Top Ranked London
High School

Ashbourne College is recognised as one of the best High Schools for unlocking the academic performance and personal skills required to gain entry to the very top UK Universities. Ashbourne’s team of experienced UCAS Tutors offer specialised and strategic support to help students acquire the insights and experiences required to build a strong enough application to secure a place at their top choice University.

Ashbourne is located on High Street Kensington, one of London’s most prestigious, safe, and renowned areas in the capital. This central location places students minutes from the Royal Kensington Palace and Gardens, as well as world-famous museums, galleries, and leading universities that offer free public academic lectures. Studying in such a rich cultural and intellectual environment gives students frequent access to enrichment beyond the classroom, helping them develop maturity, curiosity, and global awareness. These experiences provide meaningful content for personal statements and interviews, strengthening university applications and preparing students for study at top global institutions.

University College London (UCL) is our most popular destination, and students regularly progress to world-leading institutions including Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE, and London medical schools. Over 63% of Ashbourne students progress to Russell Group universities, although not all students choose to apply within the Russell Group, with some pursuing overseas options or alternative first-choice destinations. Our focused preparation and specialised university programmes ensure students secure places on highly competitive courses that align with their academic strengths and long-term aspirations.

Ashbourne’s academic success is driven by expert teachers who are hand picked based on the depths of their passion and experience within their subject area. Many have examined for UK exam boards or taught at leading independent schools, giving them an exceptional understanding of how top grades are achieved. Teachers work closely with students, adapting their approach to individual strengths and challenges, and providing precise, actionable feedback. This high level of expertise ensures students are not only well prepared for exams, but also develop the independent thinking, confidence, and academic maturity required for success at leading UK and international universities.

At Ashbourne, the average class size is just 10 students, a key factor in our students’ 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 academic performance. Small classes also deepen subject knowledge by encouraging discussion and debate, which is vital for A-level success where understanding, not memorisation, leads to top grades. Finally, students feel more comfortable asking questions, contributing ideas, and engaging fully.

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.