Co-educational independent day and boarding school in the heart of Manchester for students aged 14+
PROSPECTUS
“Empowering students through personalised learning, small classes, and a supportive environment; fostering independence and confidence in the vibrant heart of Manchester.”
Abbey College Manchester:
5-7 Cheapside Off King Street Manchester, M2 4WG abbeymanchester.co.uk
Domestic Students:
Call us: +44 (0) 161 817 2700
8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (Excluding UK bank holidays)
Send us an email: admissions@abbeymanchester.co.uk
International Students:
Call us: +44 (0) 33 0053 6082
8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (Excluding UK bank holidays)
Send us an email: admissions@abbeydld.co.uk
“Pupils’ self-understanding and self-confidence are excellent, they are resilient and know how to improve their own learning.”
ISI Inspectorate March 2023
WELCOME
Chris Randell
Principal, Abbey College Manchester
We welcome students from the Greater Manchester and surrounding areas and from over 40 countries worldwide.
I am honoured to be Principal of this dynamic and exciting college situated in the heart of Manchester. Here at Abbey College Manchester our flexible programmes and personalised learning, combined with our strong academic ethos, offer a unique alternative to traditional schools. We provide students with a stimulating environment in which teachers and students work together to achieve academic success. We treat our students as mature young adults and create a hard-working, yet informal, atmosphere.
We welcome students from the Greater Manchester and surrounding areas and from over 40 countries worldwide. We are a truly global college where the values of each student are respected, providing a friendly, safe, supportive environment in which students are happy, and grow in confidence. We work together as one community with the goal of achieving
success together. Our committed teachers are experts in their subjects and seek to inspire their students, in their turn, to love learning and value the acquisition of knowledge.
Our teaching philosophy is based on small classes, highly personalised learning in an academically rigorous but informal setting. As a leading independent college, we focus on the preparation for university, working with each of our students individually to achieve successfully the academic standards and social skills required by their target universities.
I believe that being a student at Abbey College Manchester will enable you to achieve your goals as it has so many students in the past.
WHY ABBEY COLLEGE Manchester?
ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER IS A WELCOMING COMMUNITY
Æ The 200 Abbey College Manchester students are part of a small and friendly community. Our supportive and caring environment means that no-one gets lost in the crowd.
Æ Our international students benefit from immersion into British culture and excellent language development, whilst our local students benefit from being exposed to an array of different cultures.
AT ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER, WE FOSTER INDEPENDENCE
Æ We prepare students to be successful at university and beyond. We encourage students to embrace their independence and support them as they gain the life skills that will be crucial to their future success.
Æ Our college environment is designed to be informal but supportive, with no uniforms required and teachers and students referring to each other on a first-name basis.
Æ We want our students to develop a love of learning, so our small classes are taught in an engaging and stimulating fashion allowing our learners to enjoy and participate with the lesson content.
Æ Abbey College Manchester offers specialist programmes such as the Medicine enrichment programme, where students receive weekly specialist tuition designed to equip them for success in medicine, dentistry and veterinary sciences at university.
Æ We offer professional sports coaching in football, tennis and cycling alongside our academic courses. Students with a passion for sport can continue to pursue their sporting interests in a way that complements their studies. AT ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER, WE OFFER FLEXIBLE PERSONALISED SUPPORT
COURSES
& Subjects
At Abbey College Manchester, we offer a dynamic and well-rounded British curriculum that prepares our students for both examination success and long-term achievement in their future studies.
Our students are not only equipped to excel in their examinations but also leave us with a broad skill-set that extends far beyond the classroom. We aim to nurture independent thinkers, problem solvers, and resilient learners, empowering them to succeed in higher education and beyond.
Whether their ambition is academic excellence or a passion for a particular career, Abbey College Manchester provides the platform and support for every student to achieve their dreams and thrive in an ever-changing world.
COURSES
& Subjects
GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
Our GCSE courses is run over one year. Students are typically between the ages of 14 – 16 years old. They are assessed by examinations taken at the end of the course, but some subjects may also include coursework or controlled assessment.
