Ashbourne offers a one-year intensive GCSE programme. Students take five core subjects: Maths, Science, English Literature, English Language and a major European language. They can also choose from a range of optional subjects. Students also take part in PSHEE (personal, social, health and economic education) and PE (physical education) for two hours each per week.
Lessons take place between 9am and 4pm, including one hour lunch break from 1pm to 2pm. Each subject receives four hours’ teaching per week. Where there are fewer than three students in a class the teaching time per subject is two hours. GCSE Science Dual Award requires eight hours per week.
Attendance is strictly monitored and any behavioural issues are communicated on a regular basis to parents. Parents will receive reports from tutors every half term, which will include test results from mock examinations set within each subject. There will also be opportunities to meet with members of the teaching staff twice per year, after Autumn and Spring half term break.
We aim for our students to attain five A–C grades in order to continue onto A level.
Please contact the college if you would like to find out more or apply.
Why choose Ashbourne
Small classes
Individual attention begins with the intimacy of classes where there are rarely more than ten students. Aside from the excellent opportunity for engagement, the workload for teachers is less and so they may devote more time to assessing each student’s work individually. Students make progress and learn because of the discipline of regular homework and their efforts are rewarded because of the attention the teacher may give to each piece of work.
Personal tutors
Each student at the college is assigned to a personal tutor who is the first point of contact should parents have any concerns about their children’s education. For GCSE students this role is taken up by the head or deputy head of GCSE who, in liaising constantly with teachers, acts as a mentor and motivator.
Communication
Attention to the individual is reinforced and supported by reports which are written by each of a student’s teachers twice each term. The college is purposefully exam orientated so the reports will include grades for mock examinations which are set with the same interval.
Location
The college has a stunning location next to Kensington Gardens in central London. Its situation offers splendid opportunities to visit nearby cultural icons like the Science and Natural History museums and the Victoria and Albert Museum to name but a few of London’s world renown cultural attractions.
Ambience
Ashbourne is much more informal and collegial than in most secondary schools; more often than not, teachers and students are on a first name basis. Because of the great range of subjects found within the college’s curriculum, there is great diversity at Ashbourne which is reflected by the equally broad range of personalities, interests and ambitions of its students.
Happiness
Most students develop a warm affection for Ashbourne and form friendships that will be lifelong, despite the short term nature of their courses. Student happiness is our most important outcome.
GCSE grading system
The new GCSE grading system started in summer 2017. This table illustrates how the new grading system compares to the previous system.