The Cheltenham Design Academy

The Cheltenham Design Academy takes place on Saturdays from September to Easter at the University of Gloucestershire’s Francis Close Hall campus. The aim is to deliver inspiration and opportunities to young people through design, showing how creativity can improve their lives and others.

The varied curriculum covers such areas as engineering, graphics, fashion, architecture, landscape architecture, film-making, editorial design, illustration and photography. All modules are led by experienced design professionals and include projects that give the students a chance to explore their creativity and develop new skills. In 2014 the Academy launched a series of additional taster classes for younger students, reaching them before they choose their GCSE subjects.

The culmination of the Academy year is an exhibition of work as well as an awards ceremony at which all students are recognised for their contribution. Academy attendance is high, with the sessions met with extreme positivity by students, parents and teachers.