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
www.abbeymanchester.co.uk
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
+44 (0) 161 817 2700
8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding UK bank holidays)
admissions@abbeymanchester.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
+44 (0) 33 0053 6082
8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding UK bank holidays)
admissions@abbeydld.co.uk
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
Chris Randell
Principal, Abbey College Manchester
I am honoured to be Principal of this dynamic and exciting college situated in the heart of Manchester.
ere 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 CHOOSE ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER?
AT ABBEY COLLEGE
MANCHESTER WE
ABBEY COLLEGE FOSTER INDEPENDENCE
→ 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.
→ 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.
→ In our boarding house students are encouraged to connect with one another through boarding activities and over fresh and healthy meals prepared by our chef, but with the freedom to make their own meals too.
MANCHESTER IS A WELCOMING COMMUNITY
→ The 200 Abbey College Manchester students are part of a small & friendly community. Our supportive, caring environment means that no-one gets lost in the crowd.
→ We are a popular choice for local British and international families. Around half of our students are from the local area and this mix makes a dynamic and truly international learning environment.
→ Our international students benefit from an immersive British culture and excellent language development, whilst our British students benefit from being exposed to an array of different cultures.
MANCHESTER
IS A WORLD CLASS UNIVERSITY CITY
→ Manchester is world-famous for sport and creativity and has a history of innovation. As one of the UK’s safest and most affordable cities, many top UK companies have relocated to Manchester in recent years.
→ We offer a route to top UK universities. In recent years students have progressed to the University of Oxford, Durham University, Lancaster University, the University of Sheffield, and more than 30 students to the University of Manchester.
ACADEMIC FLEXIBILITY AND PERSONALISED SUPPORT
→ 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.
→ We offer specialist academic programmes, such as Medicine enrichment which prepares students for success in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science.
→ The International Foundation Programme and University Preparation Pathway let students combine subjects to create tailored routes to top universities.
→ Professional coaching in football, tennis, and cycling enables students to pursue their sporting passions alongside academic study.
THE ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER ACADEMIC JOURNEY
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 skillset 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
GCSE (GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION)
Our GCSE courses are run over 1 year. Students are typically between the ages of 14 – 16 years old. They are assessed by public exams 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. We do also offer a one year retake course for students wishing to improve their A Level grades.
Students can select from the 15 subjects available.
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME
This is an alternative qualification which allows international students to successfully progress to a UK university. The course can be taken over one or two years depending on prior study and subject knowledge.
The course is taught and assessed in a modular structure and is the equivalent to 3 A levels. Students take six modules across the year. They are assessed at the end of each module and take exams throughout the year.
Students can combine modules from different foundation pathways to create unique pathways such as Business and Photography or Economics and Psychology.
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.
PREPARATION PATHWAY FOR UNIVERSITY
Our Preparation Pathway for University (PPU) Programme provides an alternative for local 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 Abbey College Manchester 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 PPU Student. Now studying Neuroscience at Kings College London
1 Year Programme (September start)
Students on this course study up to 6 GCSE subjects.
Compulsory Subjects:
Maths, English or Academic English, PSHE
Optional subjects:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Maths, Business, Religious Studies, Art, Economics, Photography, French
2 Year Programme (September start)
Accounting, Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, English Language, Environmental Science, Fashion & Textiles, French, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Photography, Psychology and Religious Studies
1 Year Programme (September start)
Accounting, Art and Design, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Fashion and Textiles, Physics, Photography, Psychology & Religious Studies
1 & 2 Year Programme
Æ Engineering (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
Æ Biomedicine (Biology, Chemistry, Maths)
Æ Business (Economics, Maths, Business)
Supplementary Learning
Æ Careers & Professional Development
Æ Study and Life Skills
Æ Personal, Social, Health & Economics (PSHE) Education
Our subject offering supports all students to achieve success. From the traditional to the futuristic.
Accounting
Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Business
Economics
English Language
Environmental Science
Engineering
Fashion and Textile Design
French
Further
Mathematics
Mathematics
Medicine
Photography
Psychology
Religious Studies
Science
Physics
RESULTS & DESTINATIONS
Abbey College Manchester has a strong track record of guiding students to academic success and enabling them to move onto their first choice universities.
GCSE RESULTS
This year more than half of our GCSE students have achieved top grades (9-7), with more than 90% achieving a good pass. Students excelled in GCSE Further Mathematics, with 67% achieving the top grade 9, and nearly 90% achieving grades 9-7. 100% of students achieved good pass grades (9-5/4) in Art & Design, Biology, Languages, English, Photography and Religious Studies.
