From Ashbourne to UCL: Why So Many of Our Students Choose This Path

At Ashbourne, over 60% of our graduates over the past ten years have progressed to Russell Group universities, including Imperial, Cambridge, LSE, and many more. During this period, UCL has been the most popular destination for our graduates, including the academic year 24/25.
That success is no accident. Year after year, Ashbourne students set their sights on one of the UK’s most respected universities, and so many achieve their aim. This strong track record shows the close connection between Ashbourne and top university destinations.

Strong Academic Preparation
UCL is one of the most competitive universities in the world, which means excellent grades are essential. At Ashbourne, everything we do is designed to help your child reach that standard. From small class sizes that allow students to ask and answer questions frequently, to regular assessments that track progress and keep students on target, we ensure consistent momentum. Personalised feedback and tailored support help each student build on their strengths while overcoming challenges quickly.

This approach has enabled Ashbourne students to achieve the high grades UCL demands across a wide range of subjects, from sciences and economics to the arts and humanities. Many joined us uncertain of their abilities, yet through structured support and consistent encouragement, went on to secure offers they once thought out of reach.

Some arrive at Ashbourne with a clear ambition to study at UCL. Others discover new passions and confidence during their time with us, realising that their goals are within reach after all. We encourage every student to aim high, following our “no ceilings” philosophy. We never pressure students towards one path; instead, we provide the tools, guidance, and belief they need to achieve their own ambitions.

Preparation Starts Early
For many of our UCL-bound students, the journey began before A-levels. Several of this year’s successful applicants first joined Ashbourne at GCSE level, while others arrived fresh from other schools to begin Year 12 or returned as Year 13 retake students. Whatever their starting point, each benefited from Ashbourne’s supportive environment, which helped them develop strong academic skills and the confidence to aim high. For those joining Ashbourne for the first time, support often begins well before their official start date. Students are able to work with our team over the summer on personal statements, supercurricular activities and preparation for university entrance tests. Many former Ashbourne students also return to work with the College during this period, collaborating with the management team to help new students get ready for the year ahead.

For GCSE students, a key part of this early preparation is the GCSE Mini EPQ, which allows students to research a topic of personal interest and present their findings to teachers and classmates. This project nurtures independence, critical thinking, note-taking, and communication, exactly the skills that top universities value. By the time your child moves into A-levels, they are already accustomed to independent study, managing projects, and exploring ideas beyond the syllabus. This foundation makes the step up to advanced study smoother and gives them the confidence needed to aim for competitive universities like UCL.

Real Stories, Real Success
In 2023/24, Ashbourne graduates secured places at UCL across a range of subjects. Some of our students pursued demanding sciences such as Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemistry, and Neuroscience, while others went into highly competitive fields like Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Electronic and Electrical Engineering. For those more interested in people and society, UCL offers included History, Politics and Economics, Psychology, Media, as well as the Science and Engineering for Social Change degree. This breadth demonstrates that, whatever your child’s strengths or passions, the right preparation can open doors at one of the world’s top universities.

In 2024/25, the pattern was slightly different. That year, many of our students chose professional and scientific degrees, earning places in Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, and the MEng in Construction Engineering, Innovation and Leadership. At the same time, there was a stronger emphasis on the humanities, with students progressing to History, History of Art, Philosophy, and Politics and International Relations. Others combined analytical thinking with real-world application in courses such as Statistics, Economics and Finance, Management Science, and

Information Management for Business.
For parents, the contrast between the two years is clear evidence that Ashbourne students can secure places at UCL across a wide variety of degrees, from science and engineering to humanities and social sciences. What matters most is that students choose the path that inspires them. The College’s role is to support those ambitions, offering guidance to help ensure choices are well considered, while providing the teaching and environment that enable students to achieve the results needed. The fact that so many gain entry to one of the world’s leading universities is impressive, but it is ultimately a reflection of students pursuing their own goals, with Ashbourne facilitating that journey.

Getting Ready for University Life
One reason Ashbourne students transition so well to UCL and other top universities is that life here already mirrors a university environment. There are no uniforms, students are on a first-name basis with staff, and students do not have morning registration; they only need to be on site when they have lessons. Your child will learn to manage their own schedule and take responsibility for their learning and independence that universities expect; at the same time, we are here every step of the way to ensure that students are supported.

That freedom is balanced by robust support. Each student is paired with a dedicated UCAS tutor, guiding them through every stage of the application process, from course selection and personal statement writing to interviews and final choices. With this one-to-one support, your child will never be left unsure about their next step.

Teachers are also available beyond lessons, and many students choose to meet them for extra guidance. Subject clinics offer additional opportunities to practise exam techniques, strengthen knowledge, and delve deeper into their subjects.
This blend of independence and tailored support builds resilience, curiosity, and critical thinking, qualities that UCL and other top universities value most.

To Wrap Things Up
If you’re considering top universities for your child, Ashbourne could be the stepping stone that helps them get there. With the right support, focus, and encouragement, your child can follow in the footsteps of so many Ashbourne alumni and secure a place at this world-leading institution. But beyond grades and offers, what truly matters is the transformation your child will experience. At Ashbourne, they will not only be prepared academically but will also develop independence, resilience, and confidence, qualities that ensure they thrive at university and beyond.

1. Why is UCL such a popular choice for Ashbourne students?
UCL is one of the UK’s most competitive and respected universities. Over the past decade, it has consistently been the most popular destination for Ashbourne graduates thanks to strong academic preparation and personalised support.

2. How does Ashbourne prepare students for UCL entry?
Ashbourne offers small class sizes, regular assessments, and detailed feedback to ensure students reach the grades UCL requires. Tailored one-to-one support helps students strengthen weaknesses and build on their strengths.

3. Which subjects do Ashbourne students typically study at UCL?
Students progress to a wide variety of UCL courses, from sciences such as Biochemistry, Pharmacy, and Chemical Engineering to humanities like History, Philosophy, and Politics. Others pursue interdisciplinary fields like Management Science or Statistics.

4. Do Ashbourne students start preparing for UCL before A-levels?
Yes, many begin preparation early, either through Ashbourne’s GCSE programme or through summer support such as personal statement guidance, supercurricular activities, and entrance test preparation.