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Hampstead Fine Arts College
Specialist creative arts and academic college in Hampstead. £8,720/term × 3.
Curriculum
A-Levels
Fees, annual
GBP 35k
Ages
13 to 19
Pupils
~250
Founded
1978
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| GCSE (Years 9-11, ages 13-16) | 13 | £35,100 |
| Foundation Course (ages 16-18) | 16 | £35,100 |
| A-Level (ages 16-18) | 16 | £35,100 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolment fee (non-refundable) | £300 | |
| Deposit | £1,000 |
Reviews
- The college is known for its arts focus, very small class sizes, and informal day-to-day style. Students wear no uniform and teachers are on first-name terms. Parents describe the appeal as the "industrious informality."
- Families who suit the model are positive. Parents cite strong A-level arts provision, individual tutor relationships, university success in creative subjects, and a school that accepts children who have struggled at larger, more academic privates.
- The same informality is the recurring criticism. Parents describe a thin pastoral structure, weak behavioural enforcement, and reports of drug use and vaping in and around the college during school hours.
- Bullying complaints have been raised that, in parents' accounts, were not effectively addressed by staff. One parent described incidents "infront of teachers" without intervention.
- Music and standard extracurricular breadth are reported as limited; classical music and ensembles are not a strength.
- The cohort skews wealthy with notable creative-industry families. Parents note this can shape the social environment in ways that not every family will welcome.
Positives
- creative and academic fit. Strong A-level arts and humanities, small classes and individual tutors suit students who have struggled in larger, more conventional schools.
Considerations
- informal structure. First-name culture and minimal uniform code suit some students and concern others; parents seeking high structure should look elsewhere.
- behaviour and pastoral. Repeated parent reports flag drugs, vaping and bullying with limited consequences from staff.
- extracurricular breadth. Limited classical music and traditional extracurriculars; sport and ensemble provision is thin.
- cohort. Reviewers note a wealthy, creative-industry parent base, including some well-known names.
Leadership
Candida Cave
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.
Accreditations
- OFSTED 01
Academic results
- A*-A at A Level 2025 38%
- A*-B at A Level 2025 68%
- A*-C at A Level 2025 82%
- Grade 9-8 at GCSE 2025 16%
- Grade 9-7 at GCSE 2025 27%
- Grade 9-6 at GCSE 2025 49%
- Grade 9-5 at GCSE 2025 67%
- Grade 9-4 at GCSE 2025 84%