A LEVEL RESULTS
Over the last five years, more than half of our A Level students have achieved grades A*-B in the A Level programme. Strong A Level grades have enabled our students to progress to high-ranking and prestigious Russell Group universities in recent years.
Recent A Level subject successes include Accounting and Photography (both 100% A*-C), Business Studies and Economics (both 67% A*-B), Further Mathematics (40% A*-A), and Textiles (100% A*-B).
INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME RESULTS
Our Foundation Programme goes from strength to strength with an average overall score of 70% across all pathways this year. Highlights include our Medicine Foundation pathway enabling 100% of medic students to progress to medical school, and Creative Arts with a 72% overall average.
Every year our students progress to top-ranked universities throughout the UK and overseas.
More than 80% of our International Foundation Programme/Preparation Pathway for University students progressed to a top 50 ranked or Russell Group university, to prestigious destinations including the University of Bath, University of Bristol, University of Manchester and Lancaster University. 100% of our Foundation Programme medics have progressed to study medicine at university.
Destinations for our A Level students in 2025 included University College London, University of Warwick, Loughborough University, and the University of Glasgow.
The college has been incredibly supportive throughout my studies. From day one, I had access to academic advisors, helpful tutors, and wellstructured workshops that really helped me manage my coursework. Whenever I needed extra support, whether with writing or understanding complex topics, there was always someone to guide me.” now
SUPPORT ACADEMIC
eaching and learning at Abbey College Manchester is rigorous whilst being creative and responsive to individual student need.
EXPERT TEACHERS
Our dedicated teachers have an excellent knowledge of their subjects and the specifications and as examiners for the major examination boards they are well positioned to offer guidance and support in developing examination technique. Teachers break down subjects into manageable sections so that students can work more easily towards the grades they need. Students are prepared thoroughly for public examinations and gain important study skills.
STUDYING IN THE COLLEGE
All students have timetabled, supervised study built into their programmes. In our study centre students work quietly and this builds a culture of concentration and respect for the learning needs of others.
SUCCESS IN THE SIXTH FORM
To be successful at 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 Succes In the Sixth Form lesson where we ensure they have the skills to be successful with their current 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 that 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.
There is a strong focus on developing our students as effective learners and equipping them for the challenges of university study.
MEDICINE PREPARATION PROGRAMME
Our Medicine and Dental Preparation Programme offers comprehensive support throughout the entire application journey - from selecting the right university to accepting an offer. Students gain a clear understanding of careers in medicine and dentistry, explore medical ethics and current issues, and receive expert guidance on crafting impactful personal statements.
The programme includes tailored interview preparation for both traditional and Multi Mini Interviews, UCAT preparation, and advice on alternative medical pathways and how to make the most of the fifth UCAS choice.
OXBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PREPARATION
Making an application to Oxford or Cambridge involves a number of additional stages compared to applications for other UK institutions. To support students through this process and to ensure they are as prepared and competitive as possible we offer a programme which starts in Year 12 in conjunction with our specialist Oxbridge preparation partner Leading Education.
UNIVERSITY SKILLS PROGRAMME
This gives students the opportunity to carry out a university research project which can gain them extra university credits.
The programme offers students a practical introduction to how to study effectively at university in terms of:
Æ Reading and make notes for research
Æ Using lectures effectively
Æ Making the most of seminars/tutorials and make effective oral presentations
Æ Developing effective university writing
Æ Developing critical and analytical thinking skills
ACADEMIC ENGLISH SUPPORT
Non-native English-speaking students receive timetabled hours of Academic English every week. They will continue with this until they achieve the IELTS score required for their university entrance.
Academic English helps students to understand the terminology used in lessons and to ensure that English is not a barrier to academic success and they meet the English language requirements of their target universities.
EXPLORE, CREATE, INSPIRE
Creative Arts at Abbey College Manchester
The Creative Arts Department at the college aims to help students to be expressive and original in their chosen subject area, developing an understanding of a range of techniques, exploring 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 they 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 Art Gallery and Manchester Museum, to the YorkshireSculpture Park and more distant locations like London, Paris 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.
ART DESTINATIONS
Every year our art students leave us to progress to some of the top universities to study art related courses. These include the University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins, Goldsmiths, Leeds University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Southampton.
COMPETITION SUCCESS
Our students have won many national art and photography competitions. Recent wins have included first place in the KS4 Fashion and Accessories category of the ISA National Art Competition for the exquisite creation 'Ceremony' and first places in both the ISA Film & Animation Competition and Photomanipulation Category.
At Abbey College Manchester, the most exciting and enjoyable part for me was 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. Abbey Manchester provided the perfect environment for my educational journey, offering everything necessary for success.”
