top of page
Students aged 11-18 collaborating on creative design projects at Young Designers Academy studio
Young Designers Academy

Turn Your Creative Passion into a Design Career

  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Explore your design potential: build skills, develop portfolios, and prepare for creative futures.

Click a course below to view full details & book your place

AQA Unit Award Scheme_edited_edited_edit

OUR PATHWAYS

Discover the areas of design that interest you, develop your skills and progress from learning the fundamentals to thinking and working like a designer. Choose a pathway to explore:

 START YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY

1

Icons-04.png

Choose your Pathway:​​​

Explore our creative Pathways and choose the area of design that inspires you.

2

Icons-02.png

Apply online: ​​

Complete our simple online application and tell us a little about yourself and your creative interests.

3

Icon-03.png

Meet Us: ​​

​Come along to a free taster and assessment session. Get to know YDA, experience our studio and show us what you can do.

4

Icons-05.png

Start your Journey: 

Receive your placement offer and begin developing your creative skills, ideas and portfolio at YDA.

WHY CHOOSE
YOUNG DESIGNERS ACADEMY?

PROGRESSION AT YDA

YDA EXPLORER

​

YDA Explorer

DISCOVER

Explore Design & Build Skills:

  • Explore Design Principles

  • Build Creative Confidence

  • Learn Through Projects

  • Develop Design Thinking

​​

​

YDA DEVELOPER

​

YDA_Developer_Indian_girl_model(1).png

DEVELOP

Apply Skills to Practical Projects:

  • Apply Design Principles

  • Solve Design Problems

  • Develop Technical Skills

  • Communicate Design Ideas

​

​

YDA INNOVATOR

​

White boy.png

FOCUS

Develop Conceptual Thinking:

  • Develop a Creative Voice

  • Create Original Design Ideas

  • Advance Conceptual Thinking

  • Build a Portfolio

​

YDA DISCOVERY PROGRAMME

YDA_Discovery_two_students_blue(1).png

DECIDE

Experience. Decide. Launch

  • Explore major design pathways

  • Real industry projects

  • Portfolio & university preparation

  • One-to-one career guidance

WHERE OUR STUDENTS GO NEXT:

Our students develop strong portfolios and go on to study at leading art and design universities. Students from YDA have successfully gained places at the following universities:

TESTIMONIALS

We’re incredibly grateful for the support my daughter received from Margie. She helped her develop a portfolio for her university applications. Margie made a huge difference to my daughter’s confidence. She felt listened to, inspired, and supported every step of the way. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend to any young person looking to build a strong, portfolio

​

(UAL Fashion)

​

-Natasha Hayes, Haslemere

ART SCHOLARSHIPS 11+ & 13+

Our students have been awarded art scholarships to the following schools:

AQA

AQA UNIT AWARD/
ARTS AWARDS

Arts Award  Silver & Gold:

Build real-world creative projects and earn a recognised qualification.

aa-logo-large_edited.png

AQA Units Award: 

Strengthen your portfolio and gain skills that impress universities and creative employers

AQA Unit Award Scheme_edited_edited.png
Student receiving and AQA Unit Award Certificate

WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOLS

Crafting Wooden Models at Young Designers Academy

DESIGN WORKSHOPS FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY STUDENTS

Inspire creativity in your students with our engaging art and design workshops. We deliver tailored sessions for primary and secondary schools, helping students explore skills, build confidence, and develop creative projects in a fun, supportive environment.

ABOUT US

Young Designers Academy inspires students aged 11–18 through hands‑on design education in architecture, fashion, illustration, and more. Led by industry professionals, we help young creatives build confidence, portfolios, and pathways to art & design futures.

external-file_edited.jpg

​

​

Follow us on Instagram

GET IN TOUCH

  • Instagram
  • Facebook

hello@creative-academies.co.uk

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page