With just 80 schools in England offering History of Art at A-level, The Northern School of Art in Middlesbrough is helping to keep the subject alive in the North-East. 

The figure comes from research by the Association for Art History commissioned by the Courtauld Institute of Art and published late last year, which showed a 34% decline in History of Art provision over the past decade. It also highlighted a stark North–South divide with the subject only available as an A-level in two schools north of Nottingham. 

Art & Design lecturer Katie Wood, who teaches the School’s History of Art A-level at the Ofsted-rated Outstanding Newport Road campus, said the statistics underline the importance of The Northern School of Art’s course. 

“Knowing how rare this opportunity is makes me incredibly proud that we’re able to offer the subject here. I teach both the practical and theoretical sides of this fascinating subject and the mix of hands‑on creativity with analytical and research‑driven learning creates a vibrant, dynamic environment where students are excited to engage, push themselves and truly thrive.” 

The School’s A-level, formally titled Art and Design: Critical and Contextual Studies, blends practical studio work with in-depth art historical study. Students examine how art reflects and shapes society, from the Italian Renaissance to contemporary works, exploring cultural, social, political and economic influences.  

Taught for over twenty years at The Northern School of Art and formerly at its predecessor Cleveland College of Art and Design (CCAD), the course allows students to specialise in areas that interest them – from Greek mythology in the Bronze Age to 16th-century haute couture, or curating a modern exhibition through 3D design. 

Results highlight the success of the course: in 2025, 45% of students achieved high grades (A*-B) in their final A2 exams, with 67% achieving high grades at AS level. 

Students say the course has sparked new passions and expanded their understanding of art and society.  

First-year student Ferne, 16, from Durham, said: “Studying History of Art A-level has inspired a passion for art for me. I really love being able to appreciate Old Masters. It’s given me the freedom to learn about history in a different way.” 

James, 16, from Ingleby Barwick, added: “It interests me to understand how art has changed over time. Art in history is sometimes the only image to explain society – without it, we wouldn’t fully know what happened.” 

Leanna, 17, from Newcastle, said: “It informs what I want to do with my own art and has inspired me to study History of Art at degree level.” 

Phoebe, 17, from Ingleby Barwick, added: “I love photography and art, so it made sense to study History of Art too. It’s a real plus that the School offers it, as nowhere else locally does.” 

Flora, Lucy, and Ellanor, all 16, praised the course for its depth and connection to creativity: “It’s definitely my favourite subject,” said Flora. “Everything links back to art!” 

“It has made me think differently and given me more insight into my creative work,” said Lucy. 

“The subject really opens your mind. There is a preconception that art history is just about studying the Old Masters – but two minutes ago was history!” said Ellanor. 

Second year A-level students Seren and Gemma both enjoy the insights that the subject has given them. “There were so many skills on show and a lot more detail and meaning in older art,” added Seren, whose favourite art is in the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

“It is so impressive as artists didn’t have the resources we have today and yet they created such amazing things.”

Gemma said the subject had helped her to decide what she wanted to study in the future: “We looked at the history of fashion design and it inspired an interest in textile design. I have enrolled onto the Foundation course at the School so that I can study textiles in more depth.”

Learning on the course is further enhanced through museum and gallery visits, as well as talks from visiting lecturers and industry practitioners, giving students hands-on insight into the art world. 

Rob Kane, Vice Principal (Further Education) at The Northern School of Art, said: “By combining theory and practice, we are providing students with access to a rare and inspiring A-level subject, helping to widen cultural horizons and open doors into higher education and the creative industries. This proves that world-class creative education can thrive far beyond London and the South East.” 

Further information about The Northern School of Art’s History of Art A-level is available here