Ashbourne College

Since 1981, Mike Kirby BApSc MSc. Raised and educated in and around Toronto, with a degree in aerospace engineering and astrophysics. He became a maths teacher because he was ‘entirely unsuited to the aerospace engineering profession’ and still te

No generic entry requirements but for year 12, usually at least an average grade 6 at GCSE (or equivalent) with the expectation that students will be aiming for at least a B at A level: ‘We’re looking for students who want to progress and stretch

Most stay on after GCSEs. At sixth form, usually over 60 per cent go on to Russell Group, with London universities most popular – King’s College London, UCL etc. In 2024, three to Oxbridge and four medics. Some overseas too – in 2024 to University

In 2024, 30 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 46 per cent A*/A at A level (78 per cent A*-B). In 2023, 33 per cent 9-7 at GCSE.

Students and staff alike praise the ‘close-knit, community feel’, and staff turnover is correspondingly low. The individual attention is exceptional; for many who didn’t thrive in a bigger school setting, it is life-changing: ‘You can feel the stu

Consistently glowing feedback that ‘Ashbourne is very accommodating of different needs’, including ASC, ADHD and physical impairments. One-to-one support not generally required, even for more complex conditions; small classes mean that teachers kn

Performing arts are popular, including an end-of-year revue in the Conway Hall in which almost everyone gets involved; standard of drama performances is ‘seriously impressive’, said one parent in the industry. Lack of space has its upsides: drama

Not the main event here but GCSE students do get an afternoon of sport off site at Edgware Road; the range of sports varies over the year (eg volleyball, climbing and badminton) and is informed by student feedback. There’s one football team and pl

It’s a supportive, nurturing environment in which ‘students feel safe and calm’ and the pastoral support is some of the most impressively integrated we’ve seen: ‘It’s like an invisible safety net under you.’ The ‘absolutely amazing’ pastoral/safeg

Part of Ashbourne’s appeal is the diverse student body, now about 50:50 international-domestic (40:60 at GCSE), and the wide range of nationalities ‘all rub along together really well’. ‘It gives them a very global outlook,’ says the head. Those w

Not the cheapest option, but students can apply for ‘very generous scholarships’ (up to 100 per cent) in music and drama, underlining how important these subjects are for Ashbourne. Academic scholarships up to full fees also available.

Its high-street setting and flexible structure suit those ready for a bit more independence. Parents say ‘it’s been a succession of pleasant surprises’, delighted at how their offspring thrive so much more here than in more traditional school sett