GCSE at hampstead fine arts college

GCSEs

We founded Hampstead Fine Arts College as a specialist college for Art and History of Art in 1978 and introduced the full arts and humanities curriculum in 1982. A GCSE programme followed in the early 1990s, when Mathematics and Science were included in the wide choice of subjects.

All subjects are taught with the same expertise and enthusiasm by teachers who have a genuine love of their specialism, which they want to impart to their pupils. Our aim is to instill a love of learning in pupils of all ages.

Students come into Year 9/10 from a variety of schools, with a range of academic and creative abilities. Therefore, we assess each pupil individually to advise on the GCSE courses to be taken.

Students take up to ten subjects over one or two years, including English Language, Mathematics, Science, and at least one humanities subject, chosen from Ancient History, Modern History, Geography or Religious Studies. We also encourage pupils to take a foreign language, choosing from French, Spanish, Italian, German, or Latin. In addition, they can choose from a wide range of creative subjects, including Art, Photography, Music, Media, and Drama. We also offer drama, music, and singing lessons outside the examination subjects.

Beyond the academic, the College fosters personal development through a rounded PSHCE course, a changing programme of weekly afternoon sports, and talks by outside speakers. All students see a personal tutor each week to monitor academic progress and address any concerns.

"A wide range of subjects is offered at both GCSE and A-level, although the school continues to enjoy a reputation as a specialist arts college."
Good Schools Guide, 2023
The Opening of 'The Law Theatre' by Jude Law

The Law Theatre is located in the college’s second campus on Parkhill Road, Belsize Park, which opened in September. It provides lecture rooms and classrooms as well as spaces for the performing arts, fine art, science, music and music tech and a flexible outdoor space.

The college’s 120-seat auditorium was opened by Jude Law on Saturday 15th November at a special gala performance of ‘The Watsons’, a play by Laura Wade, with musical performances by College bands and the choir.

“Jude has been a strong supporter of the college since his two sons, Raff and Rudy, attended the college for A-level. He has always been incredibly generous with his time, providing inspiration to our performing arts students and giving enrichment talks to young people interested in following his footsteps onto the stage and in film.”

Read more about the event and see all the pictures here.