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 2.5% of UK schools and colleges for ‘value added’.

As a result our students are hardworking, ambitious and consistently achieve outstanding A level exam results, 46% A*A (2023-2024), 51% A*A (10 year average).

Around 63% of our students applying for degree courses in the UK go on to study at Russell Group universities, including UCL, King’s College London, Imperial, Warwick and Cambridge.

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

Students are on first name basis with their teachers and take lessons in small groups, usually fewer than 10.

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

We also provide 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.

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

Students take a lead role in designing an educational programme that best suits their needs and ambitions.

For example, students may choose to start a GCSE programme that leads up to A levels.

Or, select the length of their A level course, such as a one-year, 18-month or two-year A level course, with a choice of more than 25 A level subjects.

Whichever pathway students take we will provide the comprehensive support and guidance necessary for them to reach their goals.

Students are 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 each student’s time at the college they will work closely with their teachers, Personal Tutor and the Director of Studies to monitor and discuss their academic performance and progress.

We provide a comprehensive network of support to help students reach their 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.

There are plenty of clubs, activities and events for all tastes offering great opportunities to make friends, explore new areas and develop 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.

Click here to contact the Admissions Team.