Choosing to study at Ashbourne was one of my best decisions because I was so well cared for both academically and personally. This was especially true in preparing for my interview at Cambridge, for which I received a lot of help from my Personal Tutor

Studying at Ashbourne helped me to explore new horizons in art and discover the diverse culture of London. Two years of A-level program have provided me with a knowledge of various Textiles and Fine Art techniques which I hope would be taken further within my specialist area at the university. History of Art helped to develop analytical skills which are absolutely necessary in order to formulate my aesthetic. Now I hope to find my own way within the broad Fashion industry

My time at Ashbourne was incredible! I made lifelong friendships and learnt how to be independent and manage my time well. For me, Ashbourne was a stepping stone between school and university where I was treated as an adult but was still given the guidance I needed to achieve the results that I wanted to get. During my time there I learnt so much, not just about my subjects, but about myself. I came to Ashbourne with a dream to study Music at university and, I am unbelievably grateful that, with the help of the teachers at Ashbourne, I am now a second year Music student at Royal Holloway University of London, my first choice. I have genuinely never been happier.

What I like about Ashbourne is that everyone is enveloped into the really close-knit family, regardless of race or background. The teaching goes beyond simply imparting skills and knowledge, but also extends to encouraging and inspiring students, which makes learning a lot more enjoyable. The amount of passion that everyone has and the amount of individual attention the college gives to every student creates a pleasant and stimulating environment. Ashbourne has exceeded my expectations in so many ways, and I have really enjoyed my time here in the college

I started at Ashbourne doing my GCSEs in 2013, and transitioning to A Levels from there seemed overwhelming at the time. I had no idea what I wanted to study in Uni or do with my life, and I sent myself briefly on the wrong path as a result. The one thing I did right from the start, though, was choose to study English Literature. From the beginning of AS, I found the material to be far more engaging than with any other subject I’d studied (including English at other schools). The classes were always filled with good discussion and the opportunity to ask questions, and they were usually the highlight of my day. English Literature, in my opinion, is a fascinating subject that covers more ground than many give it credit for, with the ability to lead into other subjects like critical theory, philosophy, and history. As I was taught at Ashbourne, the subject gives you the chance to work both analytically and creatively. I wouldn’t call it an easy A Level, but the challenge was rewarding in the end. I’ve even had the chance to use theorists, concepts, and books taught to me by my Ashbourne English Literature teachers throughout both of my degrees, something both time-saving and generally satisfying. Even apart from the lessons themselves, I have always had great admiration for the English teachers at Ashbourne, and I still do. It was James that helped me realise that I had both the opportunity and the potential to study literature at university, and now I’m nearly finished with my MA in Classical Reception from King’s College London, where I also studied Classical Studies with English at undergrad. Without my time at Ashbourne — my time with the English department in particular — I would’ve been doing something very different with my life, which is now very strange to think about. In short: I’m very grateful for the experience I had studying English Literature at Ashbourne, and I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

As I was interested into the arts, I felt that Ashbourne provided great facilities with that particular subject area. I found that Ashbourne was fantastic to prepare me for university application and studies. For example we would have a meeting every week to discuss about our future destinations and get help to prepare our personal statements and portfolios. I really enjoyed playing for the Ashbourne football team, training ones a week and playing against other schools within a league. I also had the chance to go two wonderful trips to Florence in my first year and Lille in second year with the art class. I can’t chose which trip was the better as both were fantastically organised and learned so many new things about its culture and its art history.

I chose Ashbourne College mainly because of how diverse it is, it’s perfect location, A-level success rates and small class sizes.

Biology at Ashbourne contributed a lot to my decision of studying the subject at university. I loved how applicable it was to real life and I realised how important and relevant it was to some of the most pressing issues we face today as a global society. I enjoyed the lessons and when I found myself genuinely excited and looking forward to move onto new topics each term.

I particularly liked Ashbourne because I found the application process and interview were more interesting and challenging than other colleges. I felt I was kept on my feet and required to do a number of exercises whilst applying for a scholarship. I preferred this challenge and felt more of an achievement when I succeeded. I also found the staff to be very enthusiastic about their subject and the students seemed happy and comfortable.

Ashbourne was helpful in my application for university. I was given an Oxbridge tutor who was able to help me with my personal statement and any questions I had to ask about the application process. When the interview stage arrived, I was given a practise interview that helped me to prepare for the real event. After this practise I was given feedback which was extremely helpful and helped me focus my answers more clearly on the day.

