Fine Arts College
Part of Dukes Education, Secular, Founded 1978
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSEHampstead Fine Arts College is a leading independent school in north London for students aged 13–19, specialising in the Arts and Humanities. It is part of the Dukes Education family of schools.
Term structure
Teaching approach
Founded in 1978, the college operates on an ethos of achievement through encouragement, focusing on individual talents and aspirations. It aims to provide a bridge between school and higher education by fostering a passion for learning, creativity, and experimentation. The environment is designed to be open and energising, moving away from rigid or prescriptive school structures to allow students to grow as independent, self-motivated learners.
Programmes
The college offers a wide range of GCSE and A-Level subjects, including Fine Art, Fashion & Textile Design, Media Studies, Drama, Music Technology, and various Humanities and Sciences. A personalised Foundation Course is also available, allowing students to structure their own syllabus. Classes are small, with a maximum of twelve students at GCSE and an average of eight at A-level, taught by subject specialists.
Student support
Learning support
The college employs dedicated SEN tutors and a SEN Co-ordinator to provide individualised support. Pastoral care is a central focus, with staff aiming to support each student's specific strengths and weaknesses in a respectful, adult-oriented environment.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Fine Arts College offer?
- Fine Arts College offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Fine Arts College?
- Annual tuition at Fine Arts College is £35.1K–£38.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Fine Arts College co-educational?
- Fine Arts College is a co-ed school.
- Where is Fine Arts College located?
- Fine Arts College is an international school in London, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026/2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| GCSE Year 9, 10, 11 | 13–16 | £35.1K |
| A Level (Domestic) | 16–18 | £35.1K |
| A Level (International) | 16–18 | £38.3K |
| Foundation Course (Domestic) | 18–19 | £35.1K |
| Foundation Course (International) | 18–19 | £38.3K |
Other fees(4)
| Enrolment fee· non-refundable | £300 |
|---|---|
| Deposit | £1K |
| Registration fee· Charged on the Summer Term's invoice | £650 |
| Materials· A level supplements (Art, Graphics, Theatre Studies, Textiles, Photography, Media, Music Technology) £300 each, maximum of £660 per term (three or more supplements) | £300 |
Admissions
Prospective students and their parents are invited to visit the college to view the facilities and meet with teachers by appointment. The admissions process requires an enquiry, and the college provides support for higher education, gap year, and career advice, as well as university and art school interview preparation. Fees for the 2026/2027 academic year are £11,700 per term for GCSE, A-Level, and Foundation courses, with international fees set at £12,750 per term.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The 2026/2027 academic year begins with enrolment days on 7th and 8th September 2026, with the term officially starting on 9th September. The calendar includes half-term breaks in each term and concludes with the Summer Exhibition in June.
About the campus
The college operates across two main locations in London: the Centre Studios at 41–43 Englands Lane and the Parkhill campus at 2 Parkhill Road. These sites provide dedicated spaces for the college's specialist creative and academic programmes. The college is situated near the Swiss Cottage and Belsize Park underground stations.
- Candida CavePrincipal
Candida Cave founded Hampstead Fine Arts College after discovering a gift for inspiring people through teaching. She trained at the Ruskin School of Art, Oxford University and studied for her M.A. in History of Art at the University of Buckingham.
- Emmy SchwietersHead
Emmy Schwieters joined Hampstead Fine Arts in 2002 and has held various roles including History of Art Tutor, Head of Department, and Director of Sixth Form before being appointed Head in 2019. She is a former student of the college.
- Julie CopeDeputy Head
Julie Cope holds an MA and BA from Wales and a PGCE. She also serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the college.
- Christina BoyleAssistant Head of Sixth Form
Christina Boyle holds a BA from York and a PGCE. She also serves as the Head of Department for Music and Music Technology.
- Akhil MerchantDirector of Studies
Akhil Merchant holds a BA from Oxon and a PGCE. He also serves as a Director of Studies and Head of the English Department.
- Edmund KnoxDirector of Studies
Edmund Knox holds an MPhil from London, an MA from Oxon, an MA, and a PGCE. He serves as a Director of Studies and is the Head of the French Department.
- Larry BlissDirector of Studies
Larry Bliss holds an MSc from London and a BSc from Bath. He is a Director of Studies and also teaches within the Science department.
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