Join Our Global Learning Community: Thai Students Invited to Study GCSE.
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 which are required to be able to study at a UK university.
Most universities will ask for at least 5 GCSE passes to study one of their degree courses. We are currently accepting applications from ambitious Thai 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 boarding schools in Abbey College Cambridge, DLD College London, and Abbey College Manchester. 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
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 sixth-form 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 23 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?
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.
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.
GCSE Course Duration and Start Dates.
| Duration | Starts Every | English Requirement (Minimum) | Available At |
| 1 year | September | IELTS 5.0 | Abbey College Cambridge, DLD College London, Abbey College Manchester |
| 2 year | September | IELTS 4.5 | Abbey College Cambridge, DLD College London |
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 2 YEAR | Abbey College Cambridge | DLD College London |
|---|---|---|
| English Language/IELTS | — | Yes |
| Mathematics | Yes | Yes |
| Double Science | — | Yes |
| Art | — | Yes |
| Sport BTEC | — | Yes |
| Film Studies | — | Yes |
| Business (Enterprise) BTEC | — | Yes |
| Geography | Yes | Yes |
| Performing Arts BTEC | — | Yes |
| History | Yes | Yes |
| Esports BTEC | Yes | Yes |
| English Literature | Yes | Yes |
| Triple Science | yes | Yes |
| Art & Design | Yes | — |
| Biology | Yes | — |
| Business Studies | Yes | — |
| Chemistry | Yes | — |
| Computer Science | Yes | — |
| Economics | Yes | — |
| English Language | Yes | — |
| Physical Education | Yes | — |
| Physics | Yes | — |
| Sports Science | Yes | — |
| GCSE 1 YEAR | Abbey College Cambridge | DLD College London | Abbey College Manchester |
| Biology | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Business Studies | Yes | — | Yes |
| Chemistry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Economics | Yes | — | Yes |
| English Language | Yes | — | Yes |
| Mathematics | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Physics | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Art & Design | — | — | Yes |
| French | — | — | Yes |
| Further Mathematics | — | — | Yes |
| Photography | — | — | Yes |
| Religious Studies | — | — | Yes |
| English Language/IELTS | — | Yes | — |
| Art | — | Yes | — |
| Business (Enterprise) BTEC | — | Yes | — |
| English Literature | — | Yes | — |
GCSE Assessment & Results
GCSEs are assessed by an end-of-course exam. Some subjects will also be assessed by coursework or practical work.
2023 Abbey DLD Group of Colleges GCSE Results
Our younger students have performed admirably in GCSE this year, with nearly 80% achieving a ‘good pass’ of 4 and above and 30% 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) | |
| All College Average | 11% | 20% | 30% | 44% | 76% |
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 13-21. We do not provide university-level undergraduate or postgraduate education.
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