Ashbourne College

• It was founded in 1981
• Location: London, England, United Kingdom
• Age of students: 14-19 years
• Total number of students: 200 people
• Type of studying: mixed
• Type of accommodation: residence / family (from 16 years old)
• Language of instruction: English.

One of the best private colleges in England and London - Ashbourne College - is designed to prepare students in the upper grades (14-19 years) to the best world and British universities. Founded in 1981 by Mike Kirby, he first specialized in mathematics, economics and the natural sciences - today the list of subjects includes more than 35 variants (including humanities, social sciences, creativity, art and design). In the 1990s, GCSE became part of the college structure, which is actively developing and expanding from year to year. The accreditation of the British Council was received by the college in 1993 and was repeatedly confirmed in the future.

50% of students are British (London residents are mostly), the rest is foreign students, representatives of more than 30 world countries. Learn here on an equal footing can both boys and girls - the college works on a mixed system of education. For foreign students there are supporting language courses EFL ("English as a foreign language"), classes are conducted at least twice a week. Unique to England is the mode of work of the college: it is opened every day until 20 hours plus all day on Saturday, which gives students time to complete all tasks, engage more persistently and intensely.

In the process of education Oxbridge system of the organization of study is used: small classes of 7-10 people, intensive curriculum with a lot of hours, academic rigor, an individual approach to each and flexibility are provided. At the same time, the atmosphere in the college is very informal, friendly: the students are treated as adults (despite constant monitoring of the quality of work and study), their opinion is always listened to. There is no obligatory uniform, and it is customary for teachers to address by their name (but with the necessary subordination). High school students have sufficient level of freedom and independence: this is shown by surveys of graduates, more than 95% of whom say that the time of study at Ashbourne College was very happy and filled with events. Despite the informal atmosphere, close attention to the successes and behavior of students is given rigorously. Twice in a trimester (1/3 academic year), parents receive a full report from teachers and supervisors: it marks the results of examinations, control and verification works, information on attendance, schedule of homework, analysis of diligence and responsibility, received observations and omissions, non-compliance rules, information on participation in leisure activities. Convenient electronic journals are being conducted where parents can quickly get any information about the educational and extracurricular process of students.

Most of the teachers of the institution have been working here for more than 10 years: they are equally successful in dealing with both the British and foreign students, helping students to achieve outstanding results. Thanks to the individual approach, they can give each student a proper amount of personal attention, carefully track academic progress and achievements, check control and home work, if necessary adjusting the educational course.

In 2012, the Council of Independent Schools London placed Ashbourne College in third place in the TOP-private colleges in London and the suburbs (according to the results of the A-level exam). Preparation for the university is the main direction of the educational process (which affects the sufficiently high requirements for applicants, in particular, to the level of the English language). Also, special preparatory courses for medical (BMAT exam) and legal (LNAT) examinations of faculties, Oxford and Cambridge are developed and taught here.

Students achieve special success in studying foreign languages, mathematics, English and literature: in these subjects, the latest A * - A scores on the A-level were 84%, 61%, and 94% respectively (highest scores). More than a quarter of graduates successfully enter the most prestigious and ranking universities, colleges in the UK:

• Oxford
• Cambridge
• Imperial College of London
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• London College of Fashion
• University College of London.

Qualified consultants also help senior pupils to make a statement on admission and collect the necessary package of documents, to write a motivation letter, to educate them to pass a personal interview, to choose a university, faculty or internship program. Each group of students has a mentor who meets with them every week, constantly monitors their progress, organizes useful excursions to university campuses and meetings with representatives of admission commissions, talks about drawing up a portfolio, etc.

Marie de Tito Mount

Chief Executive Officer

What advice would you give to future applicants before applying to British schools and why?

Understand the school’s ethos and ensure it aligns with your goals. I would further advise students to prioritise their English language studies in preparation for the entrance testing phase. 

When looking at applicants, we consider not only the academic record and entrance exam performance, but also students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate character and potential for growth. 

Ashbourne College does not have its own residence for students: rooms are rented in the nearest partner dormitories or a hospitable host family is selected.

1) Residences with which the college cooperates (twenty-four-hour protection of the whole territory):

• Queen Alexandra House - a women's home in 10-12 minutes walk from the educational building (capacity for up to 100 people). Cozy single rooms with private facilities, Internet access and WiFi, common living rooms for relaxation, piano classes and computer labs, kitchens and laundries are on each floor. Meals are organized for an extra charge in a common light, spacious dining room (half board on weekdays, full board on weekends).
• Hyelm House is the residence for boys and girls (16-24 years) in Hampstead (40 minutes drive to the school). Rooms for 1-2 people (with and without conveniences), laundry and private cafe, squash courts and gym, sauna, self-study classrooms, Internet access. Meals are served half board on weekdays and boarding on weekends.
• Mansion Student - a network of mixed dormitories (you can find a residence in the City, Chelsea and other areas of London). Rooms for 1-2 people + double small apartments with their own amenities: rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, TV and Wi-Fi. In general, there are laundry, sports and gyms, car parks and parking for bicycles, separate storage for things; students have access to a common, well-equipped kitchen.

