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 settings. No fancy facilities or rolling sports fields, but for those seeking top-notch teaching in a grown-up yet highly nurturing environment, Ashbourne is ‘a little gem’.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 270 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 227 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £40,000 pa
- Local authority
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council

Headteacher
Principal
Mr Michael Kirby
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
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Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.

Entrance
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

Exit
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

Latest results
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.
% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)
What is this?
Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.

Teaching & learning
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
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE

Learning support & SEN
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

Arts & extracurricular
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

Sport
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

Ethos & heritage
It may have been in the same building for 30 years, but what started as one teacher in one room with two students aiming for better grades has evolved into a school with two sites, nearly 300 students, and maths, science and economics A levels hav

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
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

Pupils & parents
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

Money matters
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.
- Fee information
- £40,000 pa

The last word
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
