Frequently asked questions
Achieving success together
Abbey College Manchester is a thriving, successful independent sixth form college located in the heart of Manchester City Centre. Welcoming students aged 14 – 19 years old from Manchester and around the world. Offering high quality teaching in a small and supportive classroom environment. Having celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2020 and the College has proven track record of helping students achieve their aspirations.
Every year Abbey Manchester helps a number of local students get their studies back on track. They may find that they are not getting the support they need at their current school, don’t get the grades they wanted for their next step or sometimes it’s just a change that’s needed. The College’s flexible approach to learning and small class support helps students successfully progress onto the next step of their education and fulfil their dreams.
Below are some of the questions we are frequently asked, but please get in touch if you wish to ask a specific questions.
Can I transfer to Abbey College Manchester at the end of Year 12?
We would be very happy to talk to you about what courses would be suitable for you to study at the college and accept students at a number of different entry levels. Different exam boards may mean that it is not possible for you to continue seamlessly, but we can discuss your options here.
I didn’t get the GCSE grades to go to my planned Sixth Form, will you accept me?
We do have lower entry requirements that some of the local sixth forms, but you do need to have shown aptitude in the subjects you wish to follow. We offer a range of courses at level 3 equivalent and would be happy to discuss with you the courses we would offer to help you get to your university of choice.
I’ve just finished Year 10, can I apply for the one year GCSE programme?
Yes, we can look at the one Year GCSE course with you. Please visit our one year GCSE course page to see the subjects we offer.
What age are your students?
Our students are usually aged 15 or 16 for our One Year GCSE programme. For A-levels and the Combined Studies Programmes students are typically between 16 and 19 years old.
Why Should I study at Abbey College Manchester
- A small, friendly, welcoming community. Small class sizes and small tutorial groups enable highly individualised learning. More than a third of our students are local, and there is full integration with our international students who are represented in 40 different nationalities.
- Innovative, flexible and inclusive courses. Study on our One Year GCSE Programme or Two Year A level Programme. Our Combined Studies Programme offers different pathways and is accepted by universities as an alternative to A level. The International Foundation Programme offers various options for international students coming from overseas or who are already studying in the UK.
- A pathway to world-class northern universities. 45% Russell Group destinations for A level and the Foundation Programme students, including Universities of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham and many more.
- Specialist UCAS support is given and success in gaining entry to top-class universities – 87% students progress to their first-choice destination for highly competitive degrees including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, engineering, law, economics & art.
- Outstanding results – To see our A Level results from previous years, please click here
- Offers a unique programme of academic study with Football or Basketball training. Study GCSEs, A levels, Combined Studies or International Foundation in the morning and have football or basketball training with professional coaches in the afternoon.
“Abbey College is highly successful in achieving its aims to guide students to achieve academic success, to fulfil their aspirations and to learn to respect and value one another”
“The students’ personal development is excellent. They are confident, articulate and sensitive to the needs of others”
– Independent Schools Inspection Report 2018
Student success stories
Rosie
- A-Level results obtained: Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Mathematics (A)
- Destination: University of Edinburgh to study Medical and Biological Chemistry
It’s been a wonderful experience studying my A-levels at Abbey College Manchester. The small class sizes meant that my teachers were able to individually tailor their lessons towards us and ensure that we received all the support required.
Ronald
- Course taken: International Foundation Programme (Engineering Pathway)
- Destination: University of Bristol to study Computer Science
“I decided to study at Abbey College Manchester because of its city centre location in one of the UK’s busiest cities. I knew Manchester because of their two world-class soccer teams but when I came. I discovered so much more about the city, such as the amazing places to eat and shop, all so close to Abbey College’s location.
Also, the college has a very high quality of teaching which I experienced for the two years I studied there. All the members of staff were approachable and always off ered to help if I needed it, whether that is to help me understand complex ideas in class or the university application process. I will always be thankful to Abbey College Manchester for this.”
Yunjiu
- Studied Maths (A*), Further Maths (A), and Physics (A)
- Destination: University of Manchester to study Aerospace Engineering
“I came to study A Levels at Abbey College Manchester. At first I was really nervous about studying away from home and not knowing the language very well but I do not regret coming here for one second. I have made many great friends,
learnt a lot about British culture and have fantastic memories of my time here. I received great help with my English by attending IELTS classes which were vital in helping me understand my subjects.
The college is quite small and so you feel part of a community where people want to help each other. My teachers were always there for extra help if I needed them and their advice during the university applications process was really good and I have now managed to gain a place at a great university doing the subject I always dreamed of doing.”
