“What I most enjoyed during my GCSEs at Ashbourne was the sense of community there was, not only across our year but the school as a whole.”
Carlota, Psychology at University of Liverpool
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Ashbourne’s flexible GCSE programmes are designed to take students up to A level. GCSE students who follow this pathway, (around 90% of our candidates), typically attain the very best A level results at the college.
We teach each GCSE subject over one academic year. It is intensive but because the courses are so well structured and delivered it is possible to cover the whole syllabus, get in plenty of exam technique practice and have enough time for revision.
Students taking a two-year programme will complete all core compulsory GCSE subjects (English, Maths and Science) in Year 10. In Year 11, they choose two to four optional subjects to complete by the end of that academic year.
A level foundation
As GCSE core subjects are foundational for A level, Year 10 students need to attain a working grade 7 or above by the end of March to sit the official GCSE examinations. They will be able to complete the course again in Year 11, alongside their optional subjects, if they do not manage to meet this requirement. This will allow them to improve and consolidate their subject knowledge in order to get the best results and prepare sufficiently for A level.
A level head-start
Students consistently performing at a high level at the beginning of Year 11 may have the option to begin one or two A level subjects at this point. This provides a head-start in the A level programme potentially allowing students to more comfortably undertake four A levels: completing one A level in Y12 and three more in Y13.
Top-ranking universities recognise the challenge and commitment involved in taking 4 A levels like this. It is a great option if students are considering studying Further Maths as they will be able to complete A level Maths by Year 12. This is also a good choice for students to take an A level in their native language, e.g. Italian or Mandarin.
Students on a one-year GCSE programme starting in Year 11 complete both core and optional GCSE subjects in one year, then move on to our two-year A level programme.
“If you want a school that is nurturing, that prepares you for life, that respects you, that treats you like you are valuable, then I couldn’t recommend Ashbourne enough.”
Hope, studying Computer Science at Leeds University
GCSE subjects
GCSE students will need to study all of the core compulsory subjects. These are English Language, English Literature, Maths and Science Double Award (students will be awarded two GCSEs for Science).
Optional GCSE subjects that students can choose from include Art & Design, Computer Science, Drama, Economics, French, History, Music and Spanish.
Find out more about all the GCSE subjects on offer.
Physical and personal wellbeing
Physical Education (PE) is compulsory and takes place each week at an external sports centre and includes different individual and team sports.
Personal, Social, Health and Economics Education (PSHEE) is also compulsory. During PSHEE lessons students will learn life skills and discuss a wide range of issues including how to build and maintain healthy relationships, taking responsibility for their own behaviour and understanding how to look after their own physical and mental wellbeing.
Personal and career development
Ashbourne encourages and supports students to plan ahead at every stage of their academic career. As early as Year 10, students explore career options, look into university courses and personal development projects, during PSHEE lessons, that will help them pave the way for successful university applications, apprenticeships and careers. Find out more about university and careers preparation at Ashbourne.
“The close friendships I made here have helped me improve my confidence and made my Ashbourne experience very enjoyable. The teachers and students are on a first name basis which allows a better relationship between teachers and students.”
Ariane, English Literature and Philosophy at Durham University
The class sizes are small, typically fewer than 10, so students will get lots of individual attention from the teacher to go over their work. This also makes it easier to engage in lesson topics and discussions with classmates.
Students receive regular homework, attend weekly homework sessions with the teachers and sit half-termly mocks to help consolidate what they have learned and provide markers on how well they are doing so they know what more is needed to achieve their goals.
We work with students every step of the way to help them develop skills, deepen knowledge and ultimately prepare for the move to A level. They will then be among other hardworking, creative and ambitious students aiming for the very best results so they can get into top universities or career fields.
Ashbourne A level students consistently achieve outstanding results, 46% A*A (2023-2024), 51% A*A (10 year average). Around 63% of our students applying for degree courses in the UK go on to study at Russell Group universities, including UCL, King’s College London, Imperial, Warwick and Cambridge.
“Pupils respect the views of others. Their behaviour is excellent. They are polite to each other and to visitors. As a result, lessons have no disruption to learning.”
Outstanding Ofsted Report
When students join Ashbourne for their GCSEs, the expectation, clearly explained at interview, is that they will continue through to complete their A level studies with us, provided they fully commit to their programme and follow the College’s rules. This continuity enables us to begin long-term academic planning early and tailor our programme to meet each student’s individual needs.
Ashbourne students come from all over the world, bringing a rich diversity of cultures, views and personalities that help create a truly vibrant and exciting learning environment. Everyone in our community contributes to a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. Mutual respect, tolerance and collaboration underpin our grown-up approach to education and are central to student wellbeing, which we consider our highest priority.
Our flexible GCSE structure allows some students to begin A level Mathematics in Year 11, creating the opportunity to study Further Mathematics in Year 13. This option, not usually available at other schools, is especially valued by those aiming for competitive STEM university courses.
Students at Ashbourne can feel just as confident studying sciences as they do the arts. Many choose A levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics, drawn by the College’s long-standing reputation for excellence in these areas. At the same time, our dynamic and ambitious arts programmes are designed for students pursuing top UK art schools or creative careers. In Fine Art, Graphic Communication and Textile Design, students receive personalised portfolio support and the freedom to explore their own creative projects.
“I have found each and every one of my teachers to be approachable, considerate, organised and eager to help at all times, which is exactly what students require when undergoing an intensive academic year.”
Nadeen, GCSE student
Ashbourne College is quite different from traditional schools. We offer a university-style learning environment with dedicated and comprehensive support to help students succeed. They have much greater freedom of choice and are encouraged to think independently. There is no set school uniform and students and staff communicate on a first name basis. We believe this all contributes towards building confidence and enabling students to become the driver of their own success.
Getting involved in the many clubs, activities and events the College offers is a great way to make friends, discover new passions and develop their skills.
One of the real highlights for many students (and staff) is the Ashbourne Revue at Christmas in which anyone can showcase their talents and skills 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.
We are located next to Kensington Palace and Hyde Park and within walking distance from some great world-class attractions. London is a fantastic city with so much on offer – galleries and museums, architecture, theatre and film, festivals, restaurants, shopping – that we are really spoiled for choice.
I chose Ashbourne because of its excellent reputation. I can’t stress enough how appropriate the attention has been to my son’s needs, both academically and pastorally. If he has a problem or concern it is dealt with swiftly and with a tremendous amount of understanding and kindness.
Melissa, parent of GCSE student
