Join Our Global Learning Community: UAE Applicants Invited to Study A-Levels.
Study A-Levels at one of the prestigious Abbey DLD Group of Colleges in the United Kingdom. The Abbey DLD Group of Colleges is a collection of three fee-paying independent British schools in Abbey College Cambridge, DLD College London, and Abbey College Manchester. Each college offers a range of high-quality academic programmes and boarding accommodations for students from around the world and from the UK.
By studying A-Levels with us, you will gain access to a world-class education that will prepare you for higher education and future success. We are currently accepting applications from ambitious students from the United Arab Emirates looking to start their UK studies in September 2024.
Key Application Information
Age on Entry: 16 – 20 Years
International Students Tuition Fees: £30,000 – £37,600
Boarding Fees: £16,300 – £35,700 (Independent Living may be possible for students aged 18+ years)
Host Family Accommodations: £12,000-£18,100*
Watch our Abbey DLD Group of Colleges Video
The Benefits of Studying an A-Level Programme
- Intensive two-year Programme. Focus on the subject area that you want to study at university
- High standard teaching provided by experienced teachers in small classes
- Qualifications designed to meet the rigour of university education so you are well-prepared
- Students Progress to top UK Universities: In 2023 over 50% of graduates joined a top 50 ranked university, nearly 40% joined a prestigious Russell Group University
Learn more about studying A Levels at the Abbey DLD Group of Colleges.
Why Choose the Abbey DLD Group of Colleges?
The Abbey DLD Group of Colleges consists of three independent schools located in Cambridge, London, and Manchester. We offer secondary/high-school level education, with the majority of our graduates ultimately moving to study undergraduate courses at universities in the UK and around the World. Our group is long-standing, with our first college, DLD College London, having been established in 1931. We offer a wide variety of academic study programmes.
Each of our colleges has its own unique personality, but they are united by a set of common goals. At Abbey DLD we strive to achieve the highest academic standards whilst providing a welcoming, safe, high-quality teaching and boarding experience for students from around the world.
Our aim is to help our students achieve the academic success needed to progress to the UK and the world’s top universities, whilst also developing the personal skills and qualities to succeed at university and beyond.
Here are a few reasons why you should choose us:
- City Centre Locations: Three city centre locations in Cambridge, London, and Manchester, offering a wide range of activities right on your doorstep
- Award-Winning Colleges: Both our colleges and our students have achieved recognition for their excellence having won multiple national and international education awards
- Higher Standard Education: We are committed to maintaining the highest academic standards, ensuring you receive top-quality teaching and guidance.
- Experts in International Study: With years of experience helping international students reach their academic goals, we understand your unique needs and aspirations.
- Top-Ranked Results & Destinations: Our dedication to excellence is evident in our students’ remarkable achievements, with many gaining admission to prestigious universities.
- 5-Star Urban Boarding: Experience the finest boarding accommodation in the vibrant cities of Cambridge, London, and Manchester, providing a comfortable and secure home away from home.
- Gain Experience Outside Of Your Studies: At Abbey DLD, education goes beyond the classroom. We offer a well-rounded experience, allowing you to develop skills and interests that will serve you well in life.
The Abbey DLD Group of Colleges caters to students aged between 13 and 21 years, making us the ideal place for a seamless transition from secondary school to university.
Why study A-Levels?
Advanced Level courses, commonly known as ‘A Levels’ are the most widely recognised qualification for entry to UK universities.
A Level Course duration and start dates
| Duration | Starts Every | English Requirement (Minimum) | Available At |
| 2 year | September | IELTS 5.5 | Abbey College Cambridge, DLD College London, Abbey College Manchester |
Most students will take 3 or 4 A Level subjects over the duration of their studies. A Levels offer a good balance between specialisation and choice, allowing students to focus on the subjects that really interest them whilst maintaining the breadth of subject choice. A Levels also offer progression to the widest range of universities and are the best option for students looking to join a top-ranked university.
How are A-Level Programmes Taught?
A Level Course content is divided into different sections, and students are encouraged to develop and understand the links between them. Teaching is based upon developing an understanding of the key concepts and skills of the subject, with a strong focus on practical real-world application.
