As the UK’s largest independent, government-funded further education provider, with 30 years of experience, Access Creative College specialises in preparing young people for the creative and technology industries.
As the UK’s largest independent, government-funded further education provider, with 30 years of experience, Access Creative College specialises in preparing young people for the creative and technology industries.
At ACC, we know how important education is to your child’s future, so we’re here to work with you, at the same time as giving your child the best possible start to their career.
We do this in a number of ways.
At the start of their time with us, throughout the application, interview and offer stages, we invite you along to open days and taster events too. Here, you can meet our staff, explore our spaces and see our offer for yourself. We encourage you to get involved and ask any and all questions you may have.
In terms of our application process, you’ll be kept up to speed throughout. This includes being included in all key applicant communications from us, whether it’s by text or email, so you’re aware of where things are at.
Prospective students will also have a member of our Admissions team assigned to them, that they and you can contact at any point (within office hours) with any ACC related questions you may have.
At ACC, we know how important education is to your child’s future, so we’re here to work with you, at the same time as giving your child the best possible start to their career.
We do this in a number of ways.
At the start of their time with us, throughout the application, interview and offer stages, we invite you along to open days and taster events too. Here, you can meet our staff, explore our spaces and see our offer for yourself. We encourage you to get involved and ask any and all questions you may have.
In terms of our application process, you’ll be kept up to speed throughout. This includes being included in all key applicant communications from us, whether it’s by text or email, so you’re aware of where things are at.
Prospective students will also have a member of our Admissions team assigned to them, that they and you can contact at any point (within office hours) with any ACC related questions you may have.
Once your child is offered a place at ACC, they will get access to our exclusive offer holder’s online platform, Launchpad, which keeps them in the loop on all things Access. Content is updated monthly, including alumni stories, student work, exclusive invites to local campus-run events and more.
When your child joins us, you can expect the same level of rich involvement in their education as you’ve experienced in the application process. Firstly, you’ll have access to our brand-new parent’s portal. This exclusive platform allows you to check their attendance and grades, see key dates and much more. You’ll also be invited to parent’s evenings, student showcases and even our ACC Awards ceremonies at the end of each year, so you can celebrate your child’s success.
Once your child is offered a place at ACC, they will get access to our exclusive offer holder’s online platform, Launchpad, which keeps them in the loop on all things Access. Content is updated monthly, including alumni stories, student work, exclusive invites to local campus-run events and more.
When your child joins us, you can expect the same level of rich involvement in their education as you’ve experienced in the application process. Firstly, you’ll have access to our brand-new parent’s portal. This exclusive platform allows you to check their attendance and grades, see key dates and much more. You’ll also be invited to parent’s evenings, student showcases and even our ACC Awards ceremonies at the end of each year, so you can celebrate your child’s success.
Lastly, we’ve been educating for 30 years, and our campus teams are industry experts with a wealth of experience in both their individual subjects, and education generally. Working alongside our tutors are a huge network of learning support, general support and other staff who are all passionate, knowledgeable and focused on giving your kids the best experience here.
Our campuses have been created to nurture a community that is safe and welcoming, and that means that if you or your child need any support or have any questions at any point in their time with us, all you have to do is pick up the phone or pop in and speak to us. We’re here, we’re happy to help and we’re all deeply invested in the same goal – the success of our community.
You can find all our contact info on our Contact Us page.
There’s still more to be shared with you, starting with a look at some of our previous success stories. Read on for more.
Lastly, we’ve been educating for 30 years, and our campus teams are industry experts with a wealth of experience in both their individual subjects, and education generally. Working alongside our tutors are a huge network of learning support, general support and other staff who are all passionate, knowledgeable and focused on giving your kids the best experience here.
Our campuses have been created to nurture a community that is safe and welcoming, and that means that if you or your child need any support or have any questions at any point in their time with us, all you have to do is pick up the phone or pop in and speak to us. We’re here, we’re happy to help and we’re all deeply invested in the same goal – the success of our community.
