Hereford College of Arts (HCA) is celebrating an exceptional set of results today, just a year after the college was rated Outstanding across all areas by Ofsted.
Students on UAL Awarding Body Extended Diplomas and the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design have achieved a remarkable percentage of high grades – which paired with high-level portfolios and audition tapes – have opened the door to some of the most competitive creative universities, arts schools, and careers in the UK.
The total pass rate across all Extended Diplomas – equivalent to three A-Levels – was 98.3%, while an incredible 43% of all 18- and 19-year old students achieved a Distinction – the equivalent grade to three A*s.
Two HCA students – Bea Bowie and Connie Paterson – were also selected to exhibit their final project work at the prestigious UAL Origins show in London earlier this summer.
● 53% of Art, Design and Communication students and 56% of Creative Media Production and Technology students achieved a Distinction— the highest possible grade.
● 33 Foundation students (43% of the group) achieved a Distinction – compared to a national average of around 25%.
● Three courses Music Performance and Production, Creative Media Production and Technology and Performing and Production Arts all achieved a 100% Pass Rate, and Art, Design and Communication recorded a 96% Pass Rate.
● 100% of mature students studying the Foundation diploma (21 years+ pathway) passed.
● 74% of students on Music Performance and Production, and Performing and Production Arts extended diplomas achieved a Merit or higher.
A UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma Distinction carries the same UCAS tariff points as three A*s at A level, giving our students the strongest possible academic currency to secure competitive places or launch their creative careers.
Students from HCA’s Class of 2025 are taking their talents to some of the UK’s most prestigious destinations, including:
● The University of the Arts London
● Leeds Conservatoire
● University of Warwick
● Queens University Belfast
● The Oxford School of Drama
● Arts University Bournemouth
● Cambridge University
● BIMM Institute of Music
● University of Edinburgh
● Ravensbourne University
● London Contemporary Dance School
This year sees a record number of Extended Diploma students enrolling on one of HCA’s 13 degree courses or the Post-18 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design..
This follows a significant national trend of students deciding to study a degree at well-respected institutions that are closer to home – either to save money as a commuter student, or simply to be located closer to their support networks.
“The world needs creative minds like never before and I am confident that this year’s progressing students will go on to use their skills, talents and personal attributes to make a positive impact on our ever changing the world. Creative education is not only a gateway to an extraordinary range of careers within the creative industries but opens up a world of other opportunities; it develops core skills and competencies required across many different areas of work that will help students thrive in a changing landscape. ”
– Xaviere Hughes, Vice Principal of Further Education
“All students across our creative curriculums in Performing Arts, Music, Creative Media Production & Technology and Art, Design & Communication are taught by experienced professions and work with industry standard resources in specialist studios, workshops and performance spaces. Students work with external clients on live, industry led projects and quickly develop professional skills in communication, project management and problem solving. Students feel safe, supported and challenged at HCA, and it is a privilege to see students thrive, not only academically, and within their creative disciplines but socially and emotionally at this vibrant, Arts College.
“Increasingly, ambitious students are seeing the benefits of studying locally and we are delighted to welcome back those students who have chosen to stay with us at HCA to study their degree at our historic College Road campus.
“I am proud that as an Ofsted Outstanding College with over 170 years of history, HCA continues to be recognised nationally by universities across the UK seeing students once again progressing onto a breadth of acclaimed institutions.”
– Xaviere Hughes, Vice Principal of Further Education
Teaching that transforms potential
HCA’s post-16 teaching blends specialist workshops, studios and performance spaces with live, industry-informed projects – assessing student through projects as opposed to final exams. This approach not only builds informed technical expertise but also develops the resilience, innovation, adaptability and communication skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-changing world.
There are still limited places available to join HCA’s degree courses and post-18 Foundation diploma this September.
Applications also remain open for post-16 pathways starting in 2025, and the college is hosting a drop-in for any GCSE students on Results Day next week.
● Contact: registry@hca.ac.uk | 01432 845 304
