Ashbourne’s retake students achieved 71% A*A between 2023-2025
“More than just a college, Ashbourne felt like an experience where I made lasting memories and truly became my best self.”
Arham transformed his grades from ABB to A*AA and is now studying Medicine at King’s College London (KCL).
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Ashbourne A level retake students achieve outstanding results, 71% A*A (2023-2025), and improve their grade on average by 1.5 grades per subject.
For example, a student who originally achieved BBB would, on average, improve to A*AA or above after retaking at Ashbourne.
“The results I was able to achieve and massive improvements I made were possible because of the incredible staff at Ashbourne College.”
Ashbourne A level Retake Courses are specifically designed to help students re-build confidence, improve academic performance and attain the grades to get in to the university of their choice.
“My experience at Ashbourne is something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Extensive teaching time
We build in far more teaching time for our A level retake courses than is typical for most schools. This provision, together with small class sizes, allows students to confidently and thoroughly cover all the required material and still have plenty of time for revision.
Exam board transition
Changing exam boards, where needed, is straightforward and has never been a serious issue for our A level retake students. The core content for all exam boards is almost identical. Most importantly, the unusually high contact time we provide inside and outside of the classroom makes this transition very smooth.
New A level subjects
Students even have the option of replacing one of their original subjects and taking up a new one, as many of our students successfully do. This is a particularly attractive option for Psychology and Politics.
“I always say that Ashbourne was one of the best years of my life.”
Over 60% of our students applying for degree courses in the UK go on to study at Russell Group universities, regardless of their background. So students should rest assured they will receive plenty of help in their UCAS applications despite being at the college for just a short period of time.
A level students receive one-to-one support from their personal tutor, who is an experienced UCAS advisor. They guide and support students through the whole process, including subject selection, writing a compelling personal statement, completing the UCAS form and preparing for interview.
Lessons take place in small groups, usually fewer than 10. This allows students to engage more effectively in class and receive plenty of one-to-one attention from the teacher. Students are set more assigned work and get personalised feedback.
We put a great emphasis on exam technique as this is vital for achieving the highest grades.
Each half term (six weeks) students sit mock exams based on previous exam paper questions, after which they receive a progress report.
Throughout students’ time at the college they will work closely with teachers and Personal Tutors to track and improve performance.
“My teachers, in a much smaller class environment, knew me alot better, they knew my needs, I could go to them with things that potentially I couldn’t have done at my old school”
Ashbourne’s approach to education is refreshing and different from most traditional schools. The grown-up relationship between students and teachers encourages critical thinking, imagination and independence.
We offer outstanding opportunities for A level retake students with the option to take up additional one-year courses for A level. This allows students to create an educational pathway that suits their needs and goals. We will then support them to ensure they feel secure, confident and able to reach their potential.
Everyone at the college is expected to help make Ashbourne a friendly, safe and dynamic place to learn. We encourage and support all students to embrace this adult-approach to learning through mutual respect, collaboration, discipline and holding high expectations.
Ashbourne welcomes students from all over the world so there is a wonderful diversity of personalities, interests and goals, in part because we offer more than 25 different A level subjects.
The learning environment is vibrant and collaborative and is complemented with an exciting programme of extra curricular activities, events and clubs so students can quickly settle in and form lasting friendships.
Ashbourne is superbly located in a beautiful part of London near Kensington Palace and Hyde Park, with world-class attractions and venues within walking distance.
Click here to contact our admissions team if you’re ready to apply or want to explore our offering further.
This attention to detail, combined with extra bespoke support as required for entry into specific universities and courses, enables pupils to have the very best chance of moving onto their desired placements.
1. What are A-level retakes?
A-level retakes give students the chance to improve their previous grades by re-sitting exams. At Ashbourne, these courses are designed to rebuild confidence, strengthen subject knowledge, and maximise university opportunities.
2. How successful are Ashbourne’s A-level retake students?
Between 2023 and 2025, 71% of our A-level retake students achieved A*A grades, with an average grade improvement of 1.5 grades per subject. For example, a student with BBB could typically improve to A*AA or higher.
3. What makes a compelling personal statement?
A strong personal statement clearly explains your motivation for the subject, demonstrates genuine enthusiasm, and highlights relevant skills or experiences. The best statements balance academic achievements with super-curricular activities, showing universities that you are well-prepared, passionate, and ready to succeed.
4. Can I take a new subject alongside my A-level retakes?
Yes, many students choose to replace one of their original subjects with a new one. This flexibility allows students to realign their studies with their future goals.