You can find all our contact info on our Contact Us page.
There’s still more to be shared with you, starting with a look at some of our previous success stories. Read on for more.
Many of our alumni forge successful careers in the creative and tech industries, including Ed Sheeran (Global Music Megastar, and also our Patron), Amy Love (Singer and Guitarist for Nova Twins), Aysheq Hussain (BAFTA-Winning Games Designer), Arkz Beats (Music Producer), Sam Bowden (Guitarist in Pop Punk band Neck Deep) and more.
Singer, songwriter and musician, Nilüfer Yanya, who performed at Coachella 2022 and released Painless, awarded The Guardian’s 10th best album on their ‘50 best albums of 2022’ list.
Ed Sheeran studied on our Artist Development course after being discovered by the staff at our Norwich centre. Now a household name and one of music’s biggest global stars, he is also our Patron, supporting and inspiring young creatives on their career journeys.
Amy studied with us just before she formed the Nova Twins with her best friend Georgia. The band have gone on to win multiple awards, tour the globe and release 2 albums including Supernova that was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2022.
Many of our alumni forge successful careers in the creative and tech industries, including Ed Sheeran (Global Music Megastar, and also our Patron), Amy Love (Singer and Guitarist for Nova Twins), Aysheq Hussain (BAFTA-Winning Games Designer), Arkz Beats (Music Producer), Sam Bowden (Guitarist in Pop Punk band Neck Deep) and more.
Singer, songwriter and musician, Nilüfer Yanya, who performed at Coachella 2022 and released Painless, awarded The Guardian’s 10th best album on their ‘50 best albums of 2022’ list.
Ed Sheeran studied on our Artist Development course after being discovered by the staff at our Norwich centre. Now a household name and one of music’s biggest global stars, he is also our Patron, supporting and inspiring young creatives on their career journeys.
Amy studied with us just before she formed the Nova Twins with her best friend Georgia. The band have gone on to win multiple awards, tour the globe and release 2 albums including Supernova that was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2022.
The games design industry in the UK is a thriving sector that has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Fuelled by increased demand for interactive entertainment, including mobile games, virtual reality (VR) experiences, and augmented reality (AR) applications, there is no better time to take your passion for games and turn it into a rewarding and progressive career.
In 2023, there were 2,555 games businesses in the UK. The UK Games Industry grew by an estimated 11.4% between 2021 and 2023. £7.7bn has been invested into UK games businesses since 2017, with more since then. The average games salary in the United Kingdom is £42,500 per year.
Music is where ACC all started, so we know a thing or two about this incredibly exciting and evolving industry. With a fantastic team of tutors, a plethora of industry guest speakers and specialist software and equipment, we’re confident we’re the best place to study music in the UK.
There were approximately 37,000 musicians working in the United Kingdom as of 2023. The average salary in the UK music industry is £31,000, but can vary hugely depending on role. Employment in the music industry rose to 210,000 jobs in 2022, and the industry contributed £6.7 billion to the UK economy.
Esports is an industry undergoing rapid growth. It offers immense career potential with numerous opportunities for development and professional growth, whether as a player, coach, manager, analyst, commentator, or in various other roles. Gaming passion isn’t just a hobby, and we can help transform it into a rewarding and fulfilling career. With state-of-the-art, industry grade kit and resources, Access Creative College has all the gear and connections to help our students build a career in this exciting and evolving sector.
The global esports sector has grown to a value of £1.6 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow by 6.3% between 2024 and 2028. The average salary for a career in UK esports is £44,493.
The computing industry is set to revolutionise every aspect of our lives. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to virtual reality and blockchain technology, the possibilities are endless. As the demand for cutting-edge solutions grows, so does the talent required to drive it! Whether it’s working within software development or the emerging world of Web3, AI or something else, there has never been a better time to look into a career in computing.
