At CATS Cambridge, we believe that inspiration is most powerful when it comes from those who have walked the same path. Recently, we were delighted to welcome back two former CATS students who returned to share their journeys into some of the world’s most prestigious creative institutions.
Their visits offered our current students a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insight into what it takes to succeed in highly competitive creative degree programmes from portfolio preparation to personal investigation coursework and beyond.
Learning from Leading Creative Pathways
Swan, now studying Architecture at The Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), spent time with our Art students discussing the architecture application process. He shared practical advice on building a strong portfolio, communicating ideas clearly, and demonstrating both technical skill and creative thinking all essential elements for successful applications to top architecture schools.
We were also pleased to welcome Joy, a former Fine Art A Level student at CATS Cambridge and now in her first year at the Architectural Association. Joy reflected on how her time at CATS helped her develop the independence, confidence, and creative discipline needed to thrive in a demanding university environment. She spoke openly about transitioning from A Levels to degree-level creative study and how early preparation made a lasting difference.
Personalised Guidance for Creative Success
In addition to group talks, both alumni offered one-to-one sessions with students. These personalised meetings allowed students to receive tailored feedback on their portfolios and personal investigation coursework, helping them understand how their work aligns with the expectations of leading creative institutions.
Students gained valuable insight into:
- What top universities look for in creative portfolios
- How to present ideas with clarity and originality
- The importance of experimentation, reflection, and process
- Preparing confidently for interviews and application reviews
These sessions reinforced the importance of early preparation, thoughtful guidance, and resilience key qualities for success in creative education.
Supporting Creative Futures at CATS Cambridge
Alumni visits like these are a vital part of the CATS Cambridge experience. They highlight the strong progression pathways available to our students and demonstrate how focused academic support, specialist teaching, and individual mentoring can lead to outstanding creative outcomes.
We are proud to see our former students thriving at world-leading institutions and equally proud to welcome them back as role models for the next generation of architects and artists.
