Open House Event

See the college in action

Not a polished showcase — a real day with real students and teachers doing what they do best.

Subject discussions

Talk to tutors and students in the subjects you're interested in. Meet specialist teachers with decades of experience.

Student experience

Current students offer tours and give honest, first-hand insight into life at Collingham.

A more adult experience

With around 160 students, the difference in atmosphere is obvious — staff and students on first-name terms.

Open House vs Open Day

Why an Open House, not an Open Day

Most schools run Open Days. We deliberately don't — here's the difference, and why it matters.

Open Day	Collingham Open House
Open to all, large in size, and less personal	A smaller, more personalised experience, tailored in scale and itinerary
Packed with sessions and activities that may not be relevant to you	Personal time with our Principal, tutors, and current students
Can leave an unrealistic impression	Experience Collingham in its authentic state — exactly as it is every day
You may leave with more questions than answers	Feel confident about the next step in your academic journey

Why Collingham

A home for independent minds

Two Kensington townhouses. The atmosphere of a small university department. No "Collingham type" — that's the point.

Small classes, big impact

Every student is known and heard. Seminar-style teaching helps you discuss, debate and work out what you think — not just how to remember it.

Built around the individual

We change the environment, not the child. If a student isn't thriving, we don't push harder — we think differently.

Subject specialists

Many of our staff teach only A Level — some also teach at university level, and many are examiners. First names, adult conversations.

50+ years of excellence

A successful formula for over 50 years, with strong praise from ISI, Good Schools Guide, and Muddy Stilettos.

Alumni Story

From CBB to Oxford

Class of Collingham

“Collingham didn't just improve my grades — it changed how I thought about learning altogether.”

CBB → A*A*A → Oxford

Maddie arrived at Collingham after a difficult run of predicted grades elsewhere. With small classes and one-to-one attention from subject specialists, she turned CBB predictions into three A* results — and secured a place at Oxford.

Her story is one of dozens like it: students who needed a different environment, not a harder push, to find where they belonged.

Maddie

Collingham alumna, now at Oxford

Frequently Asked

Before you visit

Do I need to register in advance?

Yes — registration is required so we can plan your visit and make sure you get time with the right tutors and Principal, James Allder. Use the form below to reserve your place; it takes under a minute.

What happens on the day?

You'll see the college as it runs on any normal day — real lessons, real students, real conversations. There's no staged performance. Expect subject discussions, a tour led by current students, and time with our Principal, James Allder.

What if I wanted to visit the GCSE college?

Our Sixth Form (A Level) site is at 23 Collingham Gardens, SW5, and our GCSE site is at 16 Young Street, W8 — both in Kensington. Let us know when you register that you're interested in the GCSE college and we'll arrange your visit there.

How quickly will I hear back after registering or enquiring?

We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours as standard.

Can I book a private visit if I can't make the Open House date?

Yes — bespoke, personal visits are available at any time. Get in touch and we'll arrange a time that works for you.

What if I can't attend in person?

We can arrange a bespoke meeting if our Open House Event isn't appropriate for you, including meeting online. Just get in touch with our admissions team and we'll find a format that works.