GCSE programmes at Abbey College Manchester focus on providing a rigorous grounding for the demands of A Level study and other post – 16 qualifications.
Students will take up to 6 subjects.
A LEVEL
Advanced Level courses, commonly known as ‘A Levels’ are Year 12 & 13 courses that are typically taken by students between the ages of 16 – 19 years.
The Abbey College Manchester A Level Programme is taught over two years. A Level students typically take three subjects. The course is assessed by examinations taken at the end of the course.
Students can select from the 15 subjects available.
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME (IFP)
This is an alternative qualification which allows International students to successfully progress to UK universities. The course can be taken over one or two years depending on prior study, level of English and subject knowledge.
The course is taught and assessed in a modular structure and is the equivalent to 3 A levels. Students take three subjects over the year and are assessed on them at the end of each term.
Admissions tutors at the UK’s top universities recognise the quality of an Abbey College Manchester Education. Our International Foundation Programme graduates progress onto some of best institutions, including members of the prestigious ‘Russell Group’ such as Durham University, King’s College London, the University of Manchester, and the University of York.
COMBINED STUDIES PROGRAMME
Our Combined Studies Programme provides an alternative for domestic students to the traditional A Level route. It leads directly into a university degree or a degree with foundation year at selected universities.
It can be undertaken over one or two years, and comprises two optional subject strands, each worth 37.5% of the overall score, and a compulsory key skills strand worth 25%. Alongside subject content, the breadth and structure of the course develops language, knowledge, ICT and learning skills, which are essential skills for degree level study.
The programme is modular and examinations are taken in December, March and June with one re-sit opportunity in the June series. This allows students to build up their score and have a good idea of the level they are achieving as the course progresses.
“I really enjoyed the small classes at the college as I found it much easier to talk to the teachers and the support they were able to give me. I also enjoyed that it was very easy to get to college from my home.
My overall confidence has improved during my time at Abbey College Manchester.”
Katie, former Combined Studies Student.
Now studying Neuroscience at Kings College London.
x6
GCSE STUDENTS TAKE UP TO 6 SUBJECTS
x3
A LEVEL STUDENTS TYPICALLY STUDY 3 SUBJECTS
OUR A LEVEL, INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME, AND COMBINED STUDIES PROGRAMME GRADUATES PROGRESS ONTO SOME OF BEST INSTITUTIONS. INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE PRESTIGIOUS ‘RUSSELL GROUP’ OF UNIVERSITIES.
OUR ACADEMIC Journey
1 year programme (September start)
Students on this course study up to 6 GCSE subjects.
Æ Maths – compulsory
Æ English or Academic English – compulsory
Æ PHSE – compulsory
Optional subjects
Æ Biology
Æ Chemistry
Æ Physics
Æ Further Maths
Æ Business
Æ Religious Studies
Æ Art
Æ Economics
Æ Photography
Æ Textiles
ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER - 16-19 YEARS OLD
2 year programme (September start)
1 year retake programme (September start)
Accounting, Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics,
English Language, Environmental Science, Fashion & Textiles, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Photography, Psychology, French and Religious Studies.
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION / COMBINED STUDIES PROGRAMME
Æ Personal, Social, Health & Economics (PSHE) Education
Æ English as an Additional Language
Æ Wednesday afternoon Enrichment Programme
Æ Dedicated UCAS Support
Æ Sport
SPOTLIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHY
On Creative Arts
Studying Creative Arts at Abbey College Manchester.
The Creative Arts Department aims to help students to be expressive and original in their chosen subject area, develop an understanding of a range of techniques, and explore ideas and designs to create original and interesting work. Using our fantastic staff, amazing location and excellent resources, students have easy access to everything they need for a successful programme of study. Small class sizes ensure individual attention and excellent support as students develop their own visual language, expressing their own ideas and finding a creative and original voice.
