Applicants must have at least Grade 4 (or equivalent) in GCSE English and Maths. Those who do not meet this requirement cannot be admitted, ensuring all trainees can fully access and succeed on their Level 3 course.

Applicants are also assessed on:

• Interview performance

• Craft or creative ability

• Demonstration of ELAM values

• Engagement with ELAM at key events

For more information, please read our Admissions Policy.

Application Form: All applicants must submit a form.

• Games Design and Film & TV: Portfolios are optional.

• Music Performance: Submit a 1:50–5 minute audition video on your primary instrument.

• Music Production: Submit a video showcasing your own original composition and explaining its creative elements. See our video guide for guidance.

  Your application will then be reviewed. Applications are assessed, and you will be informed if your application is successful or unsuccessful. If successful you will be invited to an Assessment Centre which will involve:

  • Music Performance: 1:1 interview + live audition

  • Music Production: 1:1 interview

  • Film & TV / Games Design: 1:1 interview with a specialist teacher

  Following the Assessment Centre, you will be notified of a conditional offer, waiting list placement, or unsuccessful outcome. Successful applicants will also be invited to taster and cultivation events throughout the year.

  For full details, please read our Admissions Policy.

Applications to study at ELAM in September 2026 are now open. You can apply here.

There is no specific cut-off date for applications, however, if we are oversubscribed applications will close early, so we advise that you submit your application as soon as possible.

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.

We will aim to be as prompt as possible in our response and get back to you within two weeks, however during the busier periods it may take a little while for us to get back to you, especially if applying for Music Performance.

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

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

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

Yes. 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.

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 spir@elam.co.uk.

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.

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.