As of 2023, the UK tech sector employs over 1.7 million people, and is expected to grow with a further 678,000 jobs in 2025, adding £191.5 billion total to the UK economy. The average computing salary in the United Kingdom is £55,826 per year. The UK’s tech sector is growing at 2.5 times the rate of the rest of the economy.
The games design industry in the UK is a thriving sector that has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Fuelled by increased demand for interactive entertainment, including mobile games, virtual reality (VR) experiences, and augmented reality (AR) applications, there is no better time to take your passion for games and turn it into a rewarding and progressive career.
In 2023, there were 2,555 games businesses in the UK. The UK Games Industry grew by an estimated 11.4% between 2021 and 2023. £7.7bn has been invested into UK games businesses since 2017, with more since then. The average games salary in the United Kingdom is £42,500 per year.
Music is where ACC all started, so we know a thing or two about this incredibly exciting and evolving industry. With a fantastic team of tutors, a plethora of industry guest speakers and specialist software and equipment, we’re confident we’re the best place to study music in the UK.
There were approximately 37,000 musicians working in the United Kingdom as of 2023. The average salary in the UK music industry is £31,000, but can vary hugely depending on role. Employment in the music industry rose to 210,000 jobs in 2022, and the industry contributed £6.7 billion to the UK economy.
Esports is an industry undergoing rapid growth. It offers immense career potential with numerous opportunities for development and professional growth, whether as a player, coach, manager, analyst, commentator, or in various other roles. Gaming passion isn’t just a hobby, and we can help transform it into a rewarding and fulfilling career. With state-of-the-art, industry grade kit and resources, Access Creative College has all the gear and connections to help our students build a career in this exciting and evolving sector.
The global esports sector has grown to a value of £1.6 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow by 6.3% between 2024 and 2028. The average salary for a career in UK esports is £44,493.
The computing industry is set to revolutionise every aspect of our lives. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to virtual reality and blockchain technology, the possibilities are endless. As the demand for cutting-edge solutions grows, so does the talent required to drive it! Whether it’s working within software development or the emerging world of Web3, AI or something else, there has never been a better time to look into a career in computing.
As of 2023, the UK tech sector employs over 1.7 million people, and is expected to grow with a further 678,000 jobs in 2025, adding £191.5 billion total to the UK economy. The average computing salary in the United Kingdom is £55,826 per year. The UK’s tech sector is growing at 2.5 times the rate of the rest of the economy.
You can view our term dates here.
ACC has clear and understandable expectations around attendance and punctuality. As with any activity, whether in college or in the workplace, the most important part is showing up on time and engaging positively. That’s why we always ask our students to set 100% attendance and punctuality as one of their targets. This counts for all areas of study, from their main qualification to work experience or employability sessions.
Attending all sessions on time ensures that students don’t miss any important information, or delivery, that supports their achievement. It also supports other students and staff by minimising disruptions. Positive attendance and punctuality are a vital part of any successful career.
Access Creative College aims to provide students with an engaging and stimulating experience. Our friendly and supportive college community is one of our best assets, and we aim to keep it that way. We have strict rules around conduct and behaviour that are designed to safeguard all individuals at ACC.
We do not accept bullying, harassment or racial discrimination of any kind. We want students to feel safe knowing that violent behaviour, victimisation and bullying are disciplinary offences that are taken very seriously. This includes bullying via the internet, social media and/or mobile phones. ACC has a zero tolerance policy to the use of drugs and alcohol on our premises.
Access Creative College is committed to providing the best possible service for all of its students (as well as visitors and partners). We do however acknowledge that students can at times feel dissatisfied and are entitled to have their concerns listened to and addressed. In such cases, the college aims to respond quickly and effectively. You can view our full Complaints, Comments and Compliments policy here.
Access Creative College is committed to being fully compliant with JCQ rules and regulations to ensure an excellent exam experience for our students who need to do GCSE Maths and/or English (ME).
