GCSEs at Ashbourne:
More Room to Grow

Small class sizes, individual support, and a highly ambitious yet supportive culture underpin GCSE success at Ashbourne. Students learn in a mature, less formal environment with no uniform and first-name relationships with teachers, while being held to high academic expectations. This approach encourages students to take ownership of their learning, develop confidence, and accept real responsibility for their progress, creating strong foundations for future academic success.

Ashbourne delivers GCSE subjects through a highly structured and intensive one-year teaching model, enabling students to cover the full syllabus thoroughly while building strong exam technique and confidence. Students following a two-year pathway complete core subjects in Year 10 before adding optional subjects in Year 11, while those joining in Year 11 can complete all GCSEs in one year without disadvantage. This flexible structure ensures every student is appropriately challenged, fully supported, and exceptionally well prepared for A Levels and progression to competitive universities.

Students who complete their GCSEs at Ashbourne benefit from guaranteed progression into our high-performing Sixth Form, providing both continuity and long-term academic security. With consistently outstanding A Level results, students can focus fully on their studies without the pressure of reapplying or competing for places elsewhere. This clear pathway into A Levels allows students to plan ahead with confidence, build strong relationships with teachers, and begin preparing early for success at top universities.

Ashbourne offers a friendly, inclusive social environment where students feel comfortable being themselves and forming positive relationships. Small class sizes and a mature approach to learning help create a close-knit community built on mutual respect and encouragement. Students are supported both academically and socially, allowing them to grow in confidence, develop independence, and enjoy school life while focusing on their academic goals.

At Ashbourne, the average class size is just 10 students, a key factor in our academic success. Smaller classes allow teachers to truly know and understand each student, building genuine rapport and trust. This trust is essential: when students feel understood, they are more confident in accepting feedback and using it to improve their musical performance. Small classes also deepen subject knowledge by encouraging discussion and debate, aswell as helping students feel confident asking questions, contributing ideas, and engaging fully.

At Ashbourne, GCSE students may have the opportunity to begin A Level study early, either alongside their GCSEs in Year 10 or Year 11. This flexible approach allows students compatible with this option, a chance to extend their academic strengths, stay intellectually challenged, and build confidence in advanced study at an earlier stage.

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.