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School Type: Colleges

13-18 YEARS

Hampstead Fine Arts College

– A letter from the Principal

“I am delighted to introduce you to Hampstead Fine Arts College, founded in 1978 for the study of the Arts and Humanities. Our aim has always been to instil a love of learning in students of all ages and to help students achieve entry into outstanding higher education establishments.

Our ethos is rooted in the belief that, with the right encouragement, students flourish both academically and creatively. All subjects are taught with expertise and enthusiasm by tutors who have a genuine love of their subject…”

Students are fortunate to be taught by many who, as well as being highly experienced educators, are often distinguished musicians, artists, filmmakers, writers and actors. The informal nature of relationships between staff and students strengthens high expectations and encourages a rigorous approach to work.

The college is a unique bridge between school and university, a place that encourages self-discipline and self-motivation. On leaving, our students graduate to top universities and leading Art, Design, Music and Performing Arts Colleges in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States.”

Candida Cave, Principal
Candida Cave, Principal
Candida Cave, Principal
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Visit the website

About
Hampstead Fine Arts College

The school is located in a charming part of Belsize Park, with the main site situated in a secluded courtyard, originally a Victorian dairy, away from the bustle of the street.

 

The spirit of creativity and close, personal teaching remain hallmarks of the school’s atmosphere. Teaching staff are committed to helping students identify their own unique way of contributing something special to the wider world. Most students join the college because they are seeking a school that will allow them freedom of expression and remove some of the restrictions of traditional independent alternatives. Students wear no uniform, and are taught primarily in round-table formats, reminiscent of university seminars rather than traditional classrooms. Despite this, there are high expectations for behaviour and performance. The Good Schools Guide quotes a parent who summarises it well, “What we like about the college… is the industrious informality. They take the job seriously, but don’t wear it too formally.”

 

Virtually all students leaving the senior school go on to higher education at a range of universities and Art, Music, and Drama schools. Typical destinations include the University of Oxford, King’s College London, Central St. Martin’s, and Edinburgh, to name a few.

Explore Hampstead Fine Arts
See what our students have to say about the college.
Hampstead Fine Arts has award-winning Film Studies, Photography, and Art and Design departments.
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Fine Arts College recently opened its lower school for younger students.
13-15
Ages
16-18
Ages
13-16
LOWER SCHOOL
24 Lambolle Place, London, NW3 4PG
+44 (0)20 7586 0312
WEBSITE
16-19
UPPER SCHOOL
Centre Studios, 41 - 43 England's Lane, London, NW3 4YD
+44 (0)20 7586 0312
WEBSITE

Hampstead Fine Arts College

Lambolle Place, London, UK

Hampstead Fine Arts College

41-43 England's Lane, London NW3 4YD, UK

A haven of culture, creativity and kindness amidst the tumult of north London selective schools.

The Good Schools Guide
11-18 YEARS

Rochester Independent College

– A letter from the Principal

“Rochester Independent College was founded in 1984 as a specialist Maths and Sciences focused sixth form. The development I’ve seen since joining the team in 1997 has been, like the education so many of our former students remember, colourful and vibrant. There’s now an equal emphasis in the curriculum on the Arts. Our first Year 7 students joined in 2007.

Rochester is a place for individuals, a real alternative to traditional schools…”

There’s no uniform and everybody is on first name terms. Although atmospherically relaxed, there’s an emphasis on rigorous study and academic achievement without unnecessary pressure. This successfully distinctive environment is a natural stepping-stone between school and university.

The college occupies a one-of-a-kind urban campus. Listed buildings are linked by award-winning wildlife gardens, creating a special sense of place in which to live, study and work.

Rochester joined Dukes in 2016 and it’s a fit that works. Dukes respects our existing culture, invests in facilities and staffing, and promotes the college and its ethos enthusiastically. As we grow, we’re maintaining together a focus on what makes Rochester special: an informal and creative environment, a firm belief that with hard work everyone is capable of exam success, and a focus on the individual needs of every student who comes to us.”

Alistair Brownlow
Alistair Brownlow
Alistair Brownlow
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Visit the website

About
Rochester Independent College

Rochester Independent College focuses on the highest levels of academic achievement while retaining a creative buzz.

 

Rochester’s Mathematics, Science, English Literature, and Film Studies teaching have all won awards from The Good Schools Guide in recent years who also say: “It would be hard to find better provision for an artist.”

 

Located in Kent, the school occupies a historically distinctive site. Listed Georgian buildings are linked by award-winning wildlife gardens, creating a unique sense of place in which to live, work, and study. The campus is as unique as the school itself, with an underground theatre space, an outdoor classroom shaped like an igloo, and steel sculptural musical gates that form a landmark piece of public art. All boarding is on-site, in single rooms, some with ensuite facilities.

A safe, closed campus featuring Georgian buildings and extensive wildlife gardens.
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Our students enjoy campus living in a relaxed atmosphere.
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The Maths shed in the garden.
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The garden gives students additional space to study and socialise.
Rochester Independent College welcomes day students from the age of 11 and boarders from 15.
11-18
Ages
11-18
ROCHESTER INDEPENDENT COLLEGE
254 St Margaret's Banks, Rochester, Kent ME1 1HY
+44 (0)1634 828 115
WEBSITE

Rochester Independent College

Rochester ME1 1HY, UK

Students’ personal development is excellent. Students’ attitudes to their work and learning are exemplary. The college provides excellent support and guidance, which enhances students’ personal development. It is highly successful in its aim to develop self-knowledge and self-esteem.

ISI Inspection Report 2018