We train all our invigilators in-house and ensure all our rooms and equipment for exams are fit for purposes. We also ensure that all our students are given their approved exam access arrangements e.g. extra time to complete their examinations with us, and we send out GCSE exam packs with all necessary information, including JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) exam do’s and don’ts.
Each campus has their own Exams Officer and a National Examinations Manager. ACC ensures that students receive timely results and information on how to apply for post results services such as Access to Scripts and appeals.
For more on exams, please email our dedicated exams team on exams@accesscreative.ac.uk.
Professional Development is a fundamental component of your study programme, designed to enhance your broader skills for work and life. We support you in realising your potential and guiding you towards your next significant step, whether that be a degree, further training, or entering the workforce.
Our professional development programme focuses on cultivating both personal and professional skills that equip you for future success. This is achieved through weekly sessions and engaging activities such as project-based work experience and interactions with employers and universities.
Professional Development goes beyond merely equipping you with the skills for career success; it’s also about highlighting and celebrating your talent. At the end of the year, we hold awards and showcases, giving you the opportunity to be recognised, with your work being reviewed by industry professionals.
Our Careers Programme offers CEIAG services to all students.
As part of our Student Support service, we support students with learning difficulties and differences, disabilities and medical conditions. The college supports:
We also provide support relating to any issues that may be perceived as disadvantages or potential barriers to success, as well as bursaries for some students.
To find out more about any of the above, visit our Student Support page.
Do you need ME?
Maths and English (ME) qualifications are usually required to go to university and for most career paths. Regardless of where your child chooses to study, if they are 16-18 (or 19+ with an EHCP) and don’t already have the Maths and English grade required (GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths and English Literature/Language, or an equivalent qualification), it will be compulsory for them to do a maths and/or English course alongside their studies.Â
At ACC we run GCSE Maths and English courses that are tailored to our learners’ levels of attainment, offering smaller classes and 1:1 support to help them achieve the ME grade they need for their chosen next steps.
Find out more about our Maths and English offer.
You can view our term dates here.
ACC has clear and understandable expectations around attendance and punctuality. As with any activity, whether in college or in the workplace, the most important part is showing up on time and engaging positively. That’s why we always ask our students to set 100% attendance and punctuality as one of their targets. This counts for all areas of study, from their main qualification to work experience or employability sessions.
Attending all sessions on time ensures that students don’t miss any important information, or delivery, that supports their achievement. It also supports other students and staff by minimising disruptions. Positive attendance and punctuality are a vital part of any successful career.
Access Creative College aims to provide students with an engaging and stimulating experience. Our friendly and supportive college community is one of our best assets, and we aim to keep it that way. We have strict rules around conduct and behaviour that are designed to safeguard all individuals at ACC.
We do not accept bullying, harassment or racial discrimination of any kind. We want students to feel safe knowing that violent behaviour, victimisation and bullying are disciplinary offences that are taken very seriously. This includes bullying via the internet, social media and/or mobile phones. ACC has a zero tolerance policy to the use of drugs and alcohol on our premises.
Access Creative College is committed to providing the best possible service for all of its students (as well as visitors and partners). We do however acknowledge that students can at times feel dissatisfied and are entitled to have their concerns listened to and addressed. In such cases, the college aims to respond quickly and effectively. You can view our full Complaints, Comments and Compliments policy here.
Access Creative College is committed to being fully compliant with JCQ rules and regulations to ensure an excellent exam experience for our students who need to do GCSE Maths and/or English (ME).
We train all our invigilators in-house and ensure all our rooms and equipment for exams are fit for purposes. We also ensure that all our students are given their approved exam access arrangements e.g. extra time to complete their examinations with us, and we send out GCSE exam packs with all necessary information, including JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) exam do’s and don’ts.
Each campus has their own Exams Officer and a National Examinations Manager. ACC ensures that students receive timely results and information on how to apply for post results services such as Access to Scripts and appeals.
