Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

Music College - Sixth Form - ACM

33 replies

rockgodmum · 08/11/2022 13:29

My DS is looking to leave school after his GCSE's next year and study a Level 3 Diploma in music (guitar). He has auditioned at the Rhythm Studio, London but has concerns about London (he's at school in Somerset!) and also that the college has no notable alumni. ACM Guildford seems stronger on the alumni front and we have lined up an audition there in December. I was therefore wondering if anyone had experience of their sixth form programme? He's looking to be stretched and inspired in an encouraging and supportive environment (my words but reckon he'd agree 😀)

OP posts:
chocolatenutcase · 10/11/2022 21:17

@rockgodmum look up LIPA 6th form college. It's a separate institution next door to LIPA.

www.lipasixthformcollege.org/

Thesoundofmusic23 · 10/11/2022 18:17

@bigel I have a feeling your ds went to ACM, would you be willing to share what his experience was like.

Original poster
rockgodmum · 10/11/2022 18:10

Thank you @chocolatenutcase It looks great however I can't see any reference to a sixth form programme.

OP posts:
chocolatenutcase · 10/11/2022 13:29

Have you looked at LIPA 6th form in Liverpool. They do have some students living in Uni style accommodation. Current alumni doing really well are The Crawlers.

www.crawlersband.com/

Original poster
rockgodmum · 10/11/2022 11:59

@Thesoundofmusic23 No we haven't approached ELAM or The Brit School. Mainly due to location but also I think The Brit School is more of a performing arts college and I think he'd benefit more from one that is simply focussed on contemporary music. Hope we get some feedback re ACM! It would be very reassuring to hear from someone who had experience of the sixth form there as I can only find reviews for their HE college.

OP posts:
Thesoundofmusic23 · 09/11/2022 11:11

Sounds like his current school is fantastic. Hoping someone can a answer your question re: ACM as we would love to hear about it too.

Is he applying to Brit or ELAM? Maybe too far for you? Not sure where you are based.

Original poster
rockgodmum · 09/11/2022 10:56

@ Thesoundofmusic23 No he has only applied to The Rhythm Studio and ACM. We looked at BIIM but he was concerned that he wouldn't be sufficiently stretched there. The problem - and it's a nice problem to have! - is that he is currently at a school with an amazing music department which has worldclass facilities and in a band who are all grade 8 distinction. However it is also a very expensive school and it just doesn't seem to make sense to pay for him to stay on there when his only passion is music. Being at a music college amongst equally passionate students who are all committed to making a career in music seems to be the right way forward but it will be a wrench and that's why I would love to hear from anyone with experience of ACM to make sure it's a forward step!

OP posts:
Thesoundofmusic23 · 08/11/2022 22:32

oooh I’d like to join. DC likely applying next year - would love to hear some first hand experiences too.

Is your son applying to any other colleges/ schools? Just started doing research now.

Swipe left for the next trending thread