The Foundation Course is firmly rooted in drawing and encourages students to develop their observational and making skills alongside their ideas. The level of teaching provided is high and participants cover a lot of ground, building up momentum quickly. The balance between observational work and the development of ideas is important as it enables students to create a portfolio that is highly personal and visually exciting. The course covers a wide range of disciplines, allowing students to find which subject they wish to study at degree level.
 
The School has an extremely high success rate in enabling people to move into higher education with at least 95% of students gaining a place on a course of their choice each year. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are awarded a Foundation  Course Certificate, which is recognised by all universities and colleges. Leith students have gained places in top art colleges in Britain and abroad on degree courses in all areas including fine art, fashion, illustration, film, architecture and theatre design.