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

For any admissions based queries please email recruitment@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 both English and 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. We do not require you to submit a portfolio for Games Design or Film and TV, however, if you would to show some of your previous work that is absolutely fine! but please note it is not necessary.

If you are applying for Music Performance you will be required to submit an audition video of you playing your primary instrument, videos must be between 1.50 - 5 minutes long.

If you are applying for Music Production you will be required to submit an audition video showcasing and discussing the different creative elements within your own original composition. If you are unsure on the content you must include in your submission please refer to our video guide.

Once your application has been submitted we will review your application, you will then hear back on whether your application has been successful/unsuccessful at this stage.

If you are successful you will be invited to an Assessment Centre.

Music Assessment Centre’s :

Music Performance Assessment Centres will consist of a 1:1 interview with one of our members of staff , and you will also have a live audition with one of our music teachers. Further information regarding this will be sent to you if you reach this stage.

Music Production Assessment Centres will consist of a 1:1 interview with one of our production teachers. Further information regarding this will be sent to you if you reach this stage.

Film and TV/Games Design :

Film and TV/Games Design interviews will consist of a 1:1 interview with one of our specialist teachers.Further information regarding this will be sent to you if you reach this stage.

Following on from your Assessment Centre, you will find out whether you have received a conditional offer/waiting list offer/ or have been unsuccessful.

If successful you will receive invitations throughout the year to cultivation events such as Taster Days.

Please refer to our admissions policy for further info.

Q. When can I apply?

Applications to study at ELAM in September 2025 are now open. You can apply here.

Q. Is there a deadline for applications?

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.

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 will aim to be as prompt as possible in our response, however during the busier periods it may take a little while for us to get back to you.

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

We aim to 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 a new 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 spir@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.