A-level Drama
At Ashbourne

The A Level years are a pivotal time for students as they consider the pathways they may follow after school, whether that involves pursuing a future in performance or progressing to higher education beyond Drama. Much growth and change takes place over these two years, which is why Ashbourne enables students to fully develop their acting and performance talents alongside their academic abilities. This balanced approach ensures students graduate as well-rounded individuals, confident in their skills and with multiple pathways open to them as they move forward.

Central London is renowned for attracting global talent in the world of performance, and Ashbourne’s location on High Street Kensington places students on the doorstep of this creative hub. Regular trips to a wide range of live theatre connect students directly with London’s world-class performance scene, strengthening analytical skills, inspiring creative choices, and providing essential material for both written and practical assessment.

Unlike some schools that operate a fixed ‘block’ timetable system, Ashbourne offers students complete flexibility when choosing which A-level subjects to take alongside Drama. This flexibility allows students to explore different academic interests in parallel, supporting both creative and analytical development. By keeping pathways open, students have the freedom to experiment, discover their strengths, and make informed decisions about future university and career directions, rather than being forced to specialise too early.

As part of the A Level Drama programme, students perform their devised practical examination pieces in a hired professional theatre in London, gaining invaluable experience of working in a real performance environment. Collaborating with external technical teams helps students develop maturity, organisation, and professionalism while performing under professional conditions. This experience raises performance standards and prepares students for the expectations of university-level study and the wider performing arts industry.

At Ashbourne, the average class size is just 10 students, a key factor in our academic success. Small classes allow teachers to truly know and understand each student, building genuine rapport and trust. This is essential in Drama, where confidence and constructive feedback play a central role in development. Students feel supported in taking creative risks, asking questions, contributing ideas, and refining both performance and analytical skills in a focused, supportive setting.

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.

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.

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 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.

Please complete the fields below and a member of our team will be in contact with you shortly.

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.