Principal:
James Allder MA
Address:
A Level department
23 Collingham Gardens
London
SW5 0HL
GCSE department
16 Young st
London
W8 5EH
College contact: +44(0) 20 7244 7414 · Ask the college a question · Go to the college website · Get the college prospectus
About Collingham
Collingham is a long-established independent GCSE and sixth form college in central London for students aged 13–19. Founded in 1975, the college marked its 50th anniversary in 2025.
The college specialises in GCSE and A level education and is particularly well suited to students who are looking for a less conventional approach to school life, while still wanting to be stimulated, engaged, supported, and stretched to achieve their very best.
Collingham is based across two central London sites, with a dedicated GCSE building just off High Street Kensington, providing a focused and supportive setting for younger students, and a main sixth form building a short walk from Gloucester Road, offering an adult academic environment for A level study. Students receive individual guidance on university pathways, including competitive courses and applications to leading universities in the UK and the USA.
GCSE and sixth form teaching
Collingham offers a broad range of GCSE and A level subjects, taught by highly experienced subject specialists. Class sizes are deliberately small, enabling teachers to tailor lessons closely to individual needs, focus on exam technique and provide regular, detailed feedback. Many teachers bring long-standing experience of teaching their subjects to examination level and a strong understanding of how students achieve their best results.
For students joining at age 13, Year 9 is designed as a foundational year for GCSEs. Students follow a broad academic programme including English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, a modern language and the arts, allowing them to build confidence, develop strong study habits and make informed GCSE option choices for Year 10.
At GCSE, teaching is structured and supportive. At sixth form level, lessons are more discursive and demanding, preparing students for the independence and depth of study required at university.
A distinctive learning environment
Collingham provides an environment that is intentionally different from most schools, while remaining academically rigorous. There is no uniform, and students and staff work together on first-name terms, fostering a mature, respectful atmosphere in which students feel comfortable contributing and engaging fully in their learning.
The college suits students who thrive in a smaller setting, where they are known, accepted, and valued as individuals. High expectations sit alongside encouragement, with staff working to raise aspiration and attainment while respecting each student’s individuality.
Supporting individual pathways
Collingham has particular expertise in supporting students whose educational journeys have not followed a conventional path. This includes students joining at GCSE or sixth form level who may be retaking a year, changing subjects, entering the UK education system from overseas, or seeking a fresh academic start.
The college places strong emphasis on academic progress and value-added, helping students to achieve outcomes that reflect their potential rather than their starting point.
Exceptional pastoral care and student experience
Pastoral care is closely integrated with academic life at both GCSE and sixth form stages. Tutors and subject teachers work together to monitor progress, attendance and wellbeing, ensuring that students feel supported and appropriately challenged in an adult, inclusive and purposeful environment.
Top university preparation
At sixth form level, Collingham provides highly individualised preparation for higher education in the UK and internationally. Students receive tailored guidance on subject choices, UCAS applications, personal statements and interview preparation, shaped around each student’s academic profile and ambitions. Leavers progress to a wide range of universities, including Russell Group institutions and other highly regarded destinations.
Who is Collingham for?
Collingham is an excellent choice for students who:
- Are looking for a dedicated GCSE and sixth form college in central London
- Prefer a less conventional school environment without uniform
- Thrive in a small, supportive community where individuality is valued
- Want to be academically challenged, supported and stretched
- Are preparing seriously for GCSEs or A levels
- Want bespoke support for competitive university applications in the UK or abroad
What our students say
“Collingham was the best teaching experience I had. I loved the smaller classes and the one-on-one style of teaching.”
“I feel they understand me here. The teachers know how I work and push me to do better.”
What our parents say
“Collingham provided a stimulating and supportive environment that encouraged hard work with inspiring teaching.”
‘The attention and care Collingham provided, and the opportunity to start fresh, brought remarkable results”
“Collingham provided exactly the balance our child needed — structure, challenge and understanding.”
“Our heartfelt thanks to you all. No-one at Collingham gave up on him or allowed him to give up on himself. This made all the difference.”
What others say
Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI):
“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent”.
“GCSE pupils expressed the view that from the moment they arrive at the school, they grow in self-esteem and self-confidence, developing a real desire to achieve the very best of which they are capable”.
cife Scholarships
As a member of cife, Collingham participates in the cife Scholarship scheme, recognising academic promise and commitment to study. Awards vary and are offered at the discretion of the college. Families are encouraged to discuss eligibility directly with Collingham at the time of application.
To find out more about Collingham email us via london@collingham.co.uk