Art & Design

Bede’s Art and Design department is a vibrant hub where traditional skills meet digital innovation. We offer specialist GCSEs in Art & Design, Ceramics, and Photography, alongside A-Levels in Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Ceramics, and Photography.

Our results are outstanding - 98% A-B rate* over the past 13 years. This success propels a third of our pupils to top universities including Central Saint Martins and UCL. Whether your passion is Architecture, Fashion, or Animation, Bede’s provides the expertise and creative freedom to turn your artistic vision into a prestigious career in the Creative Arts.

Please visit our showcase website for examples of our pupils' excellent work!

In their First Year (Year 9), Bede’s pupils embark on an immersive rotation through Fine Art, Ceramics & Photography as part of the Creative Carousel. This exploratory phase builds a vital foundation, allowing pupils to discover their passions before choosing specialist GCSE pathways.

Our studio culture thrives on peer-to-peer inspiration; First Years learn from our senior students and learn from returning alumni thriving in the creative industries. We encourage individual expression and technical skills, enabling pupils to find their creative strengths. Bede’s at department is vibrant environment designed to inspire pupils and prepare them for future success.

Bede’s Art Department is an "Art school within a school," and boasts facilities including Fine Art studios, Life Drawing, Animation workshops, a Victorian printing press, and twin ceramics studios and darkrooms. We champion a perfect mix between traditional analogue techniques and digital experimentation, ensuring students build the exceptional portfolios required for top-tier universities.

Alongside screen printing and life drawing, Upper Sixth Art pupils enjoy their own dedicated studio spaces, fostering the independence necessary for ambitious, large-scale work. At Bede's, we provide the professional, immersive environment where creative pupils can thrive. 

Bede’s Art Department offers a extensive co-curricular programme. Pupils benefit from diverse afternoon activities, Saturday sessions, and late-night studio access until 7 pm on select evenings. Exploration extends beyond the classroom with a variety of trips and talks including our biannual New York trip and regular visits to local galleries and festivals.

Our thriving alumni network brings real-world success back to the studios, inspiring the next generation of artists and makers. By mastering a range of skills, our pupils gain a competitive edge for future careers, developing a sophisticated eye to navigate and shape our image-driven world.