About us

Ashbourne was founded in 1981 and has since become one of the best sixth form colleges in London.

The individual attention each student receives makes all the difference to their academic performance and places Ashbourne in the top 5% of UK schools and colleges for ‘value added’.

As a result our students are hardworking, ambitious and consistently achieve excellent A level exam results, 54% A*A (2022-2023).

More than half of our graduates go on to study at world-class universities including UCL, Imperial, Oxford and Cambridge.

Ashbourne is different from traditional schools. We embrace a friendly, informal but disciplined approach to education.

You will be on first name basis with your teachers and take lessons in small groups, usually fewer than 10.

This means your teachers can offer you more focused attention and set more assignments.

We also offer far more teaching hours for each course than is typical.

This allows you to cover all the material and have plenty of time at the end for revision.

Together this creates an ideal environment for you to explore and test out ideas and develop critical independent thinking.

You will take a lead role in designing an educational programme that best suits your needs and ambitions.

For example, you may choose to start a four-year GCSE programme that leads up to A levels.

Or, select from a one-year, 18-month or two-year A level programme with a choice of more than 25 A level subjects.

Whichever pathway you take we will provide the comprehensive support and guidance necessary for you to reach your goal.

You will be offered extensive support outside the classroom through weekly Personal Tutor sessions, subject-specific clinics, support classes and peer group mentoring.

Personal Tutors also provide one-to-one support and expert guidance on the entire university application process.

Throughout your time at the college you will work closely with your teachers, Personal Tutor and the Director of Studies to monitor and discuss your academic performance and progress.

We provide a comprehensive network of support to help you reach your academic potential and feel secure and confident.

Everyone at Ashbourne is expected to play their part in making the college a friendly, safe and dynamic place to learn.

Mutual respect, tolerance and collaboration reflect our grown-up approach to education.

This is vital for student happiness, which we consider our most important goal.

Whatever your tastes, there are plenty of clubs, activities and events offering great opportunities to make friends, explore new areas and develop your skills.

The Ashbourne Allstars football team, Bollywood dancing, finance club, Model United Nations and Creative Writing are just a few to mention.

The Ashbourne Revue, a spectacular showcase of student talent, is a highlight of our programme of events.

Ashbourne is superbly located on the borders of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens in the heart of London.

World-class venues and attractions are within walking distance from the college including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Albert Hall.

Major libraries, art galleries and theatres are also within easy reach of the college as well as shopping in Kensington and Knightsbridge.

The extensive range of subjects on offer attracts students from all over the world, comprising around 50 different nationalities.

With them they bring a diversity of personalities, abilities and ambitions making the college a vibrant and exciting place to learn.

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