Art and Design

Why study Art and Design at The Perse?

Art and Design at The Perse is about developing confident, independent creative thinkers. From their very first projects, pupils are encouraged to question, experiment and take creative risks, discovering their own artistic voice while developing the technical skills and visual understanding needed to express original ideas.

Creativity with purpose

We believe the best artists learn through making, reflecting and refining. Art and Design pupils work across a wide range of media, exploring drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography and digital processes while engaging with artists, designers and architects from around the world. As they progress, increasing independence allows them to pursue personal interests, build ambitious portfolios and develop work that is genuinely individual.

Beyond the classroom

Creativity extends well beyond lessons through life drawing, ceramics, photography and sketchbook clubs, community arts projects, exhibitions, national competitions and outreach work with local primary schools. Visits to Kettle’s Yard, the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Sainsbury Centre, Tate galleries and Barbara Hepworth’s St Ives studio provide inspiration, while older Art and Design pupils receive expert portfolio guidance and mentoring for applications to art, architecture and design courses.

Recent Art and Design highlights

Perse pupils regularly achieve success in prestigious national competitions, including the ARTiculation Prize, where one student recently reached the national final at the British Library. Leavers continue to secure places studying Art and Design at leading institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture and Central Saint Martins.