Join us in September 2025
Join our group of leading international colleges based in Cambridge, London and Manchester in September 2025. We offer high-quality Year 9, GCSE, A-Level, BTEC, and International Foundation Programmes along with academic preparation and pre-sessional preparation programmes.
We are fee-paying independent British boarding schools offering a range of high-quality academic programmes and boarding rooms for students from around the world aged 13-21 years. Enquire now to receive more information about studying with us in September 2025 and to speak to one of our International Admissions Advisors.
September 2025 Courses and Subjects Available
We offer a wide range of academic programmes for students aged from 13 – 21 years.
Courses Available
| COURSE | COURSE DURATION | FOR STUDENTS AGED | AVAILABLE AT | PROGRESS TO |
| Academic Preparation Programme | 1 – 3 Terms | 12 – 16 Years 13 – 15 years | Abbey College Cambridge DLD College London | GCSE, A-Level, International Foundation Programme |
| Year 9 | 1 Year | 12 – 13 years 13 Years | Abbey College Cambridge DLD College London | GCSE Year 10 |
| GCSE | 1 – 2 Years | 14 – 16 Years | Abbey College Cambridge DLD College London Abbey College Manchester | A-Level, International Foundation Programme, BTEC |
| A-Level | 2 Years | 16 – 20 Years | Abbey College Cambridge DLD College London Abbey College Manchester | Undergraduate Course at University |
| International Foundation Programme | 1 – 2* Years | 17 – 21 Years | Abbey College Cambridge DLD College London Abbey College Manchester | Undergraduate Course at University |
| BTEC | 1 – 2 Years | 16 – 19 Years | DLD College London | Undergraduate Course at University |
* 2 Year International Foundation Programme is only available at Abbey College Manchester.
Year 9 Subjects Available
| COURSE | ABBEY COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE | DLD COLLEGE LONDON |
| Art & Design | Y | |
| Biology | Y | Y |
| Business Studies | Y | Y |
| Chemistry | Y | Y |
| Computer Science | Y | Y |
| Economics | Y | Y |
| English Language/IELTS | Y | Y |
| English Literature | Y | |
| Geography | Y | Y |
| History | Y | Y |
| Mathematics | Y | |
| Physical Education | Y | |
| Physics | Y | Y |
| PSHEE | Y | |
| Psychology | Y | |
| Sociology | Y | |
| Urban School Project | Y |
2 Year GCSE Subjects Available
| COURSE | ABBEY COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE | DLD COLLEGE LONDON | ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER |
| Art & Design/Art | Y | Y | Y |
| Biology | Y | Y | Y |
| Business Studies/Business Enterprise BTEC | Y | Y | Y |
| Chemistry | Y | Y | Y |
| Economics | Y | Y | |
| English Language/IELTS | Y | Y | Y |
| English Literature | Y | ||
| Esports BTEC | Y | ||
| Geography | Y | Y | |
| Film Studies | Y | ||
| French | Y | ||
| History | Y | Y | |
| Further Mathematics | Y | ||
| Mathematics | Y | Y | Y |
| Photography | Y | ||
| Physics | Y | Y | Y |
| Performing Arts BTEC | Y | ||
| Sports Science | Y | ||
| Sport BTEC | Y | ||
| Religious Studies | Y |
Certain GCSE subjects are compulsory. These subjects may vary by college, but all GCSE courses include compulsory GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language. DLD College London offers students the following optional BTEC Awards as part of its Two Year GCSE programme: Esports, Performing Arts, and Sport.
