Ashbourne College’s webinar series, hosted as part of our Virtual Open Events, introduces students to the college.
A levels
Ashbourne students consistently achieve outstanding A level exam results, (50% A*/A over the past 5 years). Director of Studies, Lee Kirby, offers an overview of how the A level system works and outlines the benefit students get from studying at Ashbourne.
View the content slides for this webinar.
University applications
More than 50% of Ashbourne graduates go on to study at Russell Group universities. Director of Studies, Lee Kirby, explains how the university application system works and how Ashbourne prepares its students.
View the content slides for this webinar
Ashbourne Oxbridge Programme
Ashbourne’s Oxbridge Programme coordinator Will Stockland has been helping students prepare for entry into Oxford and Cambridge universities for many years. He takes you through the whole process of applying to these prestigious universities and provide you with an insight into how Ashbourne can help you gain a place.
Ashbourne Medical School Programme
Ashbourne’s Medical School Programme is designed to give students the best possible chance of gaining a place at a top UK university to study medicine and related subjects, and has been running for more than 35 years. Deputy Head of Sixth Form and Medical School Programme coordinator, Amy Youngman, explains how the programme works and describes how Ashbourne prepares and supports our students to make successful applications. Former Medical School Programme students also share their experiences and answer questions.
How to apply
For further information or to apply to study at Ashbourne please contact the college on 020 7937 3858 or email the Admissions Department admissions@ashbournecollege.co.uk.
Why Choose Ashbourne College?
StudentsParentsTeachers
I was drawn to apply to Ashbourne at first based on their phenomenal reputation in the UK, but the reality far exceeded my expectations… No single teacher had the same approach to teaching a subject, which was much more refreshing than the standard lecture & questions approach. From team quizzes during revision period, to weekly workbooks matching the syllabus – the organisation and creativity of my tutors really helped the content stick in my head, which made revision easier when exams came around. My personal tutor was extremely supportive throughout my UCAS application. He would reply emails near instantly if I had any questions, be on hand for regular support when I needed it and loaned me materials to read directly related to my chosen course – Law. Albeit slightly frustrating with the constant tweaking required to my personal statement every week, this was more of a fine tuning process as he would not stop until he knew my personal statement was as perfect as it could be, and I am very grateful for his determination!The hard work and determination required of you at Ashbourne really set me up for life at university as I knew what I had to do to stay ahead and still even applied revision tactics and tips from Ashbourne tutors to my final year of my law degree
NatashaLaw at Queen Mary (University of London); Legal Practice Course (LPC) at BPP Law School
My time at Ashbourne was everything I hoped it would be and more. In the space of just two years my technical understanding and appreciation of music have rocketed higher than I ever thought possible. Thanks to Piers’ outstanding and engaging teaching, I’ve fallen in love with opera and have now, since leaving Ashbourne, written my own, incorporating all the musical devices and tricks we learned about in lesson. So thanks to Ashbourne, I now have the confidence and knowledge to not only apply to my own shows but to the musical developing company called ‘Wishful Thinking’ I now work with as a creative development assistant. I cannot recommend Ashbourne enough for anyone with a drive and a passion to succeed. You will thrive.
CharlotteWishful Thinking Company, Creative Development Assistant
Ashbourne has provided me with the platform, the time and the space to grow intellectually. We are encouraged to read widely and since Ashbourne offers extra curricular critical theory, I have found my subjects being independently stimulated and motivated by cross disciplinary links. Aside from academic growth, Ashbourne has offered me a chance to feel a part of something. The opportunity to be the co-editor of Ashbourne Identity, the college’s student magazine, has given me a sense of responsibility, creative freedom and pride toward Ashbourne’s diversity. From Ashbourne’s Christmas Revue to its annual European trip, the college’s nurturing and collaborative atmosphere will remain a highlight of my time at Ashbourne
VictoriaEnglish and Drama at University of Manchester
My time at Ashbourne was a fun and exciting experience. It had a very relaxed atmosphere which helped me settle in very well. The College’s approach to teaching in the classrooms was very different to traditional 6th form Colleges and a lot more informal which I believe was a great aid in developing my skills in independent study. During my time as a student at Ashbourne, I was passionate about physics and maths as well as music. My teachers and other staff members were very supportive of this and were an incredible assistance in helping me find an ideal course at university which catered to my interest. Thanks to Ashbourne I went on to do a joint degree in Physics and Music at Cardiff University. I graduated in 2018 and have remained at Cardiff to do a masters in Astrophysics.
