A Maths B	Maths E	Religion, Politics and Society King’s College London
Economics B Maths A	Economics B Maths C	International Development Leeds University
Chemistry B Maths A Physics A	Chemistry C Maths B Physics C	Physics King’s College London
Biology A Chemistry B Latin C	Biology C Chemistry E Latin D	Biological Sciences. East Anglia University

 

Grade	Percentage
A* A	79%
A* AB	96%
A* ABC	100%

Previous retake results

Getting into the right university

Ashbourne’s UCAS Tutors offer individual and expert guidance on finding and applying for university courses that match students’ ambitions and abilities. They also provide invaluable interview technique practice for those applying for demanding and highly popular degree courses. Ashbourne also runs specialist Medical School and Engineering programmes, with seminars and outside speakers, as well as preparation for any aptitude tests required by a particular course.

 

Alternatives to retaking

Re-marks

Your grade(s) might be so inconsistent with your own and your teachers’ expectations that you may consider a request to the exam board for re-marking. Be aware, however, that grades often do not change as a result of re-marks and may even go down! All remarks must be organised by your school.

Clearing

If you are unsuccessful in getting a place at the university of your choice you may wish to enter the clearing system. You will automatically be sent a ‘clearing passport’ number by email. Should you wish to take up a course at another university you will use this to confirm your acceptance. Courses which are still available may be found on the UCAS website.

Gap year

Taking a gap year to travel and work can often help to clarify your thoughts about your future and thus make the years spent at university, should you decide to reapply, more enjoyable and productive.