1 Year GCSE Subjects Available
| COURSE | ABBEY COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE | DLD COLLEGE LONDON | ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER |
| Art & Design/Art | Y | Y | |
| Biology | Y | Y | Y |
| Business Studies | Y | Y | Y |
| Chemistry | Y | Y | Y |
| Economics | Y | Y | |
| English Language/IELTS | Y | Y | Y |
| English Literature | Y | ||
| French | Y | ||
| Further Mathematics | Y | ||
| Mathematics | Y | Y | Y |
| Photography | Y | ||
| Physics | Y | Y | Y |
| Religious Studies | Y |
A-Level Subjects Available
| COURSE | ABBEY COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE | DLD COLLEGE LONDON | ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER |
| Accounting | Y | Y | |
| Art & Design | Y | Y | Y |
| Biology | Y | Y | Y |
| Business Studies | Y | Y | Y |
| Chemistry | Y | Y | Y |
| Computer Science | Y | Y | |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | Y | ||
| Economics | Y | Y | Y |
| English Language | Y | ||
| English Literature | Y | Y | |
| Environmental Science | Y | ||
| Film Studies | Y | ||
| Further Mathematics | Y | Y | Y |
| Geography | Y | Y | |
| Government & Politics | Y | Y | |
| Graphic Communication | Y | ||
| History | Y | Y | |
| Mathematics | Y | Y | Y |
| Media Studies | Y | ||
| Modern Foreign Languages | Y | ||
| Photography | Y | Y | |
| Physics | Y | Y | Y |
| Psychology | Y | Y | Y |
| Religious Studies | Y | ||
| Sociology | Y | ||
| Textiles | Y |
International Foundation Programme Subjects Available
| COURSE | ABBEY COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE | DLD COLLEGE LONDON | ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER |
| Advanced Mathematics & Economics | Y | ||
| Art & Design | Y | ||
| Biomedical Science | Y | ||
| Business & Economics | Y | Y | |
| Business & Mathematics | Y | ||
| Business Management & Economics | Y | ||
| Computer Science & Mathematics | Y | ||
| Creative Art | Y | ||
| Economics & Mathematics | Y | ||
| Engineering | Y | Y | Y |
| Environmental Science | Y | ||
| Fashion Management | Y | ||
| Humanities | Y | ||
| Medicine | Y | Y | |
| Science | Y | ||
| Social Sciences | Y | ||
| Sport | Y |
BTEC Subjects Available*
| BUSINESS | CREATIVE DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION |
| Y | Y |
* BTEC Programmes are only available at DLD College London
2024 Academic Results and University Destinations
2024 Abbey DLD Group of Colleges GCSE Results
| Grade 9 (Equivalent A**) | Grades 9-8 | Grades 9-7 (Equivalent A*-A) | Grades 9-6 (Equivalent A*-B) | 9-5 (Equivalent A*-C) | |
| All College Average | 13% | 25% | 37% | 51% | 65% |
2024 Abbey DLD Group of Colleges A-Level Results
| A* | A*-A | A*-B | A*-C | Pass rate | |
| All College Average | 14% | 38% | 65% | 83% | 100% |
2024 A-Level Students, Top 30 Ranked University Destinations
| 2025 Sunday Times League Table Ranking | University | No of Students Progressing |
| 1 | London School of Economics and Political Sciences | 4 |
| 2 | University of St Andrews | 2 |
| 3 | University of Oxford | 2 |
| 4 | University of Cambridge | 2 |
| 5 | Durham University | 7 |
| 6 | Imperial College London | 6 |
| 7 | University College London (UCL) | 14 |
| 8 | University of Bath | 7 |
| 9 | University of Warwick | 6 |
| 10 | Loughborough University | 2 |
| 11 | University of Bristol | 3 |
| 12 | Lancaster University | 3 |
| 14 | University of Sheffield | 1 |
| 17 | University of Edinburgh | 8 |
| 18 | University of York | 3 |
| 19 | University of Southampton | 1 |
| 21 | University of Surrey | 2 |
| 23 | University of Liverpool | 1 |
| 24 | King’s College London | 13 |
| 25 | University of Reading | 3 |
| 27 | University of Manchester | 8 |
| 29 | University of Leeds | 4 |
| 30 | Newcastle University | 2 |
| 30 | University of Nottingham | 2 |
2024 Abbey DLD Group of Colleges International Foundation Programme Results
| Average Score (out 0f 100%) | |
| All Colleges | 67% |
2024 International Foundation Programme Students, Top 50 Ranked UK University Destinations*
| 2025 Sunday Times League Table Ranking | University | No of Students |
| 8 | University of Bath | 1 |
| 11 | University of Bristol | 1 |
| 12 | Lancaster University | 1 |
| 13 | University of Exeter | 2 |
| 14 | University of Sheffield | 1 |
| 17 | University of York | 2 |
| 19 | University of Southampton | 1 |
| 21 | University of Surrey | 5 |
| 22 | University of Birmingham | 1 |
| 24 | King’s College London | 5 |
| 24 | University of Reading | 3 |
| 27 | University of Manchester | 6 |
| 29 | University of Leeds | 4 |
| 30 | Newcastle University | 2 |
| 30 | University of Nottingham | 1 |
| 34 | Royal Holloway, University of London | 3 |
| 35 | Aston University | 2 |
| 36 | University of Dundee | 1 |
| 38 | University of Essex | 1 |
| 39 | Quuen Mary, University of London | 11 |
| 42 | Nottingham Trent University | 2 |
| 46 | Manchester Metropolitan University | 5 |
| 46 | University of Essex | 1 |
| 49 | City, University of London | 12 |
2024 Abbey DLD Group of Colleges BTEC Results
| DISTINCTION | DISTINCTION – MERIT | |
| % of students achieving | 50% | 100% |
2024 BTEC Student Destinations
| University | Course |
| University of Exeter | Accounting and Finance with Industrial Experience |
| Northumbria University | Entrepreneurship |
| Bournemouth University | Media Production |
| University of Reading | Consumer Behaviour and Marketing |
| University of Greenwich | Physical Education and Sport |
| Royal Holloway, University of London | Business & Management |
| University of Nottingham | Management |
| Oxford Brookes University | Events Management |
| University of Liverpool | Law with Business |
| University of Westminster | Contemporary Media Practice |
Discover more about each of our Colleges.
