The Earlscliffe Creative Arts Academy is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a wide range of creative disciplines including painting, illustration, graphic design, textiles, photography, sculpture, and modeling.

All members of the Earlscliffe community are invited to attend the Wednesday afternoon SCS club, which provides an opportunity for free-style creative expression. Whether students are accomplished artists or simply eager to explore a new skill, the club fosters a supportive environment for creativity.

The academy participates in numerous workshops, including projects like the Creative Folkestone Triennial. Earlscliffe takes full advantage of its artistic location in Folkestone, a town renowned for its rich cultural scene, including art galleries, music, theatre, and boutique shops. Students regularly visit local galleries and museums, as well as attend events like the Frieze International Art Fair in London, for additional inspiration.

Students also have the opportunity to enter prestigious National Art and Photography Competitions, such as the RA Young Artists Summer Exhibition and the Portrait of Britain.

Earlscliffe encourages students to express themselves creatively, believing it not only promotes mental well-being but also helps develop essential skills in communication, critical thinking, and presentation.

The Earlscliffe Business Academy empowers its most entrepreneurial students to develop a strong foundation in economic principles, a deep understanding of global events, and effective leadership skills. Through a network of partnerships and real-world experiences, Business Academy students build a personal portfolio that positions them ahead of their peers when applying to universities or pursuing future careers.

The Business Academy is one of the most dynamic areas of the school, with many activities focused on hands-on learning. Students frequently attend lectures at prestigious institutions such as The London School of Economics and Political Science and University College London.

A key feature of the academy is its partnership with the Globe Business College in Munich, which offers students the unique opportunity to participate in the Golden Ticket Weekend. During this event, students from across Europe collaborate on business projects, receiving guidance and mentorship from industry experts. Both students and teachers return from this experience feeling inspired and motivated.

Additionally, students visit the European School of Economics for a morning of study focused on financial analysis, planning, and risk management. This excursion is combined with a tour of Wimbledon, the home of British tennis, where students learn how the iconic two-week event funds the entire British tennis program for the year.

Service
At Earlscliffe, students are encouraged to commit to at least one term of weekly “service” during their time at the school. This involves participating in activities that benefit those less fortunate, helping students understand that giving time can be more impactful and rewarding than donating money. Service activities are often student-led and may include volunteering with the elderly, at hospitals, animal shelters, or reading with primary school children. The school also organizes regular fundraising events for local and international charities, such as Rwanda Action.

Interact
Through the Interact program, students take their first steps toward joining a global community focused on service and fundraising. Activities include events such as spending a night outside to raise awareness and funds for the homeless, partnering with the charity Porchlight, and organizing non-uniform days and parties to support local non-profits. Interact also collaborates with the Earlscliffe Business Academy to promote social entrepreneurship. The program is sponsored and guided by the local Folkestone Rotary Club.

Culture
Earlscliffe encourages international students to immerse themselves in British life and culture. This includes regular trips to London to visit landmarks and museums, as well as engaging with a wide range of art, music, and film. The school celebrates global traditions and customs, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.

Some of the school’s annual cultural activities include:

• As a UNESCO-associated school, Earlscliffe takes its membership seriously, fulfilling the UNESCO mission through events like the Earlscliffe UNESCO trip to New York, which includes a visit to the United Nations and debates at a US high school.

• Art students exhibit their work twice a year, offering insights into their creative inspirations and achievements, and curate displays around the school.

• The school invites guest speakers to share their career experiences at formal evening events, often inspiring students to explore new career paths.

• The Model United Nations debate society regularly participates in conferences in London and collaborates with the UNESCO group for the New York trip, helping students develop skills, knowledge, and confidence.

• Earlscliffe sponsors TEDx Folkestone, with students actively participating in hosting the event.

• Throughout the year, the school arranges a variety of enrichment trips for entertainment, including visits to Thorpe Park, Go Ape, Paintballing, the Harry Potter Studios, and activities like quad biking and ice skating.