English for Art School Applicants

English Coaching for Art and Design Schools with English-Medium Teaching

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

A 6-week concept articulation programme (February–March 2026) for 2nd language art school applicants preparing for interviews in English.

Designed for applicants who have already submitted their portfolio and now need to prepare for interviews and presentation videos.

You will:

• understand the deeper themes (“threads”) in your work

• practise the 10 essential interview questions

• learn the English structures art schools listen for

• develop reflective, conceptual vocabulary

• 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

The Art Voice Check-In

The Art Voice Check-In is designed for young creatives applying to art or design school who want to feel more confident talking about their work in English.

It’s for you if you’re building a portfolio over several months and feel unsure how to express:

• the ideas behind your work

• the decisions you’ve made

• why certain materials or methods matter to you

• how your influences shape what you do

• how your ideas are developing from month to month

You don’t need perfect English.
You don’t need a finished portfolio.
You just need curiosity, openness, and a willingness to talk about the work you’re already making.

If you want to grow your creative and linguistic confidence together, to be art school ready, this is for you.

All Year

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:

• build the everyday English you need to feel comfortable from day one

• practise the language of studio conversations, collaboration, and peer discussion

• learn how to join group work, introduce ideas, and express uncertainty naturally

• develop confidence speaking with classmates, tutors, and new friends

• understand how to navigate studio culture, informal critiques, and social events

• 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:

• practise answering real interview questions calmly and confidently

• learn how to speak about your projects, process, and decisions without freezing

• refine your English so your ideas are clear, natural, and easy to follow

• understand what interviewers listen for — and how to express it in English

• receive direct, personalised feedback based on your portfolio and goals

• 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:

• describe your process and decisions

• talk about influences and context

• show progression in your work

• explain why you chose certain materials

• discuss themes, questions, or problems

• speak spontaneously under interview pressure

• 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.

English is the Lingua Franca for Art & Design

English is the Lingua Franca for Art & Design

Art and design schools recognise the value of excellent English communication in a creative career.

It’s why so many schools across Europe now use English-medium teaching — English-taught programmes where studio classes, critiques, seminars, and academic modules are delivered in English.

This means that even students studying in France, the Netherlands, Italy, or elsewhere in Europe need strong, confident English to take part in critiques, discuss their process, and present their work clearly.

True Voice English supports creative students entering these English-medium programmes by helping them develop real studio language — the spoken English needed to talk about ideas, influences, materials, and artistic decisions with ease.

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.

Useful Resources