We are delighted to announce the appointment of Louise Jackson as the Principal of ArtsEd from July 2025.  Louise brings a wealth of senior leadership experience across a diverse range of educational and performing arts institutions, and we are confident that her vision and expertise will be instrumental in guiding ArtsEd into an exciting future.

With a distinguished career that includes leadership and teaching roles at BIMM University, Trinity Laban, and the University of Chichester, Louise has a proven track record of driving institutional change and enhancing academic provision. At BIMM University, she played a pivotal role in the successful transformation of the institution, implementing a new operating model and supporting the integration of MetFilm School following acquisition in 2024. Her focus on student outcomes and prioritising quality and academic performance has characterised her commitment to educational excellence and student success.

Louise is widely recognised for her ability to lead significant cultural and operational change, engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to build strong, collaborative relationships. She has championed empathetic approaches to leadership at every institution she has worked with, ensuring that staff, students, and parents are supported through periods of transition. Her experience of regulatory frameworks, quality assurance, and academic governance will be invaluable as ArtsEd continues to strengthen its position in the sector.

In addition to her leadership credentials, Louise’s commitment to teaching excellence has been recognised by the award of a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship, the highest award for teaching in higher education in the UK and she is a passionate advocate for the value of academic research and practice-based scholarship in the arts. Louise’s research has focused on specialist arts education, such as that delivered in conservatoires and drama schools. Her work has focused on developing inclusive approaches to teaching and curriculum and the development of artists who are teaching in higher education. Through this, she has mentored artist-educators to undertake their first piece of research based on their creative or teaching practices. More recently she has focused on leadership in arts education and enjoys mentoring emerging leaders from different arts backgrounds.

Described as a dynamic, collaborative, and people-focused leader, Louise’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for ArtsEd. Louise brings a unique and authentic perspective to her work, aligning closely with ArtsEd’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Her strategic insight, coupled with her deep understanding of the performing arts landscape, will help us build on our legacy of excellence and innovation.

We look forward to welcoming Louise to ArtsEd and working together to achieve our shared ambitions.

Acting Chair of Trustees, Farida Mannan, said

 “We are very excited to welcome Louise to ArtsEd, bringing, as she does, such a wealth of educational and leadership experience. We were very impressed by the exceptional pool of talent that had applied for this pivotal role and are grateful to Odgers for their expertise in guiding us through the rigorous process of appointment. Louise’s arrival will signal the beginning of an exciting new chapter for ArtsEd, overlapping, as it does, with the imminent appointment of a permanent Chair of Trustees and other new members of the Board. On behalf of the trustees, I would also like to extend my thanks to the Executive Leadership Team and all the staff at ArtsEd who have stepped up during the period of this vacancy. We are very grateful for the stability you have provided.”

Louise Jackson said:

 “It is a privilege to be invited to take up the role of Principal at ArtsEd. I am looking forward to working with the talented pupils, students, staff, alumni and Board members to ensure the continuation of the world leading provision in acting, musical theatre and dance training. Education is a powerful force for transformation, and I am committed to fostering an environment where creativity, passion, and excellence can thrive. Together, we will build on ArtsEd’s impressive history, embracing innovation while staying true to the values that make this institution so special. ArtsEd is perfectly positioned to be at the forefront, in the UK and internationally, of training that is representative of 21^st Century Britain and beyond. I am excited to collaborate with the entire community—supporting, inspiring, and empowering every individual to reach their full potential.”

We are thrilled to celebrate our Vice President, David Grindrod, who has been honoured with the gong for Creative Collaboration by the Los Angeles-based Casting Society’s 40th annual Artios Awards. This prestigious award recognises David’s exceptional impact on the entertainment industry.

A longstanding advocate and ambassador of ArtsEd, David has been Vice President since 2017, following six years as a trustee. His immeasurable support, advice, and expertise have been invaluable to our students and staff, helping to shape the next generation of performers.

David’s influence extends far beyond ArtsEd. In 1998, he launched David Grindrod Associates, a company specialising in casting for West End and international musical theatre, as well as film and television.

As well as being our Vice President, David is a Trustee of Watermill Theatre Newbury and The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre, and he is a proud Associate Artist of the Old Vic Theatre. Our Acting Chair of Trustees shared:

“David Grindrod’s unwavering dedication in mentoring the students at ArtsEd has been nothing short of transformative. His exceptional expertise and passion have not only elevated the institution but have also inspired countless students to reach new heights in their artistic journeys. David’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creativity is a true testament to his remarkable vision, leadership and loyalty to performing arts education. We are very fortunate to have David as our Vice President.”
Farida Mannan, Acting Chair of Trustees.

Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of School of Musical Theatre also extended his congratulations, sharing:

“We are delighted for David and his award and recognition for Creative Collaboration at the 40th annual Artios Awards. David is an outstanding casting director, mentor and supporter of ArtsEd. His guidance and support of our students is extremely valuable and unwavering. He brings a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience to us, for which, we are extremely grateful. We are fortunate to have him as our Vice President, and we look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with him. Congratulations David!”

David’s recognition at the Artios Awards is a testament to his passion, skill, and dedication. We are immensely proud to have him as part of the ArtsEd community and look forward to seeing his continued impact on the world of entertainment.

Image: David Grindrod pictured with Judy Craymer who presented the award. 

We are absolutely delighted to share the fantastic review we have received from The Good Schools Guide. This latest assessment highlights both our exceptional performing arts training and the strong academic foundation that underpins everything we do. As the UK’s most trusted school guide for over 35 years, The Good Schools Guide provides candid and impartial reviews, and it is truly wonderful to see our unique approach to education so warmly recognised.

Published in January 2025, The Good Schools Guide described ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form as:

A small school that provides exceptional opportunities for those aiming for a career in the performing arts, while providing a solid academic base for both prospective professionals and those who may choose a different path.

Our school is celebrated for its “positive, buzzing, supportive” environment, where students flourish under the guidance of dedicated, experienced educators who inspire and challenge them every day.

Interim Headteacher Peter Middleton shared his enthusiasm about the review:

We are delighted to have received such a glowing review from The Good Schools Guide. By every measure, we are an outstanding School, however, it is reassuring to receive such a positive review from the UK’s number one school guide. The review bears testament to our inspirational environment, inclusive ethos, and the dedication of our staff to deliver a thriving, supportive and nurturing School. We offer our sincere thanks to all the students, staff, and parents who assisted with this and for sharing their wonderful insights and experiences of life at ArtsEd.

One of the standout highlights of the review is the exceptional quality of teaching we provide. Students describe our performing arts training as “amazing,” with parents echoing that “the teaching is the best they’ve ever had.” Our staff bring a wealth of industry experience into the classroom, ensuring that our students receive world-class training in dance, drama, and musical theatre.

This latest endorsement from The Good Schools Guide reaffirms that ArtsEd is an exceptional place to learn and grow. Our ability to combine world-class performing arts training with a strong academic foundation makes us truly unique. We remain deeply committed to equipping our students with the skills, confidence, and resilience to succeed, wherever their journey may take them.

Read Full Review