AmyBSc in Physics and Music and MA in Astrophysics at Cardiff University
During my three-year ride as an Asher, new doors opened up for me to a new world in which I found my true passion. It is encouraging independent learning while providing students with sufficient support when needed, along with its active, lively and friendly atmosphere that give Ashbourne its uniqueness. The location is great and adds to the liveliness of the atmosphere. As far as academia is concerned, the necessary platform for success in most subject areas one might be interested in is provided. The rest is up to the individual
KerryFrench and Management with a Year Abroad at Kings College London
Choosing to study at Ashbourne College is one of the best decisions that I have made. All the academic tutors gave me a lot of assistance when I prepared for the exams and interviews, especially the Director of Studies, John Wilson and Principal, Mike Kirby, who pushed me a lot when I prepared for the Cambridge University interview
ZhuoyuEngineering at Cambridge University
All of the Ashbourne teachers are very kind and friendly. Our principle Mike really helped me a lot in my university application. I got many unforgettable experiences at Ashbourne such as UKMT Maths Challenge and UKMT Team Maths Challenge. I want to say thank you to all the teachers and staff who helped me in these two years
YanniElectrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College
During my three-year ride as an Asher, new doors opened up for me to a new world in which I found my true passion. It is encouraging independent learning while providing students with sufficient support when needed, along with its active, lively and friendly atmosphere that give Ashbourne its uniqueness. The location is great and adds to the liveliness of the atmosphere. As far as academia is concerned, the necessary platform for success in most subject areas one might be interested in is provided. The rest is up to the individual
DanialMedicine at UCL
What I like about Ashbourne is that everyone is enveloped into the really close-knit family, regardless of race or background. The teaching goes beyond simply imparting skills and knowledge, but also extends to encouraging and inspiring students, which makes learning a lot more enjoyable. The amount of passion that everyone has and the amount of individual attention the college gives to every student creates a pleasant and stimulating environment. Ashbourne has exceeded my expectations in so many ways, and I have really enjoyed my time here in the college
Enn Nee PinkyArts and Sciences with a Year Abroad at UCL - University College London (University of London)
I loved the casualness between teacher and student and also I loved the fact that I was essentially, the one responsible for myself and parents were not frequently contacted for any reason i.e to sign up for clubs etc. The responsibility- to turn up on time, to hand in homework on time, to revise effectively- all being left to me, really spurred on me to be productive and hard working. I hope to eventually be working in the city as a trader for a large bank, after doing this in the short term I hope to take money I have saved and open a fashion retail store that stocks up and coming brands in London somewhere. I genuinely feel like Ashbourne has given me the confidence i once lacked to be able to do this
MilunPhilosophy, Politics and Economics at University of Leeds
Gained responsibility and independence and has a mature approach to their studies
Has been given the opportunity to study in a focused and mature way and has thrived in that environment
Our grandson was very ready to make a huge step from recluse, out of step with his age group, not knowing what to do with himself or how to relate to others, many of whom he found terrifying. He found travelling on the tube terrifying and trusted few people. Ashbourne has never pushed him too hard but has always encouraged every step he has taken towards what was sometimes a big risk for him. He has learned to respect himself as a learner, to be realistic about his strengths and what he finds difficult, and is learning what to do about the things he finds difficult. He is becoming sociable, well informed good company, smiles 100% more than he did and travels to and from Ashbourne by tube without a qualm. He is punctual (or sends a message if held up). He is learning to trust the many good people he now recognises as on his side. He is very aware of how much Ashbourne has contributed to these huge changes and is looking forward to trying out University in September, becoming a student, knowing lots of other people will arrive by different routes. A real success story/work in progress. Thank you Ashbourne
My child has benefited from the amazing opportunities Ashbourne offers. He is respected as an individual and his education has been tailored to suit him. He has had brilliant tutors and the small class sizes ensures he is receiving personalised support in all his classes
Our daughter has surely improved her knowledge in the chosen subjects but also her ability in dealing with her everyday life
Treated with kindness and respect whilst being taught to grow as an individual personally and academically
Positive, encouraging environment focuses on what will help Theo rather than what he hasn’t done
She feels well respected as a pupil and gets the assistance she needs to understand the material
Academic excellence in a relaxed atmosphere! Small classes means that the teachers are able to give the students the dedicated attention that they need not only to succeed but also to understand the material taught.This is a nurturing institution that equips students with all the tools they need in future. I would certainly recommend this school to anyone – but saying this I do not want Ashbourne to lose the close knit family relationship that my daughter enjoys with faculty staff, teachers and students. So I want this to remain as a closely guarded secret!!
I have had a very valuable experience working at Ashbourne. I feel lucky that I got such a great opportunity to deal with different kinds of jobs which include; document preparations, helping at some organised opening evenings or dealing with students’ enquiries. Having a chance to deal with these tasks I feel that I have already gained a lot of valuable improvements in the skills which are needed in a college administrative working environment. The Ashbourne staff are very friendly and helpful. They never hesitated to give me advice on the jobs I was doing and what I should and should not do. I can not thank them enough for such great help and experience during all those times I was working at Ashbourne
Kim Anh TranFormer Part-Time Administrative Assistant
Your experience at Ashbourne will most certainly be informative, but its zenith is educational. To be informed is to be empowered, but to be educated is to be enlightened
Dr Barry RhuleMathematics and Physics Tutor
I see Ashbourne as a place which I feel comfortable to express myself and it creates an environment that encourages me to develop as a leader. I am constantly looking for ways to improve. I am determined to continue to develop myself and I know that this is made more attainable with Ashbourne’s fantastic support and encouragement. I am very lucky to find myself at Ashbourne. It is a truly remarkable place to work.
Dennis FulcherHead of Multi-Media and Social Science Faculty
If I had to describe Ashbourne in three words it would be welcoming, intimate, and fun. I have never met such an eclectic group of people who all get on and are integrated with each other so well. It’s a great opportunity to get the grades that you want alongside gaining confidence and maturity
Emily BoothroydFormer Administrative and Behavioural Assistant and PA to the Director of Studies
Since starting work at Ashbourne in September, I was impressed by the amazing sense of community. The students’ combat differences in culture, age and circumstance to form fantastic relationships, and are strongly aided in the support and friendship from teaching and admin staff. Students are always given the attention they deserve, and these factors create a unique atmosphere for successful learning.
Hannah MartinFormer College Administrator and Welfare Officer
Ashbourne is a wonderful place to teach and an even better place to study. The staff treat the students as adults and the mutual respect results in a relaxed university approach to study. Teaching classes that only have a max of 10 allows for individual tuition and greater differentiation within the groups helping the students grow in confidence and develop a love for their subjects. I really like the fact that students are encouraged to refer to their tutors by their first name and feel that this breaks down tutor/student boundaries and means that the students are confident in asking for help. Brilliant students, brilliant tutors, great place to work
Rachel TeasdaleFormer Head of GCSE and Biology Teacher
- One of the best A level colleges in London
- Strong exam results – 2019 47% A* A
- 54% of graduates at Russell Group Universities
