International Students

Ashbourne is one of the best private high schools in London and has been delivering highly successful A-level courses for more than 40 years.

Our students consistently perform at the highest academic levels, with an impressive ten-year average of 51% achieving A* or A grades at A-level. This sustained success reflects not only the calibre of our students but also the rigorous academic culture we foster.

We are committed to raising achievement year after year. We do this through a wide range of strategies designed to support, challenge, and inspire. These include small class sizes, close monitoring of academic progress, tailored support plans, and targeted revision programmes. Our teachers are passionate subject specialists who take the time to get to know their students, offering regular one-to-one support outside of lessons.

Above all, we treat every student as an individual. Whether they are aiming for the top grades or need more support to get there, we help them find the learning style, pace, and guidance that suits them best. This personalised approach is at the heart of the College’s academic success.

Each year, many of our students progress to leading UK universities, including Cambridge, Imperial, and Warwick. Over the past decade, UCL and King’s College London have been the most popular destinations for our graduates. In each of the past five years, over 60% of Ashbourne students have secured places at Russell Group universities, highlighting our consistent record of academic success and university progression.

University preparation is embedded throughout a student’s journey at Ashbourne. From Year 10 to Year 12, every student is assigned a Personal Tutor who meets with them weekly to review academic progress, set goals, and provide tailored support. In Year 13, students work closely with a dedicated UCAS tutor who offers one-to-one guidance on applications, personal statements, and admissions tests.

Students who join in September can also request university preparation support before the start of term. For those considering international options, we provide expert guidance for applications to institutions in the US, Europe, and beyond.

Ashbourne has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted in both our recent full inspections, in December 2021 and November 2024 – a rare and exceptional achievement. Fewer than 5% of schools nationwide have achieved consecutive Outstanding ratings, placing Ashbourne among the most consistently high-performing schools in the UK.

As the government’s official school inspectorate, Ofsted evaluates teaching, leadership, student progress, and overall effectiveness. Achieving two consecutive Outstanding ratings reflects the strength of our academic culture and leadership. This is more than a marketing claim; it’s an independent and powerful endorsement of the quality, consistency, and ambition that define Ashbourne.

The College receives consistent positive feedback from both parents and students, which has contributed to our Outstanding Ofsted rating and encouraged many siblings of former students to enrol at Ashbourne.

Ashbourne offers a mature, welcoming and close-knit environment where students genuinely enjoy their education. With only around 250 students in the College and class sizes typically capped at ten, each student receives individual attention and is truly known and valued.

We are selective based on behaviour and commitment to learning, which creates a calm, focused and motivated atmosphere. Students join classes with like-minded peers who share a drive to succeed and behave respectfully. Teachers build strong relationships with students, often using first-name terms to encourage mutual trust, openness and active engagement.

Each student is assigned a personal tutor with whom they meet weekly to monitor academic performance, discuss wellbeing and plan ahead. In their final year, students also benefit from specialist UCAS tutors who provide expert guidance on personal statements and university applications.

Ashbourne is independently owned by its Principal, which gives the College a uniquely personal and hands-on feel. Parents are welcome to contact the College at any time, and students are encouraged to reach out for support the moment they need it. We strive to ensure every student feels part of a family, where their goals and wellbeing truly matter.

Each A level student is assigned a Personal Tutor who will guide and support them throughout their time at the college. This includes expert, one-to-one guidance on the entire university (UCAS) application process.

Students are on first-name basis with their teachers and take lessons in small groups, usually fewer than 10. This creates an ideal environment to explore and test out ideas and develop critical independent thinking. Teachers are also able to provide lots of individual attention and set more assignments.

Ashbourne offers far more teaching hours for each course than is typical. This allows students to cover all the material and have plenty of time at the end for revision. Students are offered extensive support outside the classroom through weekly Personal Tutor sessions, subject-specific clinics, support classes and peer group mentoring.

Ashbourne offers a comprehensive English language programme for international students so they can confidently undertake their academic studies and attain the language proficiency required for all UK universities. Students are timetabled 2 hours per week in a group from the start of year 12.

• Interactive sessions which prepare students for success in all four sections of the IELTS test: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

• Preparation to ensure students can access the highest possible band scores required by the most competitive UK universities, also enabling students to meet specific Visa requirements where needed.

• Students improve their academic English skills, including essay writing, using clear expression in English, improving grammar and spelling and developing the sophistication of their language to access the highest bands across a range of A level subjects.

• Exposure to a range of different reading and listening sources relating to a variety of different topics, allowing students to improve their general knowledge around British culture – from science and nature to politics and the arts.

• Option for one-to-one English support sessions, providing a crash course in academic English, for success in IELTS as well as ensuring students have the best possible chance of achieving the highest grades in their A level subjects.

• Lunchtime English conversation club which provides students with opportunities to practise their English speaking skills, gain confidence in speaking in English, and of course to make friends.

Ashbourne offers an array of clubs, activities and events providing a great opportunity for students to make friends, explore new areas and develop skills.

The Ashbourne Revue, which is a spectacular showcase of student talent, is a real highlight for most students (and staff). The annual European Trip is another favourite as are some of the clubs including the Ashbourne Allstars football team, Bollywood dancing, finance club, Model United Nations and Creative Writing.

Ashbourne attracts students from all over the world making the college a vibrant, diverse and exciting place to learn. Hear what some of our internationals students have to say about their experiences of studying at Ashbourne and living in London.

Please contact Ashbourne’s friendly Admissions team on [email protected], call +44 (0) 20 7937 3858 or complete the enquiry form below.