How to write a UCAS Conservatoires personal statement: 2026 entry

What is a personal statement?

Your personal statement is a chance to get noticed for the unique talents and experiences you have. It’s an important part of the application process as it’s an opportunity to talk about yourself and your passions, outside of your grades.

We’re going to talk you through how to make the most of the 4000 characters and write a personal statement that stands out.

What universities and colleges are looking for

When reading your personal statement, admissions tutors are looking for evidence that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about the subject area you’re looking to study further and have the relevant skills, experiences, and potential to be a great student. 

What to write about

Have a look at our guide to writing an undergraduate personal statement, and then consider what other specific things conservatoires may be looking for. Think about including the following:

• Why you’re applying – your ambitions and what interests you about the subject, conservatoires, and higher education. Try to make this personal to you, and think about what makes you unique and sets you apart from other applicants.
• Your reasons for choosing the courses you’ve listed. Remember that each conservatoire will be able to see the other conservatoires and courses you've applied to (this is to ensure auditions don't clash), so explain why you’ve chosen those courses. If you're excited to work with or be taught by a particular member of staff, explain why. This will show you've done your research.
• What interests you about your chosen study area – whether that's playing an instrument, acting, singing, conducting, stage design, or another specialist area. 
• Your experience within your chosen specialist area and in any other activity related to the course(s) for which you’ve applied.
• What makes you suitable – for example, membership of national/international orchestras, choirs, or chamber groups (such as NYO, EUYO, or National Youth Theatre) and any other relevant skills and achievements gained from education, work or other activities.

Advice on your conservatoire application

The personal statement questions

The personal statement is split into three separate questions:

• Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject? More guidance on what to include.
• Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? More guidance on what to include.
• Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful? More guidance on what to include.

Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?

This is your opportunity to showcase your passion and knowledge and to demonstrate to universities and colleges why it’s a good fit for you and your future ambitions.

Examples of what you might talk about here are:

• Your motivations for studying this course(s)

  Have you been inspired by a key role model or moment in your life? Perhaps the conservatoires you're applying to have lecturers, staff, or alumni that have inspired you about your chosen instrument or art form and you're excited to learn from them. We’re all driven by something and it’s important to talk about how yours has led you to this course or subject area.

• Your knowledge of this subject area and interests

  Perhaps there’s a particular subject area you’ve researched and can’t wait to learn more about. An artist, musician, or subject expert doing great things that have sparked your interest? Universities and colleges want to see you’ve done your research so they can be confident this is something you will enjoy and excel in. This is a great place to highlight super-curricular activities as evidence of curiosity and interest in the subject outside of the classroom. 

• Your future plans and why this is a good fit for you

  If you already have a particular goal in mind you could talk about how you’ll use this to launch your career. If you don’t, think about what’s important to you and your future, and how the knowledge gained from your chosen course(s) will help you achieve this.

Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This is your chance to shout about the relevant or transferable skills you’ve gained and highlight your understanding of how they will help you succeed.

Examples of what you might talk about here are:

• How your studies or training relate to your chosen course(s) or subject area
  This could be current or previous studies within a school, college, training provider, or even a short online university course – any form of formal education. The main thing here is to focus on what’s most recent and relevant to your chosen course(s). 
• What relevant or transferable skills you have that make you a great candidate
  Maybe there are a couple of subjects that have helped you develop a core set of skills required for your chosen course(s). Or, a particular module that helped you understand where your interests and strengths lie.
• Any relevant educational achievements
  Universities and colleges will see your grades elsewhere on your application so don’t waste time talking about these. Consider accomplishments like winning a school or national competition, performing in an orchestra or band, or directing the school play.

Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

This is your chance to talk about any other activities you have undertaken outside of your formal education or personal experiences which further demonstrate your suitability for the course. This section is likely to be highly personal to you and anything you do include should reflect on why you’re including it. 

Examples of what you might talk about here are:

• Work experience, employment, or volunteering
  Whether it’s in-person work experience at your local school helping with drama or music classes, or virtual work experience through Springpod, the key thing here is for you to reflect on your experiences and the skills gained relevant to your chosen course.
• Personal life experiences or responsibilities
  Is there a situation you’ve personally overcome that has influenced your decision? Are there responsibilities such as caring for a family member that has helped you develop essential qualities for the course like resilience, dedication, and empathy?
• Hobbies and any extra-curricular or outreach activities
  Think sports, reading, community work, summer schools – any activities outside of your studies that help further showcase why you’d make a great student.
• Achievements outside of school or college
  This could be a position of responsibility such as lead in a school play, winning a music competition, or a qualification you’ve attained outside of the classroom.
• Post-education activities
  If you’re no longer in full-time education, it’s a good idea to detail what you’ve been doing since and how this has equipped you with the skills and qualities for your desired course(s).