Value Added

Ashbourne College is proud to be ranked 64th out of 2,561 schools and colleges in England for A-level progress in the 2023/24 academic year, placing us firmly among the top 2.5% in the country. This ranking is based on our government-published Value Added score of +0.47, which measures the progress students make from their GCSEs to their A-level results. A score of +0.47 means that, on average, our students achieve nearly half a grade higher per A-level subject than expected, based on their prior attainment.

Value Added is widely regarded as one of the most accurate indicators of a school’s teaching quality because it measures progress, not just outcomes. While A-level grades alone show final attainment, Value Added reveals the difference a school actually makes to its students’ academic journey. For example, a student who enters with average GCSE results but leaves with top A-level grades demonstrates significant progress, proof of effective teaching, strong support systems, and an environment that nurtures achievement beyond initial expectations.

Our exceptional results are powered by Ashbourne’s “no ceilings” approach where there are no limits to what our students can achieve. We combine expert teaching with a highly personalised learning environment to inspire ambition and provide the tools needed to exceed expectations.

We achieve this through small class sizes, which allow for tailored instruction and active engagement in every lesson; one-to-one tutorials, where students receive individual guidance; regular progress tracking to identify strengths and areas for improvement; and customised revision plans designed to maximise performance. Alongside academic strategies, we place strong emphasis on pastoral care, helping students build resilience, stay motivated, and maintain a healthy balance during the demands of A-level study.

The impact of this approach is evident in the remarkable journeys our students take. Many have transformed their academic standing: some moved from E and D grades to strong Bs, others from a U to an A* in Mathematics, and one from an E to an A in Biology. These dramatic improvements are the product of high expectations, targeted support, and the belief that every student can reach exceptional heights.

Our high Value Added score directly translates into outstanding university opportunities for our students. Many who make significant academic leaps go on to secure places at Russell Group universities and other prestigious institutions. Recent successes include students progressing to study at Cambridge, London School of Economics, Imperial College London, University College London, and King’s College London, all after exceeding their original predicted grades.

At Ashbourne, Value Added is more than a statistic, it’s proof that with the right environment, exceptional teaching, and a no-limits mindset, students can transform their futures.

Click here to contact our team if you would like to proceed with an application or learn more about what we offer.