Ashbourne College is a privatesixth formcollege located in Kensington, London, England.[1] It was founded in 1981 by its current principal, Michael Kirby. The college offers A-level and GCSE courses in a coeducational environment and is a member of the Council for Independent Education (CIFE).[2] The student body comprises approximately 60% domestic (UK-based) students and 40% international students.[3]
Ashbourne College offers a broad range of academic programmes and has reported achieving an average of approximately 51% A*– A grades at A-level over the past decade.[4] The college is also ranked in the top 2.5% of UK schools for value-added progress, categorised as ‘well above average’ by the Department of Education.[5] While most students enrol in a standard two-year A-level course, Ashbourne also provides retake courses. On average, students taking retake courses improve their grades by 1.5 per subject entry upon completion.[6]
Environment
Ashbourne College operates with small class sizes and a teaching format intended to offer higher levels of individual attention and to promote student participation.[7] Students and teachers are typically on a first-name basis, which the college describes as supporting a collaborative and informal learning environment.[8] Each student is assigned a personal tutor who monitors academic progress, mock exam results, and attendance. Tutors provide individual academic guidance and support through the university application process, including preparation for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) submissions.[9]
The GCSE curriculum includes core subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science (Double Award), and a modern European language, with a range of optional subjects on offer as well as PSHEE and physical education.[12] The college also runs Easter Revision courses, open to both current and external students.[13] Students may choose from more than 25 A-level subjects, and lessons are typically taught in two-hour sessions with a short break, and teaching time averages around six hours per subject each week.[14]
Ofsted rating
Ashbourne College was rated Outstanding in full Ofsted inspections conducted in December 2021 and again in November 2024.[15] Inspectors evaluated all major categories, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision, as outstanding.[16] The reports highlighted the quality of teaching, student motivation, and the college's support in preparing students for university progression.[17] Ofsted inspectors stated in their 2024 report that "pupils display exemplary behaviours and attitudes to their work and to others. The school, thus, has an extraordinarily happy, calm and purposeful environment. Pupils come from a wide range of countries and cultures."[18]
The college offers a range of extracurricular activities, and as stated by Ofsted, “The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities.”[22] The college offers a range of extra-curricular clubs, including Model United Nations, music, creative writing, football, and many more.[23] Additional cultural and recreational activities are scheduled throughout the year and have included visits to escape rooms, art exhibitions, and international trips to European cities.[24]
Ofsted noted that "pupils have opportunities to participate in trips to places in the UK, Europe and further afield and to engage in meaningful volunteering work."[25] The academic year typically concludes with a student-led event, The Revue, showcasing performances and creative work in music, theatre, fashion, and the visual arts.[26]
Fees and scholarships
As of the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition fees are £12,650 per term for UK students and £13,750 per term for international students. Fees apply to both GCSE and A-level programmes.[27] The college offers partial scholarships, primarily for high-performing applicants in subjects such as Music, Drama, or STEM, based on academic records and entrance assessments.[28]
↑ "Ashbourne College – International Diversity". GoToUniversity. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "Their students are chosen from around the world, resulting in an average student population of roughly 60 % British and 40 % international."
↑ "Outstanding A level results". Ashbourne College. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "A level results (average) over the last 10 years — A*A 51%"
↑ "High Schools in London, England – Ashbourne College". Ashbourne College. 3 May 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "Teachers build strong relationships with students, often using first-name terms to encourage mutual trust, openness and active engagement."
↑ "Ashbourne Sixth Form College location". Ashbourne College. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "A fantastic selection of 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."
↑ "Ashbourne Sixth Form College location". Ashbourne College. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "Ashbourne College has two sites situated very close to each other off High Street Kensington"
↑ "GCSE Courses at Ashbourne: A Home from Home". Ashbourne College. 28 April 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "Students take five core subjects: Maths, Science, English Literature, English Language and a major European language. Students also take part in PSHEE … and PE for two hours each per week."
↑ "Easter Revision Courses". Ashbourne College. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "Ashbourne's intensive Easter Revision courses offer students structured, effective and efficient revision practice run by expert teachers in small class sizes."
↑ "Top A‑Level College in Central London". Ashbourne College. 28 April 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "With 25+ A-level subjects, small class sizes… Teaching hours at Ashbourne are around six hours per subject per week. Lessons fall in two hour slots with a ten minute break on the hour."
↑ "Oxbridge, Medicine and Specialist University Programmes – Ashbourne College". Ashbourne College. 19 January 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2025. UCAS support and guidance on all aspects of the application process from finding the right course and meeting all the requirements to writing a relevant and compelling personal statement and accepting an offer.
↑ "Specialist University Programmes". Ashbourne College. 19 January 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "programmes typical involve weekly workshops… specific entrance exam preparation. Interview practice. UCAS support … EPQ guidance."
↑ "The Ashbourne Revue". Ashbourne College. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "Every year students and staff from across the college come together to create … the very popular Ashbourne Revue, showcasing their skills and talents in art, fashion, music, dance and drama."
↑ "Ashbourne A level College fees". Ashbourne College. 12 May 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "A levels. Home student Per term £12,650. International student Per term £13,750. GCSE (one‑year GCSE programme, five or more subjects) Home student Per term £12,650. International student Per term £13,750."
↑ "Ashbourne Scholarships Programme". Ashbourne College. Retrieved 7 July 2025. "The Ashbourne Scholarships Programme offers a limited number of scholarships – ranging from 10% to 100% – to gifted and talented students particularly in Music, Drama and STEM subjects. We carefully consider all applications and require all applicants to complete tests and interviews in order to evaluate their aptitude and potential."
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