Natasha Makins graduated from ISCA in 2018 and went on to study Illustration and Visual Media at London College of Communication UAL 'Studying at ISCA was both exciting and challenging and from day one I had to work really hard. To be surrounded by such creative people makes for an inspiring atmosphere. Looking back I realise that working alongside those with a similar creative mindset to me was great preparation for university. The teachers are extremely supportive and knowledgeable. The ISCA community opens you up to more cultures and experiences which also mimics the university experience.

It was great to come back and work at ISCA. The current students are full of bright ideas and new processes and it is so inspiring to see their work - it actually motivates me in my own university projects.'

'The teachers at ISCA were always there for me and guided me while at the same time giving me space to do my own experimentation. I also made the most of the sport facilities especially the swimming pool and football games. The ISCA experience was great preparation for university and in some ways the expectations mirrored some aspects of college life.

Coming back as a studio assistant has made me appreciate even more the work ethic of the teachers and I can see the thought that goes into planning a lesson. I have really enjoyed finding my own way of guiding students and giving advice and seeing things from the tutor's point of view too.'

‘The tutors at ISCA were very supportive and encouraged me to do my best work. The style of study meant I discovered more about the world which was interesting and fun. I'm glad I came! I was encouraged to work hard and think outside the box which is great preparation for university. I was very happy to be offered five university places!

Now back as a studio assistant I am able to see first hand just how much tutors have to prepare. Personally, it is fun to work with the students and help them understand how to use the equipment.'

'ISCA is a great opportunity to develop a versatile and independent approach and to learn how to overcome obstacles. For support, there are one-to-one tutorials, where we can discuss projects with our teachers and ask about any matter we are worried about. I am so happy that after ISCA I'm going to study Fashion Womenswear at Central Saint Martins.'

'ISCA encourages you to be independent and tutors guide you to problem solve. Through this approach I have found my creative voice and this has given me the confidence to express myself fully. I can't wait to start at Central Saint Martins studying Fashion Womenswear.'

'ISCA has given me the opportunity to do what I love every day and this opportunity has improved my ability immensely. Through working in a completely creative environment, I've learned many technical skills and gained inspiration that further fuels my passion for animation and games design.'

'At ISCA I have been able to explore my ideas fully and develop my natural instincts as a designer. I've been encouraged to embrace new ideas and experimentations which have greatly benefitted my work. I am really excited to take up my place at Central Saint Martins in Textiles Design.'

'ISCA helped me to develop my art and design skills. Moreover, I became more confident in myself. Confidence is something everyone needs for university studies. At ISCA I lived in a community where everyone supported each other. I learned how to communicate my ideas, take criticism and also how to give constructive criticism. These are the skills that I utilised at CSM every day and it is much easier for me to do so because I learned all of that at ISCA.'

'My studies at ISCA really helped me to develop as a student and a designer because the different skills were applicable across all disciplines. I learnt the whole process of coming up with ideas, developing research and completing a final outcome. These skills have helped me in my study of Textiles at Chelsea College of Arts.'

‘I achieved a lot at ISCA. With the support of my teachers I was able to develop my own ideas and practice for my A-Levels in Fashion and Textiles, and Graphic Communication. ISCA gave me a different perspective about design, but also taught me great time management skills. ISCA prepared me very well for my application and interview at UAL, and I went on to study Interior & Spatial Design at Chelsea College of Arts!'

'The equipment and facilities at ISCA, along with the teaching from specialist art and design tutors, helped me achieve my progression goals to study Textile Design at Chelsea College of Arts.'