Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Browse our FAQs below to see if your query is covered. If it isn’t, please get in touch at info@elam.co.uk .

Q. What are the entry requirements to study at ELAM?

As a minimum requirement, we ask for Grade 4 GCSE English and Maths. Applicants who do not achieve at least a GCSE grade 4 in either English or Maths cannot be admitted. This is so those who are admitted are able to fully access and experience success on their Level 3 course.

We assess applicants on their interview performance, craft, attendance and punctuality figures, demonstration of the ELAM values and engagement with ELAM at key events.

For more information, please read our Admissions Policy.

Q. What is the admissions process?

For all courses, applicants must fill in an application form. Following a successful application, you will be invited for an interview. For the Games course, there is the option to present a portfolio of work. For Film & TV, you can either present a portfolio of work or a short film study. Music students will have to audition as well as sit an interview. When our Assessment Centres are back on site, students will also have to participate in a group task.

Don’t worry though, if you are invited to an interview, more information will be sent to you.

Q. When can I apply?

Applications to study at ELAM in September 2024 are now open. You can apply here.

Q. Is there a deadline for applications?

There is no specific cut-off date for applications. We tend to stop the application process around May-time, but this depends on the number of applications we receive. If we are oversubscribed applications will close early, so we advise that you submit your application as soon as possible.

Q. Can I apply for more than one course?

Yes. However, you will only be able to study one of our strand courses (Music, Film and TV or Games Design and Development) alongside the compulsory English/Maths pathways.

Q. Once I have submitted my application, when should I expect to hear from you?

We try to respond to applicants within two weeks of submitting their application. However, the recruitment period is a particularly busy time for us, so if there is a slight delay in response please bare with us.

Q. When should I expect to find out the outcome of my assessment centre?

We usually email applicants within two weeks of the assessment centre date.

Q. My application was unsuccessful, can I apply for a different course?

Yes. You will however have to go through the admissions process again, submitting an application for the new course you wish you enroll on.

Q. Is there a catchment area?

There is no catchment area to be eligible to study at ELAM. We take trainees from all over London and surrounding areas.

Q. If I live overseas, can I apply?

If you are applying to ELAM from outside of the UK, you will need to provide evidence of British Residency Status and be eligible to access public funds - statutory education being one of them.

Q. Is there a fee to join?

There is no fee to study at ELAM. ELAM is a free sixth-form college providing further education for 16-19 year olds.

For those who are eligible, we offer free school meals and travel bursaries. For more information on this, please contact kmoult@elam.co.uk.

Q. What additional support can you offer if I have additional educational needs?

We have a fantastic pastoral support team who can provide 1-1 support in lessons where necessary. As part of the application, you can provide details on your educational needs.

If you have an EHCP, our SENCo will review your documents to assess whether we have the support available to help you throughout your time at ELAM, as we are a relatively small college so we have to assess required support on a case-by-case basis.

Q. What exam board do you offer?

Trainees will study a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in either Music Performance and Production or Creative Practice (Games Design and Film and Television Production). The extended diploma is equivalent to three A-levels.

Q. Are the ELAM premises available to hire?

Yes. We have numerous spaces available for private hire, including a 440 person theatre, live music rooms, recording studios, gallery space, canteen, conference rooms. We can provide a full hire service and are open to exploring and discussing any event with you. All prices are based on your individual requirements. For more information please complete our Hire Enquiry form.