A Level in Textiles

Applications Open - Monday 27 October 2025

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

This is an excellent textiles course for those who love being creative with textiles and fashion.

You will be introduced to a range of techniques including: printing and dyeing; stitch and embroidery and using fabrics to experiment with 3D modelling. As the course progresses there will be an opportunity to specialise so that you can develop an exciting body of work for your portfolio. The study of textiles is great preparation for students heading for a career in fashion or textile design or for those who want to apply to an art related degree course. It also combines well with any other subject at the College. You are also able to combine it with any other Art and Design subject.

The textiles area is well equipped with a wide range of equipment and resources providing an exciting opportunity for developing creative and innovative design ideas.

The first year of the course consists of an induction period followed by coursework projects. During the projects you will be learning new techniques, looking at the work of other artists and building up your skills and understanding of contemporary textile art. You will also be getting to grips with the assessment criteria and understanding how to develop your ideas to a high A Level standard. The second year of the Textiles course consists of two components: coursework and the exam project. There is a short, written element to the coursework. You will be further developing your skills and exploring your personal ideas to a high standard. Your work will be bigger and more ambitious and might also be worn as part of the fashion catwalk during the Final Show.

Progression onto Year Two

Progression to the second year of this A Level course will be dependent on having made satisfactory progress in the first year of the course, including achieving at least an E grade in a formal late spring assessment, as well as the maintenance of a good level of attendance and commitment throughout the year.

All A Level coursework is due in at the end of January in your second year. From the start of February, you will then start your exam project. In May, at the end of the exam preparation period, you will be completing a final piece during a 15-hour exam ? spread over three days. The coursework is worth 60 per cent of your A Level mark and the exam project is 40 per cent.

Year two becomes more specialised. The coursework element consists of one major project, which you choose yourself. There is also a short-written element to the coursework. The exam project culminates in a 15-hour practical exam.

General entry requirements:

To study this A Level, you’ll need a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4 or above across your top six subjects with at least a grade 5 or above in Maths and English Language or Literature.

Please note: your GPA average can include English and Maths.

Subject-specific entry requirements:

To study Textiles, a grade 4 or above in GCSE Art and Design, or a Merit in Level 2 Art and Design would be advantageous. Alternatively, a portfolio of work can be brought to your interview if you haven't previously studied Art and Design.

This course provides you with the essential skills needed to progress into a career path within the textiles and creative industries. It also provides a suitable advanced level course for other career routes. Higher Education courses and employment opportunities available to students with fashion and textiles qualifications include fashion promotion, textile management, clothing studies with textiles, fashion and design with marketing/technology, a retail buyer, journalism, garment technology, textile and fashion design.