My journey through Clearing to study at Escape Studios

Considering applying to one of our courses through UCAS Clearing, or just curious about what the process is like? Anthony, a student who joined us last year through Clearing, shares a look at how it went for him. 
 
I’m Anthony, a 3D animation student at Escape Studios. My journey into animation started a few years prior to university, when I began animating 2D drawings as a hobby. After posting animations online, I realised I wanted to develop my skills further. The internet had countless tutorials but advice was often conflicting and overwhelming, so I decided I needed structured guidance with professional feedback to take my development to the next level. 

During the summer of 2025, I researched many different Higher Education courses. I had a firm choice locked in at a different university, but I kept wanting to explore more options that could suit my goals better. I became very interested in Escape Studios as I saw they had some deep ties with major names in the creative industry and facilitated evenings with industry professionals working on current blockbuster movies and games. Their tutors all have real experience working in the industry and that sort of insight is exactly what I was interested in learning from. So, after contacting some past students and hearing about both their experience at Escape Studios and praise of the location in North Greenwich, I decided to decline my firm choice and enter Clearing to apply for a spot at Escape Studios. 

This was a decision that made me quite anxious, especially because I submitted my application on 10^th September, so close to the start of term that year. However, my mind was quickly set at ease as by 11^th September, the Escape Studios Team had already emailed me with everything I needed including guidance on how to submit a portfolio and past exam results. After submitting my portfolio and A level results through email, I was offered a place on the same day.  

My Clearing journey was smooth and the Escape Studios Team guided me through the Clearing and registration process in great detail. Any anxieties about the limited time I had to register were eased by the quick responses from the Escape Studios staff. The whole process took less than 24 hours. 

At registration, we met some of our tutors and reception staff, explored the building and had friendly conversations with our future classmates. That community atmosphere persists throughout the year with tutors being approachable and classmates being an absolute blast to be around. This isn’t to say it’s all fun and games though, the work is challenging and develops your skills in a targeted, industry-centric way to ensure you’re developing not only as a creative, but as an employable person ready to enter the industry. 

Escape Studios has given me experience with so many paths I never would have undertaken by myself: details I would have overlooked, software I never would have touched and perspectives from other parts of the pipeline I never would have delved into. I truly believe Escape Studios was the right choice. 

If I had to give my past self a word of advice, I would tell them to apply as soon as possible. You need time to plan and book accommodation if you’re moving to London, and a little time to settle in. However, if you are running short of time, there is no need to panic as Escape Studios will guide you through the process quickly and smoothly. If you’re considering Clearing and would like to get a small taste of what Escape Studios has to offer, you can join the A level results day Clearing Q&A webinar to meet the tutors, get tips for your portfolio, find out how the typical study week is structured, and ask any specific questions you have!  

Whatever choice you make, you will likely run into Escape Studios alumni throughout your career in the industry, so whether it’s this year or in the future, feel free to say hello. Best of luck in your Clearing journey! 

Places on our undergraduate courses starting this September 2026 are available now through Clearing. For help and advice, get in touch with our friendly team, or join our Q&A webinar with Escape Studios Principal, Professor Ian Palmer, 1:00pm - 2:00pm BST on Thursday 13^th August.