Ashbourne College has a really good location in London. Located just next to the Kensington garden, we have easy access to the nature and can  enjoy the palace view within walking distance. Ashbourne College is also close to many famous museums such as Science Museum and V&A Museum. This allowed me to spend my spare time in a meaningful way.

As a student, I was given the opportunity to choose a lot of combinations of subjects that benefited my university plan and interest.

One of the highlight for me was the Easter Revision programme running every year at Ashbourne. Though giving up some of my holiday time, I was more prepared and confident than others when it came to the A-level exams in June.

All of the Ashbourne teachers are very kind and friendly. Our principle Mike really helped me a lot in my university application. I got many unforgettable experiences at Ashbourne such as UKMT Maths Challenge and UKMT Team Maths Challenge. I want to say thank you to all the teachers and staff who helped me in these two years

Our daughter has surely improved her knowledge in the chosen subjects but also her ability in dealing with her everyday life

Has been given the opportunity to study in a focused and mature way and has thrived in that environment

Academic excellence in a relaxed atmosphere! Small classes means that the teachers are able to give the students the dedicated attention that they need not only to succeed but also to understand the material taught.This is a nurturing institution that equips students with all the tools they need in future. I would certainly recommend this school to anyone – but saying this I do not want Ashbourne to lose the close knit family relationship that my daughter enjoys with faculty staff, teachers and students. So I want this to remain as a closely guarded secret!!

Our grandson was very ready to make a huge step from recluse, out­ of ­step with his age group, not knowing what to do with himself or how to relate to others, many of whom he found terrifying. He found travelling on the tube terrifying and trusted few people. Ashbourne has never pushed him too hard but has always encouraged every step he has taken towards what was sometimes a big risk for him. He has learned to respect himself as a learner, to be realistic about his strengths and what he finds difficult, and is learning what to do about the things he finds difficult. He is becoming sociable, well­ informed good company, smiles 100% more than he did and travels to and from Ashbourne by tube without a qualm. He is punctual (or sends a message if held up). He is learning to trust the many good people he now recognises as on his side. He is very aware of how much Ashbourne has contributed to these huge changes and is looking forward to trying out University in September, becoming a student, knowing lots of other people will arrive by different routes. A real success story/work in progress. Thank you Ashbourne

Positive, encouraging environment ­focuses on what will help Theo rather than what he hasn’t done

My child has benefited from the amazing opportunities Ashbourne offers. He is respected as an individual and his education has been tailored to suit him. He has had brilliant tutors and the small class sizes ensures he is receiving personalised support in all his classes

Gained responsibility and independence and has a mature approach to their studies

She feels well respected as a pupil and gets the assistance she needs to understand the material

If I had to describe Ashbourne in three words it would be welcoming, intimate, and fun. I have never met such an eclectic group of people who all get on and are integrated with each other so well. It’s a great opportunity to get the grades that you want alongside gaining confidence and maturity

Your experience at Ashbourne will most certainly be informative, but its zenith is educational. To be informed is to be empowered, but to be educated is to be enlightened

Since starting work at Ashbourne in September, I was impressed by the amazing sense of community. The students’ combat differences in culture, age and circumstance to form fantastic relationships, and are strongly aided in the support and friendship from teaching and admin staff. Students are always given the attention they deserve, and these factors create a unique atmosphere for successful learning.

I see Ashbourne as a place which I feel comfortable to express myself and it creates an environment that encourages me to develop as a leader. I am constantly looking for ways to improve. I am determined to continue to develop myself and I know that this is made more attainable with Ashbourne’s fantastic support and encouragement. I am very lucky to find myself at Ashbourne. It is a truly remarkable place to work.

Ashbourne is a wonderful place to teach and an even better place to study. The staff treat the students as adults and the mutual respect results in a relaxed university approach to study. Teaching classes that only have a max of 10 allows for individual tuition and greater differentiation within the groups helping the students grow in confidence and develop a love for their subjects. I really like the fact that students are encouraged to refer to their tutors by their first name and feel that this breaks down tutor/student boundaries and means that the students are confident in asking for help. Brilliant students, brilliant tutors, great place to work

I have had a very valuable experience working at Ashbourne. I feel lucky that I got such a great opportunity to deal with different kinds of jobs which include; document preparations, helping at some organised opening evenings or dealing with students’ enquiries. Having a chance to deal with these tasks I feel that I have already gained a lot of valuable improvements in the skills which are needed in a college administrative working environment. The Ashbourne staff are very friendly and helpful. They never hesitated to give me advice on the jobs I was doing and what I should and should not do. I can not thank them enough for such great help and experience during all those times I was working at Ashbourne