We offer the following A Level subjects to choose from across our colleges.
| Abbey College Cambridge | DLD College London | Abbey College Manchester | |
| Accounting | Yes | – | Yes |
| Art & Design | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Biology | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Business | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chemistry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Classical Civilisation | – | Yes | – |
| Computer Science | Yes | Yes | – |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | – | Yes | – |
| Economics | Yes | Yes | Yes (Subject to Demand) |
| English Language | – | – | Yes |
| English Literature | Yes | Yes | – |
| Environmental Science | – | – | Yes |
| Fashion | – | – | Yes |
| Film Studies | – | Yes (Subject to Demand) | – |
| French | – | – | Yes |
| Further Mathematics | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Geography | Yes | Yes | – |
| Graphic Communication | – | Yes | – |
| History | Yes | Yes | – |
| Mathematics | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Media Studies | – | Yes | – |
| Photography | – | Yes | Yes |
| Physics | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Government & Politics | Yes | Yes | – |
| Psychology | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Religious Studies | – | – | Yes |
| Sociology | – | Yes | – |
| Spanish | – | – | Yes |
| Textile Design | – | – | Yes |
Learn more about A-Levels and the UK Education system by watching our ‘Introduction to Studying and Boarding in the UK’ Webinar.
A Level Results & Destinations
Abbey DLD Group of Colleges A-Level Results 2023.
| A* | A*-A | A*-B | A*-C | Overall Pass Rate | |
| Abbey College Cambridge | 25% | 55% | 81% | 93% | 100% |
| DLD College London | 10% | 27% | 58% | 78% | 98% |
| Abbey College Manchester | 10.1% | 24.1% | 57% | 81% | 97.5% |
| National Average (England) | 8.6% | 26.5% | 52.7% | 75.4% | 97.2% |
2023 A-Level Students, Top 50 Ranked University Destinations
| Times Good University Guide 2024 | University | No of Students Progressing |
| 1 | University of St Andrews | 1 |
| 3 | University of Cambridge | 4 |
| 4 | London School of Economics and Political Sciences | 5 |
| 5 | Imperial College London | 9 |
| 6 | University College London (UCL) | 17 |
| 8 | University of Bath | 8 |
| 9 | University of Warwick | 4 |
| 10 | Loughborough University | 1 |
| 12 | University of Glasgow | 2 |
| 13 | University of Ediburgh | 3 |
| 14 | Lancaster University | 4 |
| 15 | University of York | 2 |
| 16 | University of Bristol | 3 |
| 17 | University of Southampton | 5 |
| 18 | University of Sheffield | 1 |
| 19 | University of Aberdeen | 1 |
| 21 | University of Surrey | 2 |
| 22 | University of Birmingham | 1 |
| 23 | University of Manchester | 13 |
| 24 | University of Leeds | 3 |
| 26 | University of East Anglia (UEA) | 2 |
| 27 | King’s College London | 1 |
| 28 | SOAS University of London | 5 |
| 29 | University of Liverpool | 1 |
| 30 | Royal Holloway, University of London | 6 |
| 32 | University of Nottingham | 2 |
| 34 | University of Reading | 2 |
| 37 | Newcastle University | 1 |
| 39 | Aberystwyth University | 1 |
| 42 | University of the Arts, London | 6 |
| 46 | Queen Mary, University of London | 8 |
| 48 | University of Sussex | 3 |
Living at Abbey DLD
We know how important it is to have a place to call your own whilst you study, and that is why we have invested to provide our students with some of the best quality accommodation found at any UK boarding school.
Our student bedrooms are designed to offer a quiet haven where students can relax and study. We offer a range of different room options, but all come with features such as Wi-Fi, study desks, and ample clothes and belongings storage as standard.
Outside of your room, we offer communal areas to meet with friends, socialise and study. Our common rooms feature well-equipped kitchens, lounges, and games facilities.
Our live-in house parents provide 24/7 support and care to students, making sure that they feel well cared for, make friends, and keep on track in their studies. All our boarding houses are secure buildings, with controlled access, on-site security, and CCTV.
Our boarding facilities maintain their availability during the periods of half terms and Easter, with scheduled closures occurring only during the Christmas and Summer holidays. Moreover, it is important to note that, for our boarders, the presence of an educational guardian is not obligatory. All of our accommodation, with the exception of twin rooms, feature single en-suite facilities.
See What Our Students Have To Say
Click on the images below to learn more about our recent student successes.
Note*: Please note that our three colleges, each with its own unique character, all share a common goal: to deliver outstanding educational and residential experiences for students aged 13 to 21. We do not provide university-level undergraduate or postgraduate education.
