Access Enables Change: Introducing Accessible Accommodation for NFTS Students

With the recent unveiling of the new addition to its Beaconsfield HQ, the National Film and Television School is proud to introduce new purpose-built accessible accommodation for students with physical access requirements, located at the heart of our campus. 

Housed within the newly named The Cubby Broccoli Building, this development marks a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment, where all students can live and study independently. For disabled students, accessible accommodation has long been one of the biggest challenges of studying in Beaconsfield – this new facility directly addresses that barrier.
 

From January 2027, The Cubby Broccoli Building will offer nine fully accessible rooms, thoughtfully designed to support a range of physical access requirements. The accommodation enables students to participate fully in all aspects of NFTS life, ensuring that access never limits creative ambition. 

These rooms have been designed with the needs of disabled students at their core. Working with leading suppliers and equipment providers, the spaces will actively support the independence of future students. From the moment a student accepts their place, we will work closely with them to ensure their living environment meets their individual requirements, ensuring they can focus fully on their training and creative development. 

We’ve also launched a new Accessible Living Bursary, designed to remove financial barriers alongside physical ones. The bursary covers the cost of reasonable adjustments as well as rent, enabling eligible students to live on site at no additional cost. It can also be combined with other scholarships and financial support, ensuring that talented disabled creatives are able to train at the NFTS without financial constraint. 

“Access should never be the reason someone is prevented from pursuing their creative potential. The new on-site accommodation and Accessible Living Bursary is about removing practical and financial barriers so that disabled students can thrive, live independently, and be fully part of the inspiring NFTS community from day one.” 

-Hamish Thompson, NFTS Disability Lead

Purpose-Built Accessible Rooms

Each room has been designed in line with accessibility standards and best practice, with features including:
•    Step-free access throughout the building
•    Spacious room layouts suitable for wheelchair users and mobility aids
•    Accessible wetroom bathrooms with adapted fittings and safety features
•    Wide doorways, level flooring, and accessible storage
•    Convenient access to the communal lounge, kitchen and laundry 
The accommodation is fully integrated into the wider campus, ensuring students can make the most of all that the NFTS offers.
 

Supporting Independent Living

This accommodation has been designed to enable students to manage day-to-day living with greater confidence, while ensuring appropriate support is available when required.
Students benefit from:
•    A living environment designed around accessibility and dignity
•    Increased independence within a supportive setting
•    The ability to engage fully in academic, social, and campus life
•    Close links to the School’s support services, including Wellbeing and Student Support teams
 

Our Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

This new facility reflects the School’s commitment to equality of access and inclusive education. We will work in partnership with students to understand individual requirements and to put reasonable adjustments in place where needed.
With nine dedicated accessible rooms, the accommodation allows for a high level of individual consideration and support.
 

Further Information
 

Prospective and current students with physical disabilities who are considering applying for our on-campus accommodation are encouraged to contact us to discuss their requirements.

For further information, availability, or to arrange a visit, please contact info@nfts.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this accommodation intended for?

This accommodation is intended for students with physical access requirements who require an accessible living environment. It is suitable for students with a range of mobility and physical access needs.

How many accessible rooms are available?

The building includes nine purpose-built accessible rooms. As availability is limited, early application is recommended.

What accessibility features are included?

The accommodation includes step-free access throughout, spacious room layouts suitable for wheelchair users and mobility aids, accessible bathrooms with adapted fittings, wide doorways, level flooring, and accessible storage. Specific features may vary by room.

Do the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and are they fully accessible wet rooms? 

Yes. All accessible rooms are en-suite and include fully accessible, roll in wet-room style bathrooms with adapted fittings and safety features including keyless entry/automatic door switch and emergency cords. 

Is there staff or security support available in the school 24/7?

Yes. The building is covered by the school’s existing campus staffing and security arrangements, providing support and assistance at all times.

Is the accommodation located on campus?

Yes. The building is located within the main Beaconsfield campus and is fully integrated with other student facilities.

Will I still be part of the wider student community?

Yes. The accommodation has been designed to ensure students are part of the wider campus community, with easy access to teaching spaces, communal areas, and social facilities.

What support is available for students living in this accommodation?

Students have access to the School’s existing support services, including Student Support and Wellbeing, Registry, and the Student’s Union. Support is tailored to individual needs and discussed with students as part of the application process.

How do I pay for this accommodation?

The Accessible Living Bursary fully funds the rent, all utilities and any reasonable adjustments within our accessible accommodation for the entire duration of your course. 

What costs are not covered by the Accessible Living Bursary?

While the Accessible Living Bursary fully covers rent, utilities, and any agreed reasonable adjustments within the accommodation, students are responsible for personal living costs. These may include food, travel, personal expenses, and any costs not directly related to accommodation or accessibility requirements.

What happens if I need a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)?

If you require a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP), this will be developed in partnership with you before you move into the accommodation. The School will work with you to ensure appropriate safety arrangements and support are in place, tailored to your individual needs.

How do I apply for this accommodation?

Potential students are encouraged to apply to the course they are interested in, indicating in the application form whether they will be applying for the Accessible Living Bursary. If a place on our course is offered, the Registry team will get in touch with the accommodation application process. Students are encouraged to disclose relevant accessibility requirements and to contact the team to discuss their needs.

Can I view the accommodation before applying?

As the accommodation is currently under construction, viewing the rooms is not possible however images will be available on the website and the exterior of the building can be seen during an Open Day tour.   

Is this accommodation available to both MA and MFA students?

Yes. The accommodation is available to any student undertaking a full time course at the School, subject to availability and individual requirements.

What does the onboarding process involve?

The onboarding process begins once you have accepted your course offer and applied for the Accessible Living Bursary and accommodation. A member of the Registry or Student Support team will arrange a consultation to understand your specific access requirements. This may include discussing room adaptations, assistive equipment, reasonable adjustments, care arrangements, and emergency planning. Where necessary, adjustments will be agreed in advance so that your accommodation is ready from your first day at the school.

Who should I contact for further information?

For further information, please contact Info@nfts.co.uk , or the School’s Disability Advocate, Hamish Thompson to discuss accessibility and support needs.