Join Our Global Learning Community: Azerbaijani Students Invited to Study GCSEs
Join us in September 2024 on a GCSE programme that is designed to unlock a world of opportunities for younger students. General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSE) represent the first stage of qualifications in the British education system on the path to study at a UK university.
Most universities will ask for at least 5 GCSE passes to study one of their degree courses and not all overseas qualifications are accepted as an alternative. We are currently accepting applications from ambitious Azerbaijani students looking to start their UK studies in September 2024.
The Abbey DLD Group of Colleges is a collection of three fee-paying independent British schools in Abbey College Cambridge, Abbey College Manchester and DLD College London. Each school offers a range of high-quality academic programmes and boarding accommodations for students from around the world and the UK.
Key Application Information
AGE ON ENTRY: 13 – 17 YEARS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TUITION FEES: £30,000 – £37,600
BOARDING FEES: £16,300 – £35,700
HOST FAMILY ACCOMMODATION FEES: £12,000 – £18,100
Note: Please note we do not offer full scholarships and we will not progress any applications if funding is not in place. Please contact your local British Council office if you require financial assistance as we are not able to assist with any funding queries.
Watch our Abbey DLD Group of Colleges Video
Join one of our 3 colleges in September 2024
The Abbey DLD Group of Colleges consists of three independent British 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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STUDYING GCSE AT THE ABBEY DLD GROUP OF COLLEGES.
Why study GCSE?
We are currently accepting applications for our One-year GCSE Programme. Students studying a One-year GCSE programme at age 15 in Year 11 will follow an express programme focusing on the core GCSEs required to enable a minimum range of further study before progressing to university. Students will usually attain 5 or 6 GCSEs including English and Maths.
Additionally, we do offer a Two-year Extensive GCSE Programme for students. Students studying a Two-year GCSE programme from ages 14 and 15 in Years 10 and 11 are given the best preparation for A-level study in terms of the depth of knowledge and breadth of subject choices available to them. This gives them the widest possible range of course options for Sixth Form study and degree-level study. Students will usually attain between 8 and 10 GCSEs including English and Maths.
GCSE Course Duration and Start Dates.
| Duration | Starts Every | English Requirement (Minimum) | Available At |
| 1 year | September | IELTS 5.0 Good high school grades equivalent to Year 10 in the UK Age 15-17 | Abbey College Cambridge, DLD College London, Abbey College Manchester |
| 2 year | September | IELTS 4.0 Good high school grades equivalent to Year 9 in the UK Age 13-15 | Abbey College Cambridge, DLD College London, Abbey College Manchester |
How are GCSES Taught?
GCSE course content is broken up into units, each unit is taught in a linear structure, with an emphasis on understanding the connection between topics within the wider context of the subject.
We offer the following GCSE subjects to choose from across our colleges.
| GCSE 1 YEAR | Abbey College Cambridge | Abbey College Manchester | DLD College London |
| Art | Y | ||
| Art & Design | Y | ||
| Biology | Y | Y | Y |
| Business (Enterprise) BTEC | Y | ||
| Business Studies | Y | Y | |
| Chemistry | Y | Y | Y |
| Economics | Y | Y | |
| English Language | Y | Y | |
| English Language/IELTS | Y | ||
| English Literature | Y | ||
| French | Y | ||
| Further Mathematics | Y | ||
| Mathematics | Y | Y | Y |
| Photography | Y | ||
| Physics | Y | Y | Y |
| Religious Studies | Y |
The subjects outlined above for GCSE 1 Year are likewise offered in the GCSE 2-Year duration too. Additionally, the following is a comprehensive list of extra subjects available for the GCSE 2-year programme.
| GCSE 2 YEAR | Abbey College Cambridge | Abbey College Manchester | DLD College London |
| Double Science | — | Y | |
| Esports BTEC | — | Y | |
| Film Studies | — | Y | |
| Geography | Y | — | Y |
| History | Y | — | Y |
| Performing Arts BTEC | — | Y | |
| Sport BTEC | — | Y | |
| Sports Science | Y | — | |
| Triple Science | — | Y |
GCSE Assessment & Results
GCSEs are assessed by an end-of-course exam. Some subjects will also be assessed by coursework or practical work.
2022 Abbey DLD Group of Colleges GCSE Results
Our younger students have performed admirably in GCSE this year, with nearly 90% achieving a ‘good pass’ of 4 and above and 50% of GCSEs taken within the group achieving the top 9-7 grades (equivalent to A*-A under the old grading system) setting the foundation for success at higher level study.
| Grade 9 (Equivalent A*) | Grades 9-8 | Grades 9-7 (Equivalent A*-A) | Grades 9-6 (Equivalent A*-B) | 9-5/4 (Equivalent A*-C) | |
| Abbey College Cambridge | 27% | 48% | 61% | 79% | 91% |
| DLD College London | 16% | 29% | 49% | 69% | 94% |
| Abbey College Manchester | 25% | 31% | 40% | 50% | 79% |
| All College Average | 23% | 36% | 50% | 66% | 88% |
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.
Accommodation For Students Under 16
At Abbey College Manchester students under 16 at the start of the academic year must stay with a host family unless they live with a parent or other blood relative (i.e. aunt or uncle; grandparents or a brother or sister over the age of 25). Host families are carefully selected to ensure a friendly, safe environment in which students can relax, integrate and study.
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 13-21. We do not provide university-level undergraduate or postgraduate education.
