Portfolio ✓
Now What About English?
If you’re preparing to study art in the UK, you already know how much work goes into building a strong portfolio.
You’ve spent years refining your drawing, experimenting with ideas, and shaping your creative voice.
But many international artists reach the final stage of the application process and face one last unexpected hurdle: the English language requirement.
Most UK art schools ask for a recognised English qualification – usually IELTS Academic, or an equivalent test listed on the university website.
This isn’t simply a box to tick. It’s there to make sure you’ll be able to thrive in an academic environment where communication is constant, fast, and complex.
And for art students, this matters more than many people realise.
Why Art Schools Require IELTS*
Studying art in the UK goes far beyond making work. You’ll need English for:
taking part in critiques
discussing your process in tutorials
writing reflective and research texts
reading academic articles
explaining the thinking behind your work
contributing clearly during group projects
Many students who feel confident socially are surprised by how different academic communication feels – especially inside a studio culture where ideas move quickly, and everyone is expected to participate.
IELTS is the best test to check that you can handle that level of communication
“You’re learning English with someone who understands the language of art, the demands of art school, and the intellectual level your tutors expect”.
Ruth Pringle, 2025
IELTS: Why It Feels Different from Other English Tests
IELTS Academic isn’t about memorising vocabulary or grammar rules. It’s designed to measure whether you can handle university-level communication.
Many international artists are surprised by how challenging the exam feels.
Even confident speakers often struggle with the timing, the academic focus of the tasks, and the pressure of expressing ideas clearly.
While we don’t provide formal exam preparation, we’ve supported many international students who were applying to UK art schools and needed to strengthen their spoken English for interviews, critiques, and discussions.
Again and again, we’ve seen the same thing: improving spoken clarity, confidence, and the ability to explain creative thinking makes the whole application journey much easier.
These are the skills our coaching develops – the same ones that help you perform well in interviews and communicate more effectively throughout your course.
*International English Language Testing System
Academic Exam Preparation is Not General English
Meet Sangeeta Sathe.
Sangeeta is one of many online English coaches specialising in academic exam preparation. I interviewed her in 2024 because I really like her approach, her kindness, and her results. I wanted to shine a spotlight on her work in a series of videos I called the Online English Teacher Feature: my small attempt to cut through the noise and make great teachers more visible.
Not all English teachers and methods are equal.
It is important to research and choose wisely the teacher you are going to invest in to get the results you need.
It’s not an add-on. Your whole future is at stake.
In this video, Ruth interviews Sageeta about how she helps her clients get the academic English results they need.
“Can I Use a Different Exam Instead?”
Sometimes, yes. Some art colleges and universities accept TOEFL, CEFR, Cambridge C1/C2, or Pearson PTE.
But many art schools prefer, or even require, IELTS Academic because UKVI prefers it for visas.
Always check your specific course page at the establishment you are applying to – requirements vary.
Most UK art schools ask for:
IELTS 6.0 or 6.5 overall,
with no individual skill (reading, writing, speaking, listening) below 5.5 or 6.0.
So, What English Level Do You Need for Art School?
Most UK art schools ask for:
• IELTS 6.0 or 6.5 overall, with no individual skill (reading, writing, speaking, listening) below 5.5 or 6.0.
These scores aren’t just about gaining entry.
Students who meet – and feel comfortable at – this level find it far easier to:
• take part in fast studio conversations
• express complex ideas
• write longer assignments
• understand tutors’ feedback
• adapt to UK academic culture
How to tell if your English is ready
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, early signs you may need more support include:
• struggling to explain the meaning behind your work
• freezing in fast discussions
• avoiding long writing tasks
• finding academic reading overwhelming
• overly relying on simple language when discussing complex ideas
Including Art School Candidate Interview Coaching and our Art School Offer-Holders English Conversation Club
→ Go to Art School Applicants English Services
Our past learners tell us that the confidence they gained in speaking about their work made a significant difference during interviews and throughout their first year of study.
We support the communication behind success, not the exam itself.
True Voice English
How True Voice English Helps International Students Prepare for Art School
True Voice English was created to support international artists who need to communicate their ideas clearly and confidently.
In 2026, we are using our methods to help international UK art school candidates.
We don’t provide full IELTS preparation.
Instead, we supplement your existing academic English training to help you build the spoken and academic communication skills that sit behind successful applications and strong studio participation.
Here’s how our support helps you approach the process with confidence:
1) You develop strong spoken English through real creative discussions
You learn to talk about your work clearly, analyse other artists’ ideas, express your thinking, and engage in critique-style conversations.
2) You learn how to explain your creative process in a way tutors understand
This makes interviews and portfolio discussions far easier.
3) You practise the communication skills art schools expect
Articulation, clarity, critical thinking, reflection, and the ability to state your ideas confidently.
4) You strengthen your voice - artistically and linguistically
Your English grows organically from meaningful conversations about your work, rather than textbook-style drills.
5) You are guided by coaches who have supported many international applicants
Our past learners tell us that the confidence they gained in speaking about their work made a significant difference during interviews and throughout their first year of study.
We help you prepare your English level for art school by supporting the communication behind success, not the exam itself.
Get Confident Spontaneity
Prepare for your art school interview with our free audio rehearsal.
Experience real interview timing, surprise, and space to answer out loud.
When Art School is Your North Star
If You’re Dreaming of Art School in the UK, Start Here
Check the English requirement early.
Give yourself time to prepare both your portfolio and your communication skills.
Remember that interviews and critiques rely heavily on clear, confident spoken English
Whether you choose our support or another path, you can build the confidence and clarity you need to express your ideas, communicate your artistic thinking, and thrive in a creative environment.
To help you, we have created a free audio Practice Interview for Art School Audio to help you be word perfect on the day.
Good luck!
Further Art School Applicant Information
Office Location
True Voice English
St Ninian’s Lodge
Lodge St
Crieff
PH7 4DW
Phone
+44 (0)7530090236
© Ruth Pringle, 2025
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