For more on exams, please email our dedicated exams team on exams@accesscreative.ac.uk.
Professional Development is a fundamental component of your study programme, designed to enhance your broader skills for work and life. We support you in realising your potential and guiding you towards your next significant step, whether that be a degree, further training, or entering the workforce.
Our professional development programme focuses on cultivating both personal and professional skills that equip you for future success. This is achieved through weekly sessions and engaging activities such as project-based work experience and interactions with employers and universities.
Professional Development goes beyond merely equipping you with the skills for career success; it’s also about highlighting and celebrating your talent. At the end of the year, we hold awards and showcases, giving you the opportunity to be recognised, with your work being reviewed by industry professionals.
Our Careers Programme offers CEIAG services to all students.
As part of our Student Support service, we support students with learning difficulties and differences, disabilities and medical conditions. The college supports:
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We also provide support relating to any issues that may be perceived as disadvantages or potential barriers to success, as well as bursaries for some students.
To find out more about any of the above, visit our Student Support page.
Do you need ME?
Maths and English (ME) qualifications are usually required to go to university and for most career paths. Regardless of where your child chooses to study, if they are 16-18 (or 19+ with an EHCP) and don’t already have the Maths and English grade required (GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths and English Literature/Language, or an equivalent qualification), it will be compulsory for them to do a maths and/or English course alongside their studies.Â
At ACC we run GCSE Maths and English courses that are tailored to our learners’ levels of attainment, offering smaller classes and 1:1 support to help them achieve the ME grade they need for their chosen next steps.
Find out more about our Maths and English offer.
Still got questions? No problem. Come and see us at our next event, and we can chat about anything on your mind about ACC. You can find when that is on our events page.
You can also contact our friendly admissions team (within office hours) by phone, email or using our Live Chat system. Visit our contact us page for more information.
Still got questions? No problem. Come and see us at our next event, and we can chat about anything on your mind about ACC. You can find when that is on our events page.
You can also contact our friendly admissions team (within office hours) by phone, email or using our Live Chat system. Visit our contact us page for more information.
Still got questions? No problem. Come and see us at our next event, and we can chat about anything on your mind about ACC. You can find when that is on our events page.
You can also contact our friendly admissions team (within office hours) by phone, email or using our Live Chat system. Visit our contact us page for more information.
Timetables can vary, but students will usually be in 3 days a week. If they need to retake Maths and English, then this could add an extra day to their timetable.
Academic entry requirements are as follows:
No, as long as they meet the entry requirements for their chosen course, they’ll be able to study with us.
At Level 2 our focus is preparing our students for further study or training at Level 3.Â
At Level 3, students engage in a month-long Charity Project at the end of the year. This is a virtual work experience activity where they produce work to a brief set by a leading charity. Partner charities include RSPB, WWF, the National Trust and Young Minds. Students also benefit from wider enrichment activities including talks and workshops from industry professionals and visits to workplaces and events.
At Level 4, students will interact with a music marketing and management agency to refine work for professional practice.
If students are aged 16-18, they do not have to pay to study a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification. If they are 19+ (and don’t have an Education Health Care Plan) then they are liable to pay either by self-funding or applying for an Advanced Learner Loan.
We have a bursary fund at the college that can help students pay for their travel costs to college. The bursary can be applied for at enrolment.
We have a bursary fund that can help students pay for their meals while they’re at college. The bursary can be applied for at enrolment.
No, our students go on to study a wide range of academic and vocational degrees after completing their L3 courses. These range from Games Development, Film Production and Music Performance right through to History, Politics and International Relations.
Our vocational courses balance the development of theoretical and practical skills and knowledge with the understanding of context and the industry. Students will experience lessons that develop their wider knowledge and understanding of theory, and then apply this in practice through practical lessons.Â
Yes, in most cases, if your child is already 17, they can still study at Access Creative College.
