A Message to Prospective Students
Choosing your A Levels can feel like a big decision, especially if you enjoy lots of different creative subjects and are not quite sure where you want that to lead.
Textiles is one of the most exciting and varied creative courses because it combines drawing, design, practical making, fashion, construction, digital design and personal expression all in one subject.
You do not need to arrive as an expert dressmaker or fashion designer and you do not need to have studied Textiles at GCSE. What matters most is curiosity, creativity and a willingness to experiment, solve problems and develop your ideas. We teach the technical skills step by step, building your confidence from the very beginning.
Some students join because they love fashion. Others are interested in interiors, costume, photography, embroidery, print design, craft skills or simply enjoy making things with their hands. Many students discover completely new strengths once they begin.
This course gives you the freedom to explore your own ideas while developing real practical and professional skills that can lead into university, apprenticeships and creative careers.
You will work with a huge range of materials and processes including print, dye, embroidery, fabric manipulation, garment construction, digital design, surface pattern, mixed media techniques and industry-led projects that reflect real fashion and textile careers.
Textiles is not just about making outcomes, it is about learning how to think creatively, solve problems, communicate visually and develop your own identity as a designer.
If you enjoy creating, questioning, experimenting and pushing ideas further, A Level Textiles could be the perfect course for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have studied Textiles at GCSE?
No, many students join A Level Textiles without having studied Textiles before.
You do not need previous experience in sewing, garment making or specialist textile techniques. We teach everything step by step from the beginning, building your confidence through practical workshops and guided projects.
Students often come from non-art backgrounds and quickly discover that Textiles gives them lots of new ways to work.
Do I need to be able to sew already?
No, we teach all practical skills from the beginning, including sewing machine work, construction, embroidery, print processes and digital design.
You will be shown how to use equipment safely and confidently, and your skills will develop naturally as the course progresses.
Is Textiles just about making clothes?
Not at all.
Students explore fashion, surface pattern, interiors, embroidery, mixed media, print design, installation work, accessories and much more.
Some students focus on garments, while others become more interested in surface design, textile art, costume, interiors or creative industry work.
Do I need to be good at drawing?
You do not need to be perfect at drawing.
Drawing is used as a way of exploring ideas, recording primary research and developing design thinking. Confidence improves quickly through practice and experimentation.
The focus is on creative development, not perfection.
Is there digital work too?
Yes.
Students use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and CAD processes to create repeat patterns, technical flats, print collections, digital portfolio work and professional presentations.
Digital skills are a major part of modern textiles and fashion practice and are an important part of the course.
What happens after A Level Textiles?
Many students progress into university courses such as Fashion Design, Textile Design, Surface Pattern, Costume, Interior Design, Buying and Merchandising, Fashion Promotion and Creative Direction.
Others move into apprenticeships, freelance work, independent creative practice or small business start-ups.
Textiles opens doors to a huge range of creative careers.
