The Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts is a specialist independent school in Cambridge offering A-levels, foundation diplomas and pre-degree courses in art and design, fashion, drama and music. It is best known for preparing students for top UK art, design and drama schools. Choose it for a creative route into UK higher education.
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Official website: csvpa.com
Independent creative arts school and college
Cambridge city centre
Students progress to leading UK art, design and drama schools
£25,000 – £35,000
International students, foundation and A-level programmes
£13,000 – £16,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on csvpa.com before you apply.
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
FoundationDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 60
A-Level Programme (Creative Arts)
High SchoolDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 50
Foundation Diploma in Performance (Acting)
FoundationDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 60
Pre-Master's in Art and Design
Pre-MastersDuration
6 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 60
Preparation for top UK art, design and drama schools.
Portfolio and audition preparation.
Location in historic Cambridge.
Students progress to universities such as UAL, Goldsmiths and specialist drama schools.
Graduates of UK degrees can later work on the Graduate visa.
Portfolio support strengthens university applications.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Limited programmes
The school teaches from studios and classrooms in central Cambridge, with boarding for younger students.
Cambridge is a historic university city with high rent and London under an hour away.
CAS from CSVPA
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
CSVPA accepts applications on a rolling basis. Apply at least three to four months before the September start to leave time for the portfolio review and visa.
Most programmes start in September, and the pre-Master's also starts in January.
You need a Student route visa. CSVPA issues your CAS once you accept an unconditional offer and pay the deposit. Apply online up to six months before your course starts, showing proof of funds, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
The art and design foundation, creative A-levels, performance foundation and pre-Master's are popular. Entry depends on age, portfolio or audition and IELTS 5.0-5.5.
CSVPA offers some scholarships for talented applicants. Ask the admissions team about current awards.
