Welcome from the Principal and Head

At Hampstead Fine Arts College we always aim to find something exceptional in our students – by giving them the freedom to learn. Most students at Fine Arts come to us looking for a private college environment that will help them to grow academically and creatively. Many have found that other schools’ approaches to learning and school rules are too prescriptive and rigid, which can be counterproductive and stifling for many students.

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

We encourage an atmosphere of mutual respect in which an individual’s talents and ambitions are supported and developed. We see the College as a unique bridge between school and higher education.

Candida Cave
Principal, Hampstead Fine Arts College

Candida Cave

Position:
Principal, Hampstead Fine Arts College

Candida Cave trained at the Ruskin School of Art, Oxford University and studied for her M.A. in History of Art at the University of Buckingham. After discovering a gift for inspiring people through teaching, she founded Hampstead Fine Arts College...

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Emmy Schwieters

Position:
Head of Hampstead Fine Arts College

Emmy is Head of Hampstead Fine Arts and works alongside the Principal, Candy. Emmy read English and History of Art at Leeds University, joining Fine Arts in 2002. In addition to being Head, Emmy runs the History of Art department...

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"Pupils are highly independent, self-motivated learners, who respond with enthusiasm to the excellent teaching and the stress on individuality."
ISI Inspection, 2020
"The founding ethos “which remains embedded in the school,” says the head, was to create a school the founders themselves would have liked to attend."
Good Schools guide, 2023
January Open Day

We would love to invite you to our Open Day on January 27th 2026 (at 2.30pm & 5pm) at our Parkhill Campus.

We believe that prospective students and parents can only really understand what makes Hampstead Fine Arts College so special by coming to visit us and experiencing our unique atmosphere for themselves.

At our Open Day you will hear in more detail about the values and vision of the College, its staff and its students, and enjoy a full tour of the College as well as the opportunity to speak to members of staff.

After this, you are welcome to book an interview with the Principal or the Head which is an opportunity to discuss subject choices in the context of each student’s personal interests and higher education goals.

Sign-up here