Ashbourne’s A level Drama & Theatre Studies course is designed to offer students the best possible chance of getting into the profession and attaining the highest results to study at the UK’s top universities.
Ashbourne students develop the technical and creative skills required for a career in the field and are offered fantastic opportunities to perform in a wide variety of events, such as the ISA Drama Festival, Ashbourne’s Creative Arts Event and the very popular Ashbourne Revue, an annual event showcasing students’ talents in drama, dance, music and fashion.
Our A level Drama & Theatre Studies students will see up to 15 productions in a single year at some of London’s world-class theatre venues and get the chance to write and perform their own productions, meet actors, directors, writers and many others working in theatre today.
Ashbourne students receive expert careers guidance and individual UCAS support throughout the entire university application process to ensure they choose the right pathway for them and achieve their goals.
Ashbourne’s A level courses offer excellent opportunities for ambitious and hardworking students who will benefit from the individual support and choice we offer to help our students reach the highest grades.
Ashbourne offers a limited number of scholarships to gifted and talented Drama students.
How to apply
For further information or to apply for a place please contact the college on 020 7937 3858 or email our Admissions team.
Why Choose Ashbourne College?
StudentsParentsTeachers
Choosing to study at Ashbourne College is one of the best decisions that I have made. All the academic tutors gave me a lot of assistance when I prepared for the exams and interviews, especially the Director of Studies, John Wilson and Principal, Mike Kirby, who pushed me a lot when I prepared for the Cambridge University interview
ZhuoyuEngineering at Cambridge University
During my three-year ride as an Asher, new doors opened up for me to a new world in which I found my true passion. It is encouraging independent learning while providing students with sufficient support when needed, along with its active, lively and friendly atmosphere that give Ashbourne its uniqueness. The location is great and adds to the liveliness of the atmosphere. As far as academia is concerned, the necessary platform for success in most subject areas one might be interested in is provided. The rest is up to the individual
KerryFrench and Management with a Year Abroad at Kings College London
Honestly, I had the best two years of my life as an A level student at Ashbourne. While attending music classes at Royal College of Music Junior Department on Saturdays, the flexibility of the time-table each of us gets from Ashbourne gave me plenty of time to practise on violin/harp. Not only did Ashbourne prepare me extremely well for the A level exams, the music opportunities I was exposed to during my time here really helped to develop myself into a better musician. We had at least one music concert every term, plenty of opportunities to play in ensembles as well as having our compositions performed by professional musicians! Ashbourne really focuses on bringing out the individuality and independence of its students. I am currently studying Instrumental Performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and am loving every second!
VerenaInstrumental Performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Studying at Ashbourne helped me to explore new horizons in art and discover the diverse culture of London. Two years of A-level program have provided me with a knowledge of various Textiles and Fine Art techniques which I hope would be taken further within my specialist area at the university. History of Art helped to develop analytical skills which are absolutely necessary in order to formulate my aesthetic. Now I hope to find my own way within the broad Fashion industry
LidiiaArt and Design (Foundation) at Central St Martins
Ashbourne has broadened my academic and personal horizons beyond any expectation I may have had when I first arrived here. I think a good school gets you where you want to go, but an outstanding school takes you to a place beyond what you would ever have envisaged for yourself, and therefore I can only describe Ashbourne as an outstanding and incredible place to study. As planned, having finished my A levels, I am now entering into my gap year in order to pursue my entrepreneurial ambitions. I intend to gain work experience in the business sector im entering into, in hope to build a strong foundation of authentic understanding and knowledge of the industry, on which I hope to build a successful business in the near future
NicolaGap year
All of the Ashbourne teachers are very kind and friendly. Our principle Mike really helped me a lot in my university application. I got many unforgettable experiences at Ashbourne such as UKMT Maths Challenge and UKMT Team Maths Challenge. I want to say thank you to all the teachers and staff who helped me in these two years
YanniElectrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College
I was drawn to apply to Ashbourne at first based on their phenomenal reputation in the UK, but the reality far exceeded my expectations… No single teacher had the same approach to teaching a subject, which was much more refreshing than the standard lecture & questions approach. From team quizzes during revision period, to weekly workbooks matching the syllabus – the organisation and creativity of my tutors really helped the content stick in my head, which made revision easier when exams came around. My personal tutor was extremely supportive throughout my UCAS application. He would reply emails near instantly if I had any questions, be on hand for regular support when I needed it and loaned me materials to read directly related to my chosen course – Law. Albeit slightly frustrating with the constant tweaking required to my personal statement every week, this was more of a fine tuning process as he would not stop until he knew my personal statement was as perfect as it could be, and I am very grateful for his determination! The hard work and determination required of you at Ashbourne really set me up for life at university as I knew what I had to do to stay ahead and still even applied revision tactics and tips from Ashbourne tutors to my final year of my law degree
NatashaLaw at Queen Mary (University of London); Legal Practice Course (LPC) at BPP Law School
