Hamstead Fine Arts College

Students tell us that from the moment they walk through the gates for interview, they realise they have found the place where they are meant to be. Although Fine Arts College attracts many types of student, they all wish to study in an energising, open atmosphere, where they make firm friendships which last throughout their lives.

They are taught by outstanding tutors, many of whom are pursuing their own creative and academic interests, which feed back into the education of the students. We thus emphasise that education is for life as well as to pass examinations.

Fine Arts was established in 1978 as a College giving equal importance to the creative as well as academic arts subjects. We believe that excellence can be achieved in all areas through encouragement, a focus on a student’s talents and aspirations, and above all the education of the whole person. Our achievements in the visual arts, music and drama are as exceptional as those of our academic subjects.

Our students are taught in small classes and have excellent pastoral care overseen by individual personal tutors. This ensures an outstanding examination pass rate and successful entry into higher education at a variety of British, American and European universities.

At Fine Arts College we have a distinctive educational philosophy that informs our approach to teaching and our cultivation of a welcoming, collaborative College. We believe this environment fosters the talents and ambitions of our students, preparing them well for higher education.

Our small size means that we know all our students as individuals, which is particularly important in encouraging and supporting them personally – moving away from the ‘us and them’ teacher-pupil relationships of their younger years. We closely monitor each student’s progress but we also encourage self-discipline and self-motivation: the informal nature of relationships between staff and students strengthens high expectations and a rigorous approach to work.

Our lessons challenge the students to engage in discussion and debate so that, far from being simply ‘taught’, students become inquiring critical thinkers and independent learners. We want to inspire a passion for learning that will last a lifetime and continue to enrich beyond formal exams.

Fine Arts College is a part of the Dukes Education Group. Dukes Education delivers high-quality education to students of all ages, helping them develop personal and academic excellence and gain entrance to top independent schools and leading UK and US universities. As part of the Dukes Education Group, Fine Arts College benefits from close links with other specialisms offered within the group, such as the international English language summer courses, private tuition, and expertise in Oxford, Cambridge, and US university admissions.