BRINGING ART TO LIFE
Through regular outings to local venues such as Manchester Art Gallery, the Whitworth, Manchester Museum and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and more distant locations like London, Paris, Rome and Barcelona, students enjoy travelling as a group whilst broadening their experience of artists’ work and other cultures. We see this as an essential part of our students’ development as they broaden their experience, seeing work in context and expanding creative horizons.
Creative Art Subjects available at Abbey College Manchester are Art and Design, Photography and Fashion & Textiles.
** First place National ISA Art Competition (Year 11 Drawing Category) Nov 2023.
*** Second place 2D Art Individual Key Stage 5 in Nov 2022.
ART DESTINATIONS
Every year our art students leave us to progress to some of the top universities to study art related courses.
University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins, Goldsmiths, University of Leeds, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the University of Southampton.
COMPETITION SUCCESS
Our Creative Arts students regularly have success in national competitions.
* Our most recent win is in the ISA National Art competition where Buntarika, (Year 12) secured First Place in the KS4 Fashion and Accessories category for her exquisite creation ‘Ceremony’.
ART DESTINATIONS
EVERY YEAR OUR ART STUDENTS LEAVE US TO PROGRESS TO SOME OF THE TOP UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY ART RELATED COURSES
COMPETITION SUCCESS
REGULAR SUCCESS IN NATIONAL ART COMPETITIONS
“At Abbey College Manchester, the most exciting and enjoyable part for me were the art classes. These lessons were filled with diverse experiments with materials and techniques. We did lots of fascinating work, bringing our imaginative concepts to life.
Throughout my studies, teachers mentored me; they not only offered advice but also had wonderful ideas for improvements. With their support, I remained motivated and self-assured throughout my studies.
In college, I learned how to lead art projects, tackle challenges, and develop critical thinking capabilities.”
Saniya, Kazakhstan.
A Level Art student who is now studying Animation at the University of Barcelona.
Student Experiences
Ariyaan
“I enjoyed my time at Abbey College Manchester, and the environment was friendly and welcoming from as soon as I started. I’ve met some good people that I can see myself being friends with for many years to come. The teaching was very effective with an emphasis placed on understanding as opposed to just memorisation. Staff were very friendly and accommodative, always being willing to help with any questions I may had have about the subject content. They were also very supportive of my application to study medicine at university.”
NATIONALITY:
Æ British
A LEVEL SUBJECTS:
One Year A Level:
Æ Mathematics A
Æ Chemistry A
NOW STUDYING:
Æ Medicine at Edge Hill University
Vertue
“I really enjoyed my time at Abbey College Manchester. The teachers and the staff were friendly and very supportive, they were always there for me.
I also enjoyed meeting new people from different cultures and countries; thanks to that I learnt some words in other languages and have friends all over the world.
Manchester is a great city and has a lot of nice places to go.”
NATIONALITY:
Æ Congolese
IFP PATHWAY:
Æ Medicine 65%
NOW STUDYING:
Æ Biomedical Sciences at Manchester
Metropolitan University
Arshia
“The staff at Abbey College Manchester are exceptional. They are not only highly knowledgeable in their respective fields but also dedicated to ensuring that each student understands and engages with the material.
Their teaching methods are innovative and interactive, making learning both enjoyable and effective.
I particularly appreciated the personalised attention and feedback I received, which has helped me improve my academic performance and confidence.”
NATIONALITY:
Æ Iranian
A LEVEL SUBJECTS:
Æ Economics B
Æ Mathematics A
Æ Further Mathematics A
NOW STUDYING:
Æ Economics and Finance at Manchester
Metropolitan University
Emily
“My teachers explained things in a very detailed way, that made me enthusiastic to research further after lessons.
I also found it helpful that they would share their own experiences about studying at university.
This calmed my anxiety about university life and prepared me for the next steps.
The teachers were also willing to answer any questions I had and to provide me with extra support.”
NATIONALITY:
Æ Vietnamese
IFP PATHWAY:
Æ Science 86%
NOW STUDYING:
Æ Psychology at the University of York
PASTORAL CARE & Additional Support
We celebrate and welcome diversity.
