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| Aqsa Asif, who was supported into art school by GSA Widening Participation, graduated with a First-Class degree in Painting and Printmaking. She now serves as founder and committee member of SaltSpace Co-operative and the Studio Manager for Alberta Whittle |
- Almost a quarter of GSA’s Scottish Domiciled students now come from the SIMD20 (20% most disadvantaged) areas
- GSA retention rate for pupils from SIMD20 areas reaches 98%
The Glasgow School of Art’s position as a leader in Widening Access was underlined yesterday with the release of the 2021 figures by the Scottish Funding Council.
The percentage of the GSA’s Scottish domiciled students from the SIMD20 areas (the 20% most socially disadvantaged areas of Scotland) has once again increased reaching 24.2% (7% above the national average and 4% above the Scottish Government’s “20% by 2030” target). This places the GSA ahead of almost all Scottish HE institutions. Importantly the retention rate for these students (98% – 8% above the national average) continues to match the Glasgow School of Art’s high overall retention rate, reflecting the work the School does with these students throughout their time at the GSA.
The figures reflect the considerable investment that the GSA makes both in supporting school pupils from the SIMD20 areas to consider art school – through special programmes of activity, and ensuring that this support continues once the pupils begin study at the GSA. Among the initiatives being delivered specifically with pupils in the MD20 area by the GSA’s Widening Access team are:
- a range of portfolio building courses, free of charge:
a 10-week S5 Portfolio Course
a 15-week S6 Portfolio Course
a 10-week Architecture Portfolio Course.
These courses comprise weekly 3-hour lessons, led by GSA tutors and supported by GSA student mentors.
- application support for every stage of the application process to GSA including guidance on UCAS personal statements, help with digital portfolio compilation and digital portfolio statements, interview support workshops and one-to-one mock interviews
- progression to the GSA after completing a qualification at college including associate student schemes with the HNC Art & Design at Glasgow Clyde College and the HND Sound Production at Forth Valley College.
“We believe that everyone should be able to fulfil their creative potential,” says Professor Penny Macbeth, Director of The Glasgow School of Art. “Our Widening Participation team works to support school pupils across the SIMD20 areas in the development of portfolios as well as with applications to come to and study here. We have also developed strong links with two HE colleges to create progression opportunities into the GSA after completion of HNDC and HND programmes.”
“The success of this commitment is reflected not only in the GSA surpassing the Scottish Government’s 20% by 2030 target 8 years ahead of schedule, but also in supporting pupils from SIMD20 areas to make successful applications to study art, design and architecture in leading HE institutions across the UK.”
“Attracting pupils to study at the GSA is, however, only part of the process. It is very important that support continues for pupils once they arrive at university. Our commitment in this area has meant that we now have a 98% retention rate for pupils from the SIMD20 areas.”
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For further information contact
Lesley Booth
07799414474
press@gsa.ac.uk