English for Art School Applicants
Speak clearly and confidently about your creative work.
Helping You Feel Interview Ready
For international applicants, applying to art and design degrees abroad means more than submitting strong artwork.
You need your English to be mature, too.
You also need to talk about your ideas — your process, influences, decisions, and identity — in English.
Most international applicants discover this too late.
They make the work, but struggle to explain it.
This page is your starting point for getting your English ready for your art school interview, and for life as a UK art school.
It shares all the ways we can help.
International Art School candidates:
Getting your portfolio together is a MAMMOTH task.
Unfortunately, you can’t relax for too long (definitely get a short break and celebration!)
As soon as you hit send on your art school portfolio, you need to focus on your English interview skills.
Find Your Threads
Designed for applicants who have already submitted their portfolio and now need to prepare for interviews and presentation videos.
You will:
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understand the deeper themes (“threads”) in your work
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practise the 10 essential interview questions
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learn the English structures art schools listen for
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develop reflective, conceptual vocabulary
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speak confidently about your process and decisions
This programme mirrors real art school tutorials and interviews.
Ideal for:
Students with a complete portfolio who need structured interview preparation.
January & February only
Improve Your Odds
Only 10 – 30% of UK art school degree course applications are successful.
International UK Art School Offer-holder A.Y. 26/27
We can help get your English ready to enjoy and maximise your first year at a UK art school.
Begin your course with clarity, confidence, and a strong voice in English
Art School Offer Holders Conversation Club
You will:
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build the everyday English you need to feel comfortable from day one
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practise the language of studio conversations, collaboration, and peer discussion
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learn how to join group work, introduce ideas, and express uncertainty naturally
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develop confidence speaking with classmates, tutors, and new friends
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understand how to navigate studio culture, informal critiques, and social events
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prepare for the real social environment of art school — not just the academic side
This programme supports you as you transition from applicant to first-year student, helping you feel grounded, connected, and confident in English before you arrive.
Ideal for:
Offer-holders preparing to start art school abroad who want to build social confidence, settle in quickly, and enjoy their first year instead of feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
June, July & August only
Practice Interview in English
A one-off, one-to-one mock interview for art and design applicants
Designed for international students who need focused, practical preparation for an upcoming art school interview, recorded presentation, or creative conversation in English.
Get Used to Presenting in English
You will:
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practise answering real interview questions calmly and confidently
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learn how to speak about your projects, process, and decisions without freezing
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refine your English so your ideas are clear, natural, and easy to follow
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understand what interviewers listen for — and how to express it in English
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receive direct, personalised feedback based on your portfolio and goals
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build confidence speaking spontaneously with someone who understands creative work
This is an opportunity to rehearse your interview in a safe, supportive environment and get feedback and practice Q&As.
Ideal for:
Applicants with an upcoming interview or presentation who want targeted, immediate support.
All year
Why Art School English Is Different
This isn’t academic English.
And it isn’t general English.
Art School English requires you to:
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describe your process and decisions
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talk about influences and context
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show progression in your work
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explain why you chose certain materials
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discuss themes, questions, or problems
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speak spontaneously under interview pressure
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express your artistic identity
You’re not being judged on perfect English.
You’re being judged on whether you can articulate your thinking.
That’s what this hub is here to help you do.
Useful Resources
Check out our Series of Likely Art School Interview Questions
Our practical guide to the kinds of conversations you’ll face when applying to art and design degrees. Each question helps you understand what interviewers are really listening for and gives you space to reflect on your process, decisions, influences, and ideas. Use the series to prepare your thinking, develop your English, and build the confidence to talk about your work clearly and naturally.
True Voice English
True Voice English are artist Ruth Pringle and English coach Jennie Reed. We help creatives get confident in English for Art Purposes, by collaborating with UNESCO-status art & craft professionals here in Perthshire Scotland.
Meet Your Coaches
(The Competitive Advantage YOu Need)
Jennie: As a pronunciation and neurolanguage coach, I specialise in helping international students build the confidence to express their ideas clearly in English.
I’ve worked with professionals and learners worldwide, guiding them to find their authentic voice and speak with ease in academic and creative settings.
I’m passionate about showing students that their voice is powerful — and that they already have the tools to succeed.
Ruth: As an Artist and English language coach, I’ve helped hundreds of artists and designers in their careers.
I have taught on several Art School Foundations, Degree & Masters Programmes, and sat on panels for exhibitions, MFA applications & undergraduate applications.
I’m devoted to getting artists started in their careers.
