Which British boarding schools are good for art?
Our answer to the question, “which British boarding schools are good for art?”, could be very long because the facilities and teaching at most UK boarding schools is exceptional. For the purposes of this short blog, however, we have narrowed it down to a few of our “go-tos” for artistic students.
The Art & Design Centre at Frensham is quite breathtaking. Initially because of the outstanding facilities and equipment, but more powerfully for the breadth and quality of work on display. The variety is immense and often challenging. This is not artwork created by following a prescriptive formula, but art created by students who are developing the courage to explore in their own way; a gift which will benefit them no matter what they go on to do. Students have dedicated art classes from Nursery upwards. For younger children, the focus is getting excited about their art education and raising expectations of what they believe they can do. In Years 7 to 9, students spend six hours a week exploring 2D, Ceramics and Design & Technology. They can then choose to continue with GCSE and A Level Fine Art, Graphic Communication, 3D Design and Photography. Sixth Form Arts Awards offer financial and enrichment opportunities to keen artists. An important part of all classes is discussion – talking about their experiences, learning to value others’ work and their own. The primary aspiration is for students to have the willingness and courage to find their own creative voice, and to see the value in that.
There is a long history of art at Harrogate Ladies’ College, with outstanding teachers and facilities that empower students to strive for success. That success showed in last year’s A Level results, where Art and Textiles students achieved A*-B grades respectively. As well as dynamic learning environments, art students here have incredible opportunities to travel, with Year 13 Art students going to Venice last year. This trip gave students an opportunity to take inspiration from galleries, sketch some incredible locations, and use those pieces in both coursework and exams. Sixth Form students also have opportunities for residentials across the UK, providing them with an immersive experience and a chance develop skills and build relationships. In addition to the art room being open throughout the day for students of any age to work on their projects, a dedicated space for senior art and textiles students recently opened. Students are encouraged to take risks, be creative, and use their imagination to develop a variety of art, from drawing and painting to developing large scale 3D pieces. Catch a glimpse here:
Oswestry School pupils are also fortunate to have exceptional facilities and dedicated specialist teachers, enabling them to explore art as part of the curriculum, a co-curricular activity, or simply as a creative hobby. Art and Design is offered at both GCSE and A Level, providing students with a solid foundation to develop their knowledge, skills, and creativity. The school offers a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including still life drawing and painting, ceramics, textiles, and photography. The facilities, which include a fully equipped kiln, provide pupils with the tools to experiment and refine their skills under the guidance of an experienced and talented Art Department. The Art and Design curriculum encourages pupils to explore and experiment with ideas, processes, and materials, taking creative risks to develop their unique style. It also fosters an understanding of the role of art in the creative and cultural industries. Pupils gain insight into the practices of artists, designers and organisations, preparing them for a range of exciting careers such as animation, architecture, fashion or costume design, illustration, product or graphic design, and web design.
Stonar School offers pupils the opportunity to explore their artistic passions and develop their own talents. The school’s state-of-the-art facilities – including a photography dark room, IT suite, kiln and dedicated art studio for Sixth Formers – and experienced faculty provide a high-quality art education, preparing pupils for future success. Stonar pupils consistently excel, winning numerous awards in prestigious competitions like the ISA Art Competition and the Globeducate Art Competition. The school offers GCSEs and A Levels in Art and Photography, as well as the Cambridge Diploma in Fashion Design & Textiles. Academic excellence is paramount, with 100% of pupils achieving A*-B grades in Creative Arts subjects in 2023. Art Scholarships are available for talented pupils entering Years 7, 9 and the Sixth Form. The school’s commitment to displaying its pupils’ talent is evident in its annual Creative Arts Showcase, held in nearby Bath. The 2024 event once again received incredible feedback, highlighting the exceptional quality of pupil work and inspiring the local artistic community. We shared a tour of the exhibition in our blog, so take another look and be inspired!
If you have a budding artist ready for a UK education experience, we hope this quick guide to which British boarding schools are good for art has been helpful, but please get in touch so we can help you find the right school for your child.
