BCS is highly respected for its Visual Arts; the Art School is a place where pupils have the freedom to express themselves and develop their skills in order to challenge expectations of what they can achieve.

About BCS Visual Arts

Many pupils work across a number of disciplines such as printmaking, painting, textiles and photography, showcasing their work at the end of year Visual Arts Festival, in addition to being entered for national and local competitions and awards.

The school runs an exciting programme which enhances our pupils’ experience and develops them as aspiring artists. There are regular opportunities to learn from artists in residence who discuss their work and run practical workshops in addition to Life Drawing classes taught by lecturers from the Arts University Bournemouth, a leading Art University in the UK.

Frequent trips to the Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate St Ives, Cornwall, Salisbury Sculpture Park, The National Portrait Gallery and Saatchi London allow for students to understand, explore and develop further as individuals and broaden this conceptual knowledge and critical understanding. The Art School hosts artist in residence weeks in addition to residential trips to France, Cornwall and further afield

BCS Visual Arts Brochure 2024 - Click HERE to Download

Meet the Head of BCS Visual Arts - Mark Coulter

Mark Coulter has over 30 years working as a practicing Artist and Teacher. As an Examiner for Art and Photography, a Senior Leader and Consultant for Art he has trained many teachers and students.

Mark and his team have a history of excellent results regularly achieving A and A* grades at A Level. Mark’s philosophy is about developing skills which allow individuals to express their creative talent. Mark exhibits his own work and continues to work on commissions.

"The BCS Visual Arts Department is fantastic. I have an amazing relationship with my teachers, Mr Coulter, Miss Cunningham and Miss Harris, they are amazing. They are always pushing us to do our best while still looking out for and taking care of us. We can always count on them" - Laura, Year 13

University Progress

BCS works in partnership with the Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) which is internationally recognised for its Art and Design facilities and courses. This partnership includes research groups, life drawings, practical workshops and preparation for university.

Previous students have gone on to study a variety of disciplines at high profile universities including, Fine Art, Design, Photography, Graphic Design, Architecture and Fashion Design. In recent years students have gained places at the Royal College of Art, St Martins, London College of Fashion in addition to design schools in Milan.

Fine Art at BCSTextiles at BCSPhotography at BCS