Being a student at Ashbourne College has given me the independence and confidence to continue to University with ease. I began my two-year course unaware of what I wanted to continue to do, but with the constant support of my teachers throughout my time, I was able to consider various options of further study with enthusiasm. After graduating from Ashbourne I plan to attend Kings College to study Psychology. The independence I have gained from Ashbourne means that I can confidently embark on the next chapter of my life
HollyPsychology at Kings College London
Choosing to study at Ashbourne was one of my best decisions because I was so well cared for both academically and personally. This was especially true in preparing for my interview at Cambridge, for which I received a lot of help from my Personal Tutor
ThongMedicine at St George's Hospital Medical School (University of London)
Classes at Ashbourne work identically to my tutorials at university; the tutors are as approachable and knowledgeable as any of my lecturers; and the emphasis on private study to reinforce the day’s teaching is exactly what is expected when studying at a higher level. Ashbourne prepared me for all the academic challenges that university provides
ArikPhilosophy and Mathematics at University of Edinburgh
Treated with kindness and respect whilst being taught to grow as an individual personally and academically
She feels well respected as a pupil and gets the assistance she needs to understand the material
Our grandson was very ready to make a huge step from recluse, out of step with his age group, not knowing what to do with himself or how to relate to others, many of whom he found terrifying. He found travelling on the tube terrifying and trusted few people. Ashbourne has never pushed him too hard but has always encouraged every step he has taken towards what was sometimes a big risk for him. He has learned to respect himself as a learner, to be realistic about his strengths and what he finds difficult, and is learning what to do about the things he finds difficult. He is becoming sociable, well informed good company, smiles 100% more than he did and travels to and from Ashbourne by tube without a qualm. He is punctual (or sends a message if held up). He is learning to trust the many good people he now recognises as on his side. He is very aware of how much Ashbourne has contributed to these huge changes and is looking forward to trying out University in September, becoming a student, knowing lots of other people will arrive by different routes. A real success story/work in progress. Thank you Ashbourne
Our daughter has surely improved her knowledge in the chosen subjects but also her ability in dealing with her everyday life
Has been given the opportunity to study in a focused and mature way and has thrived in that environment
My child has benefited from the amazing opportunities Ashbourne offers. He is respected as an individual and his education has been tailored to suit him. He has had brilliant tutors and the small class sizes ensures he is receiving personalised support in all his classes
Academic excellence in a relaxed atmosphere! Small classes means that the teachers are able to give the students the dedicated attention that they need not only to succeed but also to understand the material taught.This is a nurturing institution that equips students with all the tools they need in future. I would certainly recommend this school to anyone – but saying this I do not want Ashbourne to lose the close knit family relationship that my daughter enjoys with faculty staff, teachers and students. So I want this to remain as a closely guarded secret!!
Gained responsibility and independence and has a mature approach to their studies
Positive, encouraging environment focuses on what will help Theo rather than what he hasn’t done
If I had to describe Ashbourne in three words it would be welcoming, intimate, and fun. I have never met such an eclectic group of people who all get on and are integrated with each other so well. It’s a great opportunity to get the grades that you want alongside gaining confidence and maturity
Emily BoothroydFormer Administrative and Behavioural Assistant and PA to the Director of Studies
Ashbourne is a wonderful place to teach and an even better place to study. The staff treat the students as adults and the mutual respect results in a relaxed university approach to study. Teaching classes that only have a max of 10 allows for individual tuition and greater differentiation within the groups helping the students grow in confidence and develop a love for their subjects. I really like the fact that students are encouraged to refer to their tutors by their first name and feel that this breaks down tutor/student boundaries and means that the students are confident in asking for help. Brilliant students, brilliant tutors, great place to work
Rachel TeasdaleFormer Head of GCSE and Biology Teacher
I see Ashbourne as a place which I feel comfortable to express myself and it creates an environment that encourages me to develop as a leader. I am constantly looking for ways to improve. I am determined to continue to develop myself and I know that this is made more attainable with Ashbourne’s fantastic support and encouragement. I am very lucky to find myself at Ashbourne. It is a truly remarkable place to work.
Dennis FulcherHead of Multi-Media and Social Science Faculty
Your experience at Ashbourne will most certainly be informative, but its zenith is educational. To be informed is to be empowered, but to be educated is to be enlightened
Dr Barry RhuleMathematics and Physics Tutor
I have had a very valuable experience working at Ashbourne. I feel lucky that I got such a great opportunity to deal with different kinds of jobs which include; document preparations, helping at some organised opening evenings or dealing with students’ enquiries. Having a chance to deal with these tasks I feel that I have already gained a lot of valuable improvements in the skills which are needed in a college administrative working environment. The Ashbourne staff are very friendly and helpful. They never hesitated to give me advice on the jobs I was doing and what I should and should not do. I can not thank them enough for such great help and experience during all those times I was working at Ashbourne
Kim Anh TranFormer Part-Time Administrative Assistant
Since starting work at Ashbourne in September, I was impressed by the amazing sense of community. The students’ combat differences in culture, age and circumstance to form fantastic relationships, and are strongly aided in the support and friendship from teaching and admin staff. Students are always given the attention they deserve, and these factors create a unique atmosphere for successful learning.
Hannah MartinFormer College Administrator and Welfare Officer
- One of the best A level colleges in London
- Strong exam results – 2019 47% A* A
- 54% of graduates at Russell Group Universities
