Level 2 and GCSE Results celebrations for HCA students

  • Published

    24th August 2026

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Level 2 students at Hereford College of Arts are celebrating after achieving a 100% overall pass rate across the College’s specialist creative courses.

A total of 63 students received results on the College’s one-year transition courses in Art and Design, Creative Media Production and Technology, Music Performance and Production, and Performing and Production Arts.

More than one in four students achieved the top grade - a Distinction – with 65% achieving a Merit or Distinction.

2026 GCSE RESULTS - Natasha (L3 Art and Design)

I’m really happy! When I was in high school, I failed everything so I never thought I’d get to this point. It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked. I’m really excited about going on to the Level 3. It’s unlocked so many creative possibilities for me.

Axel - Level 2 Diploma, Art and Design

[I'm] in shock! Am I dreaming? Now I can fully focus on my course and not be hesitant because I know that I’ve got English. I hope to become an animator.

Artemis - Level 2 Creative Media Production + Technology and GCSE English

I’ve got through all the tough units. I’ve learned that no matter how hard it is, just push through and in the end you’ll get what you need!

Max - Level 2 Diploma, Creative Media Production + Technology

I dropped out of high school: I struggled. This has been a good way to ease back into it. This year has helped me so much!

Neo - Level 2 Diploma, Art and Design

HCA’s Level 2 courses provide a supportive transition into further creative study. They are designed to offer wide access to arts education, including for students whose previous educational experience may have been less traditional or who are returning to learning with limited experience in their chosen subject.

Students develop practical skills, explore their subject in a studio setting and build confidence and independence through hands-on project work helping them build specialist knowledge in their subject and begin to identify the direction they want to pursue next.

Particularly strong results included Performing and Production Arts, where 75% of students achieved a Distinction, and Creative Media Production and Technology, where 28% received the highest grade.

This has been an ambitious and supportive group of students, and we are incredibly proud of the progress they have made. For all those students who achieved a Distinction grade, it reflects not only the standard of their final performance work, but the confidence, collaboration and commitment they have developed throughout the course.

Anna Lines - Course Leader for Performing and Production Arts

Our students joined the course with a wide range of experiences and starting points. They have embraced new ideas, technologies and ways of communicating, producing work that demonstrates real creativity and growing technical confidence. These results are a fantastic reflection of that development.

Steve Waldron - Course Leader for Creative Media Production and Technology

The level 2 Art & Design students have had enjoyed a fabulous year of exploring new ideas, materials and processes, working on creative projects in the studio and in specialist workshops. It is incredibly rewarding to see the students grow in both skills and confidence over the year.

Kay Rambaud - Course Leader for Art, Design and Communication

The students have worked collaboratively in bands to produce some really strong work in our studios and performance spaces, I am really excited to see how they progress their musical journeys and build on this year.

Sam Wood - L2 tutor for Music Performance and Production

This year 76% of our Level 2 students will now progress to Level 3 study at HCA. Students can continue within their current subject or move into another creative discipline, allowing them to build a pathway around their developing interests and ambition.

On finishing that two-year programme, HCA students progress onto a wide range of degrees - many staying on at HCA for their undergraduate degree or to study a Foundation diploma - or straight into a career.

GCSE English and Mathematics success


HCA is also celebrating the achievements of students receiving GCSE English and GCSE mathematics results.

English and mathematics teaching at HCA is designed to connect these essential qualifications with students’ creative interests. Learning is made relevant through examples, activities and projects related to their subjects, helping students engage regardless of their previous experience or confidence.

We are extremely proud of every student who has worked towards an English or maths qualification alongside their creative course this year. We know that these core subjects open up important opportunities in further study, employment and students’ longer-term careers.

Xaviere Hughes - Vice Principal of Further Education

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