All of our courses are full-time, so students won’t be able to do more than one at once. The only exception is when students need to take Maths and/or English GCSE alongside their main course.
We need to be comfortable that all students have the academic ability to succeed in their chosen course. We would always recommend that homeschooled applicants aim to take some GCSEs to be able to easily evidence their academic level. All conditional offers are reviewed against academic achievement at enrolment.
We do not hold a Tier 4 licence to allow us to process applications from international applicants. As such, if an applicant is currently living outside of the UK, they would not be able to get a scholarship or student visa to be able to study with us. To study at our college, students must have one of the following: UK Citizenship, EU Settlement Status or a Biometric Residence Permit.
There is no upper age limit for joining the college (except for our T Level course, which is only for 16-18 year olds). The majority of our students are aged 16-18, and most classes will reflect this. Only our Access to HE courses are aimed specifically at adults.
No, students need to be at least 16 years of age on 31st August of their year of entry.
Don’t worry, we will look at their grades and find the best option for them. We treat every application on a case-by-case basis to find the best course for our applicants, based on their needs and the level they’re at.’ Depending on their specific results, it might be the case that it doesn’t affect the level of their course.
Timetables can vary, but students will usually be in 3 days a week. If they need to retake Maths and English, then this could add an extra day to their timetable.
Academic entry requirements are as follows:
Â
No, as long as they meet the entry requirements for their chosen course, they’ll be able to study with us.
At Level 2 our focus is preparing our students for further study or training at Level 3.Â
At Level 3, students engage in a month-long Charity Project at the end of the year. This is a virtual work experience activity where they produce work to a brief set by a leading charity. Partner charities include RSPB, WWF, the National Trust and Young Minds. Students also benefit from wider enrichment activities including talks and workshops from industry professionals and visits to workplaces and events.
At Level 4, students will interact with a music marketing and management agency to refine work for professional practice.
If students are aged 16-18, they do not have to pay to study a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification. If they are 19+ (and don’t have an Education Health Care Plan) then they are liable to pay either by self-funding or applying for an Advanced Learner Loan.
We have a bursary fund at the college that can help students pay for their travel costs to college. The bursary can be applied for at enrolment.
We have a bursary fund that can help students pay for their meals while they’re at college. The bursary can be applied for at enrolment.
No, our students go on to study a wide range of academic and vocational degrees after completing their L3 courses. These range from Games Development, Film Production and Music Performance right through to History, Politics and International Relations.
Our vocational courses balance the development of theoretical and practical skills and knowledge with the understanding of context and the industry. Students will experience lessons that develop their wider knowledge and understanding of theory, and then apply this in practice through practical lessons.Â
Yes, in most cases, if your child is already 17, they can still study at Access Creative College.
All of our courses are full-time, so students won’t be able to do more than one at once. The only exception is when students need to take Maths and/or English GCSE alongside their main course.
We need to be comfortable that all students have the academic ability to succeed in their chosen course. We would always recommend that homeschooled applicants aim to take some GCSEs to be able to easily evidence their academic level. All conditional offers are reviewed against academic achievement at enrolment.
We do not hold a Tier 4 licence to allow us to process applications from international applicants. As such, if an applicant is currently living outside of the UK, they would not be able to get a scholarship or student visa to be able to study with us. To study at our college, students must have one of the following: UK Citizenship, EU Settlement Status or a Biometric Residence Permit.
There is no upper age limit for joining the college (except for our T Level course, which is only for 16-18 year olds). The majority of our students are aged 16-18, and most classes will reflect this. Only our Access to HE courses are aimed specifically at adults.
No, students need to be at least 16 years of age on 31st August of their year of entry.
Don’t worry, we will look at their grades and find the best option for them. We treat every application on a case-by-case basis to find the best course for our applicants, based on their needs and the level they’re at.’ Depending on their specific results, it might be the case that it doesn’t affect the level of their course.
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