Information for Parents, Carers & Supporters
Helping your young person thrive at Hereford College of Arts.
Why HCA?
On-site Wellbeing Mentors
Our Wellbeing Team includes dedicated Wellbeing Mentors that all students can book sessions with.
The Wellbeing Mentors have a base on both our campuses and support students with 1-on-1 advice and guidance across a wide range of topics.
Outstanding student satisfaction scores
Every year HCA scores among the highest in the country in the National Student Survey.
Our results for student support and the quality of feedback students get rank ten percent higher than the sector. This is echoed in examiner comments for our recent Outstanding Ofsted report covering our Post-16 adn Foundation diplomas.
Flexible courses = a world of career options
All our courses build into significant student choice. Students have the ability to shape their studies around their interests - and leave with a portfolio or reel that represents where they want to go in their career.
In a UCAS study last year, the range of options was the second-most important factor for creative students choosing what courses to study.
At HCA that is embedded in our courses because we believe that all our students are individuals, and becasue no two creative careers are the same.
A student-first approach to education
At HCA, your young person won't get lost in the crowd.
Academic staff work with them to grow as an individual as well as an artist - while our study skills and academic mentoring teams provide a wraparound service to ensure their needs as a learner are met.
Relevant careers and employability guidance
Careers and employability is embedded in all of our courses.
Our curriculum is informed by industry, and is designed to mirror the skills and abilities employers are looking for. All students at HCA get outstanding access and insight into the creative industries through extensive partnerships and connections, and are able to build their confidence and their CV by working with industry partners while on their course.
Visit campus together
Open Days and Personal Tours are the perfect chance to discover what life at HCA is really like. Join your young person on campus to: - Meet tutors and current students - Tour our studios, workshops, and accommodation - Explore Hereford’s vibrant creative community - Ask about funding, wellbeing, and career support
Book an open daySupporting their transition
68 %
For creative students, feeling safe is the foremost consideration when choosing where to study with two out of three students listing it as an important factor.
On campus and off, the scale of both HCA and of Hereford provides an excellent foundation for students to feel secure and thrive in their studies.
Outstanding public transport connections
Student accommodation is located within two minutes' walk of Hereford train station.
With direct trains to Birmingham, Manchester, London and Cardiff and outstanding links to Bristol and South West it's easy for students to us their 16-25 Railcard to pop home for the weekend or visit friends.
New accommodation designed for creative students
- Ensuite rooms and studio options
- On-site management team
- Free high-speed internet
- Outstanding social space available to all residents
- Utilities included
- Secure covered bike parking
- 15-minutes' walk from campus
- CCTV secure
- Wheelchair accessible
- On-site laundry
- Free contents insurance
Free city busses
Hereford has a comprehensive network of electric busses that serve the city.
'Zippers' are free to use, helping students reduce their monthly costs.
A vibrant Student Union
At the heart of our campus community is the HCA Student Union.
Our SU - and Student Council - ensure students are represented in college decisions, and are a big part of building community on campus through Winter and Summer Balls, Halloween nights, Welcome Weeks and a range of ever-changing pop-up events and campaigns that students can get involved in.
Careers & Creative Futures
For Students Who Are Parents or Carers
We’re here to talk
Still have questions? We’re always happy to chat – whether you want to know more about a course, student life, accommodation, or anything else.
Email our Outreach teamBook an open day
Chat to students. Tour the campus. Drop in on some free workshops. Our Open Days are a great way to get a feel for what makes HCA special.
Find out more about visiting our campusHow to apply
Everything you need to know about applying to HCA - and starting the next stage of your journey as an artist
Learn more about the application process for all our courses
