The Evolution of the Crammer

Once tutorial colleges or 'crammers' were the destination of choice when it came to winning places at prestigious universities. Highly pressurised environments; intensive exam preparation was their primary focus. Modern sixth form colleges have little in common with these old fashioned institutions. Now, the crammers have all but disappeared and have evolved into educational institutions which offer so much more, in addition to exam success. Albemarle College, based in the heart of Mayfair, is one such college.

One of London's leading independent sixth form colleges, the college ethos is one of empowering students to develop as individuals to be able to work independently. Students join the college from a wide range of state, private and public sector schools; mostly British, with a smaller body of international students, Albemarle is a diverse community. All students feel valued and cared for, owing to the mentoring provided by the college's supportive network of Personal Tutors. Regular appointments with the Welfare Team ensure that pastoral needs are catered for, whilst the students' personal academic programme is overseen by a designated Curriculum Manager. The popular University Life Skills programme offered to the lower sixth students has specialist speakers leading sessions on work experience placements, the university application process and other enrichment activities.

Exam success is a key element of the programme at Albemarle with 90% of students achieving grades A*-B grades at A-Level. Most students progress on to one of the leading Russell Group universities in the UK, although a few do opt for US universities. There are also programmes for students wishing to enter degree courses in highly competitive fields such as Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Architecture and Economics.