A Level Art student who is studying Animation at the University of Barcelona. Saniya
Ceremony
PASTORAL SUPPORT
e 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 within the college, but through the strong relationships between student, staff and parents. Pastoral care is a priority for all staff; every member of staff who has contact with students is responsible for their wellbeing.
HEADS OF YEARS AND TUTOR GROUPS
Each year group has a dedicated Head of Year and within the 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 CHALLENGES
WITHIN 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 Co-ordinator and wellbeing team support the needs of students who may find some aspects of learning or college life challenging.
WELLBEING
Students have access to a professionally qualified counsellor as part of a holistic approach to wellbeing. This service is independent but integrated into Abbey College Manchester.
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.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR Beyond the classroom
uccess 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 enhance 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 well-rounded students, who excel academically and develop their emotional, interpersonal and social skills.
Students involve themselves in a range of sports including basketball and badminton, as well as having access to exercise, fitness and yoga facilities.
Other activities include art & photography, debating, board games, music club, wellbeing club, knitting club science club, year 13 medical club, engineering club and astronomy club.
The music group welcomes all who are interested in singing and playing instruments. The students practise each week and regularly perform at college events and assemblies.
TRIPS AND EVENTS
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.
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 a career as a professional or semi-professional football 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 players 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.
LIVING
IN
MANCHESTER
Manchester is a vibrant, creative, and forward-looking city, and the only UK city featured in National Geographic’s “Best of the World” list. Known for its dynamic spirit, Manchester is a true hub of creativity, innovation, and culture.
The city’s influence reaches far beyond its borders. MediaCityUK, home to the BBC and ITV, makes Manchester one of Europe’s most important centres for media and digital industries. Its world-famous music scene continues to inspire new generations of artists, while Manchester’s legendary football clubs are known and loved around the world. Even the global fashion industry has taken notice - Chanel recently chose the city’s Northern Quarter for its catwalk show, attracting international stars and style icons.
Located in the heart of the city, the college is surrounded by shops, restaurants, theatres, and renowned galleries like the Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth. Manchester is also one of the UK’s safest and most affordable student cities, attracting major companies and new opportunities.
With around 100,000 students - including over 41,000 international students - and five leading universities such as the University of Manchester (Russell Group, ranked 35th in the world, QS 2026), it’s a truly global student city.
Manchester is more than just a place to study - it’s a city that inspires ambition, celebrates diversity, and offers opportunities at every turn.
Living and studying in Manchester has been amazing. It’s a city full of life, culture, and energy. Whether it’s walking through the Northern Quarter, visiting museums, or just enjoying a good meal with friends, there’s always something to do."
Anuar
From Kazakhstan
Boarding
Our outstanding boarding and pastoral care develops independence.
Students have the option of living in our vibrant and modern purpose-built student residence or with a local host family.
Students can choose the living environment that best supports their personal wellbeing and academic journey, and each option plays a vital role in fostering personal growth, independence, and a sense of belonging.
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. It offers a vibrant, independent living experience with modern facilities and a strong sense of community.
Students are cared for by our experienced House Parent team who live on site and receive a cooked evening meal prepared fresh onsite by our own chef.
All rooms are en-suite with newly fitted modern bathrooms, each cluster (approx 10 rooms) has a large kitchen equipped with hobs and ovens and plenty of fridge and freezer space. 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
Host families provide a warm, supportive home environment that helps students of all ages feel settled and cared for, especially as they adjust to life away from home. 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 and storage facilities. Bathroom facilities are usually shared with the family. However, in some cases the house will have two bathrooms and occasionally a student will have a bathroom for his/her own exclusive use.
SCAN TO WATCH OUR BOARDING HOUSE TOUR
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
ARIYAAN
FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM NOW STUDYING MEDICINE AT EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY
“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 accommodating, 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.”
“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.”
VERTUE
FROM THE CONGO BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES AT MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
ARSHIA
FROM IRAN
NOW STUDYING ECONOMICS AND FINANCE AT MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
“My teachers explained things in a very detailed way, that made me enthusiastic to research further after lessons.
“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.”
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.”
FROM VIETNAM
NOW STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK
FEE Information
DOMESTIC
To discover more about our fees for local UK students please visit our website.
My time at Abbey College Manchester has been a very valuable part of my journey. Studying here has allowed me to develop many new skills. Manchester is an exciting city to study in. The diversity and energy of the city gave me so many opportunities to experience new things and learn outside of the classroom. There is always something going on, and living here has taught me a lot about culture and community.
Overall, Abbey College Manchester has prepared me well for the next step in my education. I am thankful for the support I received here, the friendships I have made, and the space I had to grow."
now Studying International Relations and Politics at the University of Leeds Ore