Read our Student Success Stories
WHY CHOOSE AN ABBEY DLD COLLEGE?
Successful Students
We prepare students for success at university and beyond by helping them to develop into mature, independent, and curious learners in and out of the classrooms.
We offer a wider range of after-school and weekend clubs and activities, many of which are inclusive of tuition fees. Our three colleges work together, collaborate and share ideas to adopt best practice and benefit all of our students.
Vibrant Learning Communities
Each of our colleges a re diverse academic communities bound together by shared ambition and experience. Every year, we welcome students from around the world to study alongside British students. We respect and celebrate different cultures, whilst also helping our students to integrate in and understand British culture and values.
Our academic successes are founded on strong relationships. Students are on first name terms with their teachers, we have a dress code rather than a strict uniform. We encourage discussion, debate and questioning both in and out of class, and we do all this whilst maintaining a culture of focus, ambition and respect.
In the Heart of the City
Our students are perfectly placed to take advantage of living in a great university
city. We organise regular trips and visits to the departments and facilities of worldleading
institutions such as UCL, University of Manchester, and Cambridge University, allowing our students to soak up the academic atmosphere and prepare for their future studies.
In boarding, comfort and safety are the priorities. We have invested heavily to provide our students with some of the best quality accommodation found anywhere in the UK. Live in-house parents provide 24/7 pastoral support and care, making sure that students are safe and supported, making friends, and keeping on track with their studies.
Personalised Experience
Our teachers work closely with each student to create individual learning plans that achieve their academic and personal goals. Small class teaching means our students receive high quality bespoke teaching in every lesson, whilst regular academic check-ins ensure that all students are on track in their studies, with extra support available if needed.
We offer a widerange of course and subject options, ensuring students find the right course to achieve their academic goals.
We offer year 9, GCSE, A-Level, IFP, BTEC and Pre-Sessional programmes for students aged 13 – 21 years. Each student has access to a dedicated personal tutor who will help to guide them through the rigours of college life. Tutors also provide regular updates on academic progress to parents and guardians
Preparing for University
We take pride that many of our students progress onto top ranking universities in the UK and overseas and have dedicated University Tutors are on hand to guide students through the application process.
We recognise that good grades alone are not enough to get into the most competitive universities, so we offer specialist preparation programmes to help students stand out as exceptional candidates and maximise their chances of success.
We support our students to take-part in extracurricular competitions and challenges such as the British Mathematical Challenge, Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, and ISA National Art Competition. Participation enables students to showcase their skills and knowledge outside of the curriculum.
A SPECIALISED SERVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Beyond education, our service includes practical help with visas, social programmes to help you make friends and 24/7 care through House Parents and on-site Nurses.
Enrolment
After you have completed your enrolment, we provide you with everything you need to prepare for your new life in the UK. Our Pre-Arrival information pack contains everything you need to know before joining us:
- Key contacts
- Term dates and timetables
- We send a pre-course reading list and preparation programme. Our Accommodation team will send a list of what items they (you/the student) need to bring to the UK.
On Arrival
- We offer an airport pick-up service
- We show you around your new College and city
- We help you open a bank account, register with a doctor and work out your public transport choices
- We help you with applying for your visa and registering with the police
- You will meet the house parents and staff members who live within your accommodation
College Induction
Our students attend a programme over a number of days in the week before lessons begin to tour the College, meet key staff members, formally enrol and receive their timetables.
You will meet your personal tutor weekly. He or she will monitor your academic progress and attendance, as well as deal with any welfare issues.
We monitor attendance through registration at the start of every lesson. We are totally focused on ensuring you have a responsive, supportive environment in which to learn.
We supply parents with regular reports on areas such as general achievement, attitude and any concerns. We encourage parents to maintain close contact with personal tutors and our pastoral team to discuss any aspect of their child’s progress with us. We also communicate by email or text with parents regarding urgent matters, such as unexpected absence or illness.
*Please note that the UK Government has announced on 29th July it intends charging VAT on all independent education tuition and boarding fees from January 1st 2025. This means that the second and third term of this academic year for all independent education establishments in the UK will be subject to VAT. The college has to charge students for the total amount of VAT, but is working to establish the level of increased cost the college can absorb so as to keep the actual fees increase figure as low as possible. There will therefore be a revised invoice sent to you in December 24 which will include the confirmed VAT amount due on tuition and boarding fees for the second and third term.
