What to Ask When Choosing an A-level College

Choosing an A-level college is a big decision. You’re about to spend two of the most important academic years of your life somewhere new, and the environment you choose will shape your confidence, performance, and opportunities. Open days and interviews can sometimes feel like a blur, so what should you really be asking to figure out if a college is the right fit?

Here are some key questions to help guide your thinking and make sure you find a place where you can thrive.

What’s the Teaching Like?
Not just qualifications or league table positions, ask about the experience in the classroom. How many students are in each class? Do teachers make time for one-to-one support? Will they know your name and notice when you’re struggling?

At Ashbourne, class sizes are deliberately small, often fewer than ten students. This means you can speak up, get help quickly, and build a real relationship with your teachers. You’re not just another face in the room, you’re known, taught, and challenged.

How Will I Be Supported?
Sixth form comes with pressure. Between exams, deadlines, and applying to university, you’ll need strong academic and emotional support. So ask: is there someone I can go to if I’m feeling overwhelmed? Will my tutor actually know what I’m going through?

Ashbourne students meet regularly with a personal tutor who tracks progress, gives advice, and genuinely cares. It’s part of the College’s culture of genuine support, where students are expected to take responsibility, but never left on their own.

Is the Environment Right for Me?
Different colleges have different atmospheres. Some are formal, others are relaxed. Some are very big, some very small. When you visit, notice how students speak to staff, how they carry themselves, and whether the place feels like somewhere you’d be comfortable.

Ashbourne balances discipline and independence. There’s structure, but also flexibility. You’re treated as a young adult, but staff are approachable and on your side. It’s a place where ambition is respected, but individuality is welcomed too.

What Happens Outside the Classroom?
Sixth form isn’t just about lessons. What kind of activities, trips, or experiences does the college offer? Will you have chances to lead, perform, or just do something different from your subjects?

At Ashbourne, major events like our Mock Weeks and The Revue add depth and excitement to the year. Whether you’re performing, organising or just watching, you’ll be part of something fun and energising, part of a college that’s both vibrant and supportive.

Will I Be Ready for What’s Next?
Ask what kind of university and career support is offered. Will someone help with your personal statement? Do staff understand the UCAS process inside-out?

At Ashbourne, students receive tailored guidance on university applications, including Oxbridge and medicine. The focus is not just on ticking boxes, but on helping you build a clear, confident pathway to the future you want.

To Summarise
It’s easy to get caught up in glossy brochures or drawn into the numbers game of league tables, but choosing the right college is about far more than surface impressions. The real test is asking the right questions and paying attention to the answers: How will I be supported? Will my individuality be recognised? Is this an environment where I’ll be encouraged to push myself, but also cared for when things get tough?

A great sixth form should feel like more than a stepping stone to exams, it should be a community where you are seen, supported, and stretched to reach your potential. At Ashbourne, that balance is at the heart of everything we do. We set high academic standards, but we also invest deeply in personal care and guidance. Students don’t just succeed here because they’re bright; they succeed because the college equips them with the confidence, resilience, and independence they need to become the best version of themselves, both at university and beyond.

1. What should I look for when choosing an A-level college?
When choosing an A-level college, consider factors like teaching quality, class sizes, academic support, and the overall environment. A good fit is one where you feel challenged academically but also supported as an individual.

2. How important are class sizes in A-level colleges?
Class size can make a big difference to your learning. Smaller classes usually mean more one-to-one support from teachers, greater interaction, and stronger relationships that help students stay engaged and on track.

3. What kind of support should an A-level college provide?
A strong A-level college offers both academic and pastoral support. This includes personal tutors who monitor progress, provide guidance on stress and workload, and ensure you are ready for exams and university applications.

4. How do A-level colleges prepare students for university?
A strong A-level college will offer guidance on UCAS applications, personal statements, and interviews. Some also provide tailored support for competitive pathways like Oxbridge and medicine.