Congratulations to Carol who has been accepted by the Slade School of Fine Art onto their BA Fine Art degree course. The Slade, (part of UCL) has taught many world-famous artists from Paula Rego, Sir Antony Gormley, Stanley Spencer to Mona Hatoum. It has also produced some of the best contemporary artists such as Turner Prize winner Martin Creed and Jenny Saville (a member of the Young British Artists). The Slade has always been one of the most difficult art schools to get into, but in 2026 the Guardian University Guide awarded the Slade School 1st place in its Fine Art rankings with a perfect score of 100, making Carol’s achievement even more impressive. Indeed, Carol was accepted by all five of the Art schools to which she applied including Chelsea, Kingston and Edinburgh.  

Carol discovered Hurtwood two years ago when she saw clips of our A Level Art exhibition which a student had posted online and her two years here have lived up to all her hopes. She stated: 

“I have loved the creative atmosphere at Hurtwood. All my teachers have been so supportive and they gave me the confidence to really develop my work. Being surrounded by so many creative students has given me so many new ideas too. At Hurtwood everyone has helped me to think critically and to be the best artist that I can be.” 

One of her Art teachers, Dawn, has been seriously impressed by her commitment and the high level of Carol’s Art stating: 

“Carol is a genuinely passionate student and for her, Art is all consuming. She has worked so hard both in and out of school and her portfolio includes work of the highest quality from her Fine Art, Textiles and Media A Levels which made her really stand out. There could not be a more deserving student.”

Hurtwood’s Head of Art, Ali, agreed saying: 

“Carol’s talent and creativity across all her A Levels convinced everyone that she was an ideal candidate for Slade. We are all so proud of her wonderful achievement!”  

Carol was keen to thank Ali and his team for all their help from portfolio preparation to the many mock interviews she was given. When she arrived at the Slade for her interview, she realised that they were looking for students who really understood their work and could be independent artists. Everything she had done at Hurtwood from the Art Masterclasses and portraiture sessions had prepared her perfectly.  

In September Carol will embark on the 4-year Fine Art Degree which comprises of three subject areas: Painting, Fine Art Media and Sculpture with an integrated history and theory of art component. We cannot wait to see what Carol which achieve there.