2) Host family

All families and homes with which the college cooperates, have been carefully selected and constantly checked by the school staff - a personal guardian will look after the student (we will help you to find the right agency with an irreproachable reputation). Students are offered half board meals (breakfast + dinner) - they can dine at numerous cafes and restaurants near the college: dinner at Kensington High Street will cost about 3-5 pounds.

Subject list: Accounting, anthropology, biology, economics, engineering, geography, history, international relations, Machinery manufacturing, maths, music, politics, Psychology
Activity list: badminton, bowling, carting, fitness, football, karate, rock climbing, skating, table tennis

Sport is included in the curriculum of students and as standard lessons in physical education, and as weekly electives for the whole day are organized:

• Football
• Ping pong
• Cyclotourism
• Pilates
• Gym, including the power zone
• Rock climbing
• Martial arts
• Swimming in the pool (+ sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi)
• Yoga
• Badminton and others.

In the neighborhood of Ashbourne College there are large sports centers (Westway Sports Center, Chelsea Sport Center), where students are offered discounted subscriptions.

There are a lot of clubs and studios on interests, where everyone can show their unique talents and abilities:

• Language clubs: classical Latin, Italian, Japanese, French, Spanish, German
• Choreography: Indian, Latin American dances
• Dramatic art and theater
• Chess
• The Ashbourner College's own newspaper
• The study of critical theory
• Astronomy
• Scientific communities (for example, the study of elementary particle physics)
• The original "Society of Vagabonds" for fans of walking tours of London and other British cities and etc.

Regularly arranged interesting, fascinating common events, meetings, games and celebrations. Annually, the "Eschborn-revue" is held: a major talent show in the Christmas period. Students demonstrate their talents in music and vocals, drama and acting, dance, design and fashion, conduct graphic and linguistic, cultural and regional presentations and shows. During the winter holidays, a week-long trip is usually organized around European countries - festively decorated cities and a cheerful atmosphere will not leave anyone indifferent! Anyone can take part in eventsof the college:

• Trips to theaters and museums, art galleries in London, visits to interesting exhibitions, performances, visits to opera and large concert halls
• Trips to major sports games, matches and competitions (especially football)
• Carting
• Skating
• Mathematical and scientific competitions, olympiads
• Numerous excursions around the regions of London, other unique British cities
• Sports games and competitions
• Tournament on game on consoles
• Thematic excursions for members of different communities: visits to the best restaurants (for the members of the culinary club), trips to art galleries, artist Workshops and acquaintance with famous masters (for pupils of creative communities).

According to the results of 2018:

• On the A Level program - 50% of students earned the highest A - A * points.
• On the graduation program GCSE - 60% of students received 5 points or more.

Both buildings in which the college is located are literally 100 meters from the famous Kensington Palace (the official residence of Prince William and the Duchess of Catherine), close to many city attractions, monuments of culture and architecture:

• Imperial College of London
• The Victoria and Albert Museum
• Hyde Park
• Museum of Natural History
• concert hall Albert Hall.

The major international airport of Heathrow is only 20 kilometers away, which greatly facilitates the transfer and travel of students.

The buildings of the college are excellently equipped for comfortable, productive education and a pleasant stay:

• Bright and modern audiences, classrooms and lecture halls with interactive boards and computer equipment
• A large computer lab (all PCs have Internet access, software is constantly updated)
• An extensive library with printed and electronic resources (including periodicals, art publications and teaching aids)
• Fast Wi-Fi for laptop owners
• Scientific and practical laboratories
• Spacious, beautifully equipped art studios: for ceramics and pottery, photography, design, drawing, painting
• A modern cinema laboratory with the latest digital equipment (students are involved in animation, directing, journalism and design), plasma TV equipment and MAC, a rich collection of the best examples of world cinema.

Academic year in college is divided into traditional trimester for Britain:

• Autumn: September 4-December 15 (vacation from October 23 to 27)
• Spring: January 2 - March 23 (vacation February 12-16)
• Year old: April 16-May 25
• "Easter repetition" (Easter revision): March 23-30, April 2-6, April 9-13.

Paid additionally:

• Registration fee
• Examination Boards
• Deposit for tuition (= 1 trimester cost)
• Additional academic and language classes (optional)
• EFL lessons for international students
• Additional leisure activities and excursions (optional)
• Deposit for tutorials and materials
• Accommodation and meals (residence / family, half board)
• Guardianship (registration with the agency + guardian services)
• Air tickets in both directions
• Transfer in both directions
• Compulsory medical insurance
• Personal pocket expenses
• Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents
• Consular fee (paid at the Embassy).

Extras:

• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 300 GBP
• Deposit for a course/programme 250 GBP

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision