Founded in 1988, St Albans Independent College occupies a Georgian building on London Road in the heart of St Albans. This tutorial college serves students aged 14 to 19, offering GCSE and A-level courses with a distinctive emphasis on individualised learning. Class sizes are capped at seven students, ensuring significant personal attention for every learner. In March 2024, Ofsted rated the college Good, noting the beneficial impact on both achievement and wellbeing. With around 75 students on roll, this is a deliberately small institution where flexibility and personal guidance sit at the centre of everything.
The atmosphere here is notably calm. Students describe a college that turned their lives around, often arriving after struggling in larger schools or seeking intensive one-year A-level retake programmes. The Georgian townhouse setting creates an environment closer to a private tutorial than a traditional school, with students moving between rooms designed for intimate group teaching rather than large lecture halls.
Mr Assim Jemal has served as Principal since 2004. Under his leadership, the college has expanded its premises to accommodate growing student numbers while maintaining its core philosophy of small group teaching with strong personal guidance. Mr Elvis Cotena serves alongside him as Co-Principal. The teaching team includes current examiners who devise programmes tailored to individual students.
The Ofsted report captured the ethos well: students enjoy excellent relationships with their teachers and peers, and the small class sizes allow them to receive a high level of individual support. This is not a school that tries to be everything to everyone. It focuses deliberately on academic teaching within a supportive framework.
At GCSE level, the college caters primarily to students who may have struggled elsewhere or who need a change of environment. The average Attainment 8 score of 26.5 sits below the England average, but this figure reflects the college's intake rather than teaching quality. Many students arrive mid-course or with significant gaps in their learning, and the college specialises in helping them achieve qualifications they might otherwise miss.
The college ranks 13th out of secondary schools in St Albans for GCSE outcomes, placing it below the England average (FindMySchool ranking based on official data). However, raw rankings do not capture the value this college adds for students who have struggled in mainstream settings.
A-level results tell a more nuanced story. In 2024, 47% of grades achieved A*-B, with 27% at A*-A. The college ranks 1,160th in England for A-level outcomes, sitting in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). Within St Albans, the college ranks 8th for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking).
The grade breakdown shows 6.5% at A*, 20.8% at A, and 19.5% at B. These figures are slightly below the England average of 23.6% achieving A*-A, though they must be interpreted in context. Many students here are retaking A-levels or completing intensive one-year courses after unsuccessful attempts elsewhere.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
46.75%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The college offers over 20 subjects at both GCSE and A-level. Two distinctive pathways exist: the standard Two-Year A-level programme for students entering sixth form, and the intensive One-Year A-level programme for those retaking subjects or adding new qualifications.
The One-Year programme proves particularly valuable for students who need to improve grades for university applications or have had disrupted studies. Students can complete an entire A-level specification in a single academic year, though this requires significant commitment and self-discipline.
GCSE programmes include a Five-Subject Core (English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and Science Dual Award) and a Seven-Subject programme adding Business Studies and Psychology. Students joining in Year 11 can continue courses started elsewhere or, in certain circumstances, complete one-year GCSE courses.
Subject flexibility stands out. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects without the timetabling constraints common in larger schools. The facilitating subjects favoured by Russell Group universities are all available, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, English Literature, and modern languages.
Teachers demonstrate high levels of subject knowledge. The Ofsted inspection found that teachers adapt their teaching to fill gaps and deepen knowledge, responding to individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. With maximum class sizes of seven, teachers know each student's strengths and weaknesses intimately.
Most students arrive at St Albans Independent College with university as their goal. The college provides a structured ten-week UCAS Programme integrated into the Year 13 curriculum, helping students choose courses, make strategic application decisions, and craft compelling personal statements.
According to DfE leavers destination data for 2024, 50% of leavers progressed to university. A further 11% entered further education, and 11% moved directly into employment. The college has secured Oxbridge success, with one student accepting a place at Cambridge in the measurement period, ranking it 643rd in England for combined Oxbridge acceptances.
The college has an excellent reputation for helping students gain places at competitive universities and onto demanding courses. The personalised approach means university guidance extends beyond generic advice to specific strategies for each student's circumstances.
St Albans Independent College operates year-round admissions, accepting students at various points throughout the academic year. This flexibility reflects the college's core purpose: providing second chances and alternative pathways.
Entry is non-selective, though students must be between 14 and 19 years old. The college is a non-residential, fee-paying institution that can only enrol students with UK passports, UK Settlement Scheme status, or Indefinite Leave to Remain. Students on Student Visas cannot be accepted.
The admissions process begins with an enquiry form, followed by contact from the admissions team to discuss next steps. Prospective students can arrange visits, interviews, and taster days to experience the college environment. Open Mornings run throughout the year.
For families considering the college, a visit is strongly recommended. The intimate setting means atmosphere matters greatly, and students thrive here when the tutorial-style approach suits their learning preferences.
The student mentoring system provides continuous monitoring across all subjects. Mentors track progress, identify concerns early, and help motivate students towards their academic potential. In a college this small, no student goes unnoticed.
The Ofsted inspection noted that pupils are very happy to attend the college. Many described the hugely beneficial impact on both achievement and wellbeing. Students appreciate the calmness and friendliness, and behaviour throughout is consistently positive and respectful.
Safeguarding arrangements meet requirements. The 2024 inspection confirmed that systems for keeping students safe are effective, an important reassurance following the college's journey from an Inadequate rating in 2022 to Good in 2024.
As a specialist academic college, St Albans Independent College focuses primarily on teaching and examination success rather than extensive extracurricular programmes. Students participate in clubs and charity activities, though the offering differs from traditional schools with sports fields and drama studios.
The college prepares students effectively for their next steps. The Ofsted report noted that students develop skills through discussions and are well-prepared for university, gap years, and apprenticeships. Personal development receives attention even within the academic focus.
For students seeking extensive sport, drama, or music programmes, this is not the right fit. The college serves those who want intensive academic teaching in a supportive environment, without the distractions of a traditional school experience.
St Albans Independent College is a fee-paying independent college. From January 2025, VAT at 20% applies to all termly course fees following government changes to VAT treatment of independent school fees.
Practical fees apply for laboratory and studio-based subjects including Art, Film, Media, Photography, and Science at £395 per subject. Full fee schedules are available directly from the college.
For families considering the college, direct contact with the admissions team provides the most accurate and current fee information for specific programmes. One-year and two-year courses may have different fee structures.
Fees data coming soon.
The college operates from 69 London Road, St Albans, in the city centre. St Albans City railway station sits within walking distance, with regular connections to London St Pancras (approximately 20 minutes) and other destinations on the Thameslink line.
The Georgian townhouse setting provides character but limited space. There are no extensive grounds or sports facilities on site. Students typically travel independently, and the central location makes access straightforward via public transport.
Academic focus only. This college concentrates on GCSE and A-level teaching. Students seeking extensive extracurricular programmes, competitive sport, or performing arts will not find them here. The focus is academic achievement in a supportive setting.
Small cohort experience. With around 75 students across all year groups, the social environment differs significantly from larger schools. Some students thrive in this intimate setting; others may find it limiting. A taster session helps determine fit.
Results context matters. Published GCSE and A-level results reflect a cohort including retakers, late starters, and students who struggled elsewhere. Families should consider progress made rather than raw outcomes when evaluating quality.
Tutorial college model. The Georgian townhouse setting and small class approach mean this feels more like private tuition than traditional school. Students must be comfortable with this atmosphere and ready to work independently alongside intensive teaching.
St Albans Independent College serves a specific purpose exceptionally well. For students who have struggled in mainstream schools, need to retake qualifications, or require flexible pathways to university, this college offers genuine second chances. The maximum class size of seven, individualised teaching approach, and flexible programme options create an environment where students can rebuild academic confidence and achieve results that seemed out of reach.
The college suits students who want intensive academic support without the social complexity of larger institutions. Those arriving after difficult experiences elsewhere often describe transformative impacts on both achievement and wellbeing.
Entry is the straightforward part. The work that follows is demanding. Students must be ready to take responsibility for their learning within a supportive framework. For families who recognise that mainstream school has not worked and want a credible alternative, St Albans Independent College represents a thoughtful option worth serious consideration.
St Albans Independent College was rated Good by Ofsted in March 2024, representing significant improvement from an Inadequate rating in 2022. The inspection praised excellent teacher-student relationships, high levels of individual support, and the beneficial impact on student wellbeing. With class sizes capped at seven, students receive personalised attention rare in larger schools. The college serves students aged 14-19 seeking GCSE and A-level qualifications, often those who need a second chance or different approach.
St Albans Independent College is a fee-paying independent college. From January 2025, VAT at 20% applies to all termly course fees. Additional practical fees of £395 per subject apply for laboratory and studio subjects including Art, Film, Media, Photography, and Science. For current fee schedules covering one-year and two-year programmes, contact the admissions team directly as fees vary by programme type.
Yes. The college specialises in intensive One-Year A-level programmes designed for students retaking subjects or adding new A-levels. Students with experience of A-level study can complete an entire specification in one academic year. This flexibility proves valuable for those needing to improve grades for university applications or who experienced disrupted studies elsewhere.
The college offers over 20 subjects at GCSE and A-level, including all facilitating subjects valued by Russell Group universities: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, English Literature, and modern languages. Business Studies, Psychology, and other subjects are also available. Students can choose subject combinations without typical timetabling constraints.
Class sizes are capped at seven students maximum, ensuring every student receives significant personal attention. The Ofsted report noted that students particularly value these small class sizes, which allow teachers to fill gaps in knowledge and adapt teaching to individual needs. This tutorial-style approach distinguishes the college from traditional schools.
Yes. The college provides a structured ten-week UCAS Programme integrated into Year 13, covering course selection, application strategy, funding, accommodation, and personal statement guidance. Students receive support with competitive university applications, and the college has an excellent reputation for helping students secure places at high-ranking universities and onto demanding courses.
Get in touch with the school directly
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