We recognise that every young person experiences the world, processes information and acquires knowledge and skills in different ways. We are committed to nurturing all students, not only through the mechanisms with the college, but through the strong relationships between students, staff and parents. Pastoral care is a priority and every member of staff who has contact with students is responsible for their well-being.
“There is a strong focus on developing our students as effective learners and equipping them for the challenges of university study.”
HEADS OF YEARS AND TUTOR GROUPS
Each year group has a dedicated Head of Year and within year group each student has a personal tutor, Students will see their personal tutor every day and for a longer session once a week, and is the person they approach if they have anything they wish to discuss.
SUPPORTING NEURODIVERSITY
We work with students to remove barriers that they may face day to day and explore how their individual neurodiversity impacts on their learning in an attempt to present workable solutions that students can gradually learn to employ themselves. This allows them greater confidence to address their difficulties independently. This approach also aims to raise self-esteem and allows students to confidently navigate their weaknesses in tests and exams. Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) and well-being team support the needs of students who may find some aspects of learning or college life challenging
WELL-BEING SUPPORT
Students have access to a professionally qualified counsellor as part of a holistic approach to well-being. This service is independent but integrated into Abbey College Manchester.
SUCCESS IN THE SIXTH FORM
To be successful in the Sixth Form, students need to focus and enhance their study skills. The two-year linear A level syllabus is demanding and requires students to have good study practices. All Year 12 students have a weekly timetabled Success In the Sixth Form lesson where we ensure they have the skills to be successful in their studies as well as gaining the confidence, the capacity and the appetite to engage with the challenges of learning at university.
UCAS SUPPORT
The college is committed to ensuring our students gain places on the best and most appropriate degree course and that they are equipped with the skills needed to thrive at university.
In both Year 12 and Year 13 students receive support and guidance from our specialist university support team who guide students through the UCAS process and ensure they make the right choices to build a competitive application.
STUDENT VOICE
Each year a Student Council is elected to act on behalf of students, representing their interests on matters.
We believe that Student voice is integral to our college’s success and development. By empowering students to express their opinions and contribute to decision making processes, we help to foster a sense of belonging and responsibility. By actively listening to our students, we not only enhance their confidence and leadership skills but also ensure that our educational environment remains dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to their needs.
Well-being
Events and fundraising
STUDENT COUNCIL
“By actively listening to our students, we not only enhance their confidence and leadership skills but also ensure that our educational environment remains dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to their needs.”
BEYOND The Classroom
ENRICHMENT
Success in life comes from more than just exams so all students are encouraged to broaden their horizons beyond the classroom to develop new skills and broaden their outlook on life.
Our diverse Enrichment Programme supports our academic curriculum and forms an integral part of the wider education and college experience offered to our students. Our vision is to create all-rounded students, who excel academically and develop their emotional, interpersonal and social skills.
Students involve themselves in a range of sports including football, basketball, yoga and badminton, as well as having access to exercise and fitness facilities
Other clubs and societies include art & photography, film, well-being, science, medicine, engineering and astronomy.
The music group welcomes all who are interested in singing and playing instruments. The students practice each week and regularly perform at college events and assemblies.
The college organises a number of trips and events for students throughout the year.
Every summer we hold a Graduation Event to celebrate the achievements of our Year 13 students.
Our Christmas Winter Wonderland evening is always popular with staff and students
The Annual Cultural Day allows students the opportunity to celebrate and educate their friends about their home cultures. Graduation events
Museums, exhibitions and events
Christmas Winter Wonderland Evening
FOOTBALL Academy
FOOTBALL ACADEMY
We offer professional football training for students up to three afternoons a week.
The academy allows students to study for qualifications to enter university, alongside intensive football training which could lead to students playing at a much higher level in the future. Football training is added to students’ timetables for two hours, three afternoons a week. One of these sessions is usually a competitive match.
Our aim is to develop the playing skills of the students in a supportive and safe environment, and to encourage them to reach their full potential. We also want our students to enjoy their course with us, while working hard to continue their personal development.
Our football academy is affiliated with The Football Association and offers:
Æ UEFA qualified / ex-pro player coaches
Æ League football / guest pro-coaches / IPSO scout assessment days
Æ Network of scouts and pro-club coach contacts
Æ Train and play with local clubs
Æ Nutrition & diet / strength & conditioning
“Participation in our Football Academy provides the perfect preparation for students wishing to progress to a sports related degree at university or continue training at a high level while they study. However, a number of students participate because they wish to improve their skills and enjoy sport as downtime from their studies.”
Scan to watch a tour of our teaching facilities.
COLLEGE
Our Facilities. Facilities
To help all students achieve their aspirations our college is located in a modern building in the heart of central Manchester that features:
Æ Large study centre
Æ 28 fully equipped classrooms
Æ 5 state-of-the-art science laboratories
Æ Art & Textiles studio
Æ Photography studio with darkroom
Æ 2 computer suites
Æ College nurse with on-site medical facilities
Æ Range of extra-curricular activities
Æ On site security, CCTV and secure door access system
Æ Boarding house with 72 single en-suite student bedrooms with full board
Æ Easy walking distance to an extensive range of valuable learning resources such as libraries, museums, theatres and sports facilities
LARGE STUDY CENTRE
FIVE LABORATORIES
CENTRAL LOCATION ART & PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS
LOCATION Manchester
A world class university city.
Manchester is a diverse, thriving, energetic city bursting with character, and is the only UK city in National Geographic’s influential ’Best of the World’ list, which annually sets out 25 of the must-see places to visit around the globe . It is an important centre of creativity with Media City close by, a music scene that remains influential across the world, and of course is home to two famous football teams. Chanel chose the city’s Northern Quarter as the venue for their catwalk show this year, attended by A-listers, movie stars and fashion icons.
The college is right in the heart of the city, with many shops, restaurants, theatres and cultural venues nearby. Leading art galleries such as Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth are just a few minutes’ walk away. As one of the UK’s safest and most affordable student cities, many top UK companies have relocated to Manchester in recent years.
A city for students: around 100,000 students are in Greater Manchester and an estimate of approximately 41,000 international students in and around the city. It has a global academic reputation, being home to 5 universities, one of which is the renowned University of Manchester, a Russell Group University ranked 34th in the world by the QS World University Rankings.
5-7 Cheapside Off King Street Manchester M2 4WG
“As one of the UK’s safest and most affordable cities, many top UK companies have relocated to Manchester in recent years.”
Scan to
BOARDING
Our outstanding boarding and pastoral care develops independence and prepares students for university success.
Our younger boarders, live with local host families. Host families help our younger students adjust to life away from home in a safe and secure environment.
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Students aged 16 or over can live in our modern, purpose built student residence – Clydesdale House or live with a host family.
watch
tour of Clydesdale House boarding house.
CITY CENTRE BOARDING
Clydesdale House boarding house is located in central Manchester, offering high-quality, safe accommodation within a 10 minute walk of Abbey College Manchester.
Students are cared for by our experienced House Parent team who live on site and receive breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal prepared by our own chef, each day.
Standard rooms and a small number of deluxe and premium ones are available, and all are en-suite. Each cluster of around 10 rooms has a large kitchen equipped with ovens, toasters, kettles and fridges/freezers.
There is a large communal lounge in each cluster with a 50 inch television, a corner sofa and a table for socialising, study and activities.
HOST FAMILIES HOME FROM HOME ACCOMMODATION
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.
A student will have their own single bedroom, together with a desk, chair and storage for their clothes. Bathroom facilities are usually shared with the family. However, occasionally the house will have two bathrooms in which case the student will have a bathroom for their own use.
USEFUL Information
Domestic
and International
Tuition Fees and Boarding Fees, Term Dates & Timetable.
DOMESTIC FEES
Scan to discover more about our fees for local UK students on our website.
INTERNATIONAL TUITION AND BOARDING FEES
Scan to discover information about our international tuition and boarding fees on our website.
TERM DATES
Scan to find more information about our Term Dates on our website.
THE College Day
The college operates on a two week timetable. A sample daily schedule is shown below:
