ArtsEd has been ranked as the top drama school for overall student satisfaction in the 2017 National Student Survey. The survey gives final year undergraduates a chance to comment on their course and institution, asking 27 questions relating to eight different apects of the learning experience. NSS talks to students across the UK and nearly 3 million have taken part. 

This was the first time that ArtsEd had entered the survey and it was rewarding to find out that 97% of our students were pleased with their training overall. We hope this actively encourages all those hoping to come to ArtsEd and launch their own musical theatre and acting careers. 

Principal Chris Hocking said: “We are continually reviewing and refining our acting and musical theatre courses to ensure that the training we provide is of the highest quality and prepares students for the particular demands of today’s industry. Our students have always had a strong and positive voice within ArtsEd and we are delighted that this is now reflected in the National Student Survey results.”

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Once again ArtsEd Day School has produced an excellent set of GCSE results – congratulations to everyone in Year 11!

100% of Year 11 students achieved six or more GCSEs at Grade C (4/5) or higher, with many students securing eight or nine passes
Our ‘old measurement’ of five A*-C with Maths and English is 88%, which is an increase of 14% on last year and equals our highest ever GCSE results
37.4% of all GSCE results were A*-A
95.4% of all GCSE results were A*-C which is our highest ever A*-C statistic

“We are delighted that our Year 11 students have done so fantastically well with their exam results, especially in a time of such change in the landscape of GCSEs. To achieve our best ever results, when most schools have been told to expect a dip in their A*-C statistic, is particularly pleasing. These results show that ArtsEd builds on strong learning relationships between staff and students; it is always our expectation that individuals can surpass baseline predictions and achieve more than they ever thought possible”.  

Adrian Blake, Headteacher

Sixth Form students at ArtsEd celebrate the school’s best ever results today. School records were broken with outstanding results in both BTECs, a superb 99% at grade A-A* equivalent, and A Levels, 38% at A* – A and 74% A* – B.  Combined, these results brings the school’s overall A* – B achievement to 90% for the first time.

The hard work of our Sixth Form leavers has really paid off this year. They will be leaving us for an impressive range of destinations including; RADA, LAMDA, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, The Ailey School in New York, University of Bristol and University of Exeter with many choosing to continue their training here at ArtsEd.

Adrian Blake, Headteacher said: “I'm really proud of the students, and staff, who have worked together so successfully to raise the bar yet again and secure such fantastic results”.

If you are interested in joining our Sixth Form or Day School, we would be delighted to welcome you at our upcoming Open Evenings – click here to find out more.

Sixth Form (Yr 12 Entry) – Tuesday 26 September at 6pm
Day School (Yrs 7-10 Entry) – Wednesday 27 September at 6pm

Jane Harrison is retiring from ArtsEd in July after eight successful years of leading the school as Principal and eight years prior to that as Director of the School of Acting. She has overseen many changes and improvements during her time in post, including the launch of The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre in 2013.

At a recent leaving party at ArtsEd, Jane said that she was sad to be saying goodbye to staff and students, but knows that Chris Hocking (pictured above with Jane), currently Deputy Principal and Director of the School of Musical Theatre, will do a “fantastic job” when he takes up the role of Principal in September.

Mark Burch, Chair of the Trustees, thanked Jane for all her hard work and dedication over the years, while long-term member of staff Elspeth Morrison delivered a rousing farewell speech full of memories and good humour.

Everyone at ArtsEd would like to thank Jane for her huge contribution and wish her all the best for the future. She will, of course, be invited to all the shows!

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We are delighted to announce David Grindrod’s appointment as Vice President of ArtsEd.  David has been an advocate and ambassador of ArtsEd for many years and a trustee since 2011.  His new role will build on this foundation of invaluable support and we are thrilled that students and staff alike will continue to benefit from the generosity with which David shares his extraordinary expertise and experience.   

“One of the joys of my daily life is finding and working with new talent and I look forward to continuing my association with ArtsEd, an organisation that truly understands how to develop the potential of their students.”

Jane Harrison, Principal says: “We are immensely pleased that David will be continuing his long-standing support of ArtsEd in the role of Vice President.  We are very lucky indeed to have someone of his experience and reputation working with us all.”

David launched David Grindrod Associates in 1998 specialising in casting for musical theatre across the West End and internationally, as well as casting for film and television. Key ventures include Mary Poppins Returns (Disney), School of Rock (New London), Beauty and the Beast (Disney), Bat Out of Hell (London Coliseum), Matilda (Cambridge Theatre), Groundhog Day (Old Vic) and Mamma Mia! The Movie (Universal).

ArtsEd's full-time Foundation students have had an exceptional year and many are going on to university or drama school, with several staying on to train at ArtsEd.

“Through much laughter, sweat and determination my foundation group kept focused and worked diligently all year, achieving great success in their auditions. It was very rewarding to watch the students' talent blossom as their understanding, confidence and ability grew throughout the course….  it was a win win situation for everyone!”

Heather Robbins, Head of Musical Theatre Foundation Course

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Musical Theatre Foundation 2016/17 Destinations

Alexandre Blin and Chloe Rice have accepted places at the London School of Musical Theatre (LSMT).

Jayden Booroff, Daniel Falber, Ainsley Fannen, David Mairs-McKenzie, Meagan Mackenzie, Liam Santos and Karen Wilkinson have all accepted Mountview.

Annie Imrie-Cook has been offered LSMT/Performance Preparation Academy (PPA) but is waiting to hear from RCS before deciding.

Shona Eaton and Meagan Power will be taking up places at ArtsEd.

Alex Fentiman, Anna Morgan and Tasmin Wilson have all been offered places at PPA.

Jonathon O’Neill has accepted a place at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Acting Foundation 2016/17 Destinations and Courses

Emeka Diamond – Lancaster University, BA Drama and Creative Writing

Charlotte Becque – East 15, BA Physical Theatre

Joel Lambert – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Matilda Childs – East 15, BA World Performance

Poppy Sheppard – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Michael Bunga – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Anne De Guibert – East 15, BA Contemporary Theatre

Elicia-Valentine Jones – Bristol University, BA Theatre and Film

Charlie O’Conner – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Rose Nesbit – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Brittany Sitwell – ArtsEd, BA Acting

Lewis Charlton – National Youth Theatre

Olivia Hespe – National Youth Theatre

Congratulations to all our Foundation students!

For more information see Acting Foundation Course, which is run in association with Lyric Hammersmith, and Musical Theatre Foundation Course. Both courses were designed by Chris Hocking, Deputy Principal and Director of the School of Musical Theatre, and are led by the successful BA (Hons) Acting and Musical Theatre teams.

Izuka Hoyle (above, with Julia McKenzie), who graduates from ArtsEd this summer, has won the prestigious Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year. The SSSSPOTY prize – a silver salver and a cheque for £1,000 – is awarded to the student who, in the opinion of the judges, gives the best performance of their two songs.

Izuka performed ‘Last Midnight’ from Sondheim’s Into the Woods and ‘The Matchmaker', a new song by Claire McKenzie and Scott Gilmour, at the Noel Coward Theatre on Sunday 11 June. Izuka has been rehearsing for the competition alongside appearing in Working at Southwark Playhouse.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges including Rachel Kavanaugh, Simon Lee, Alex Young and Janie Dee chaired by Edward Seckerson, with Julia McKenzie presenting the prizes.

Fellow third-year student Shaq Taylor was named runner-up for his performances of 'Epiphany' from Sondheim's Sweeny Todd and new song ‘Apology to a Child’ by Tom Slade. Shaq took part in the competition just the day before he makes his West End debut in Les Miserables.

“We say every year that the standard gets better and better but this year we saw a real change in the talent on offer. How the judges could choose from such a talented group is beyond me. All three students recognised in the top three were outstanding and are undoubtedly destined for stardom.”
Craig Glenday, Chairman, Stephen Sondheim Society

This year’s competition was directed by ArtsEd’s Deputy Principal Chris Hocking. He was delighted with the result: “The dedication and commitment from all the students is inspiring and the pride that they have in representing their drama school is so great to be a part of.”

The 12 student competitors represented drama schools from across the country including RADA, LAMDA, Royal Welsh College of Music, GSA, Mountview, Italia Conti, Oxford School of Drama and the London College of Music.

We look forward to seeing where all our other talented 2017 students fly off to once they graduate.

Good luck everyone!

Photo credit: David Ovenden

ArtsEd has staged two memorable world premieres for the second year running. This year’s brand new plays have again proved a success and the third year BA Acting students enjoyed working with the writers to help shape the plays in the year-long process.

Sonny, written and directed by Deborah Bruce, ran in The Andrew Lloyd Webber Theatre from 16-20 May and was a play about the ‘haves’, the ‘have-nots’ and everyone in between.

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Deborah was delighted to work with ArtsEd students:

'As a writer/director this was a very rewarding experience. With a blank page and an open mind I met a fantastic year of committed and enthusiastic students to explore ideas and themes that resonated with us as a group. I was then able to write specifically for them, and see the project through into rehearsals for their final show, continuing to work with them on a company owned piece, as they turned into professional actors. I found there was a very satisfying sense of completion about the whole project.'  

You can still catch Philip Ridley’s The Beast of Blue Yonder – Studio Theatre, 23-27 May, 7.30pm – BOOK NOW

In 1930’s Hollywood, Tex Maverick is casting his new film. He doesn't need a great actress. He just needs someone who can scream. In 1980’s Essex, four young people enjoy a summer’s day. They play Frisbee and make plans. Then something happens that changes their lives forever. In 1960’s East London, Scott is mourning the death of his wife. He wants to talk to her again. Then he meets someone who makes that happen.

Three different stories from three different times, but all hurtling towards the same thing. The thing everyone fears the most…The Beast of Blue Yonder.

‘Very well written, intriguing and the cast were fantastic’ said Principal Jane Harrison.

While Director of Acting Gareth Farr commented:

'To witness the development of two brand new plays written by two hugely successful playwrights alongside the development of our students has been incredible. The students work with the writers for over a year, building a solid working relationship and feeding directly into the process. Their voices are woven into the fabric of these plays. This is a truly special project for both student and writer. The plays are exceptional, the knock on effects of the student experience is far reaching.'

Philip Ridley summed it all up:

I've just been on the most amazing journey. It's called Working with ArtsEd Students for Eighteen Months. Together we've explored lots of new places and experienced lots of different stories. We talked, we played, and – we as we did all these things – so I started to write. And, as I wrote, it became clear that the play was going to be a bit of an epic. Of course it was. I was surrounded by epic talent. And the play kept twisting and changing, juggling genres and different time lines, becoming more and more challenging, and every challenge I threw at the students, they rose to. They rose and they soared. The play would not have been possible without them. I have enjoyed every single moment of this Eighteen Month Journey. I wish I could do it all over again!

The BE OPEN foundation – a charitable organisation designed to foster creativity and innovation, has named the Arts Educational Schools London as one of the top five schools and colleges in the UK and one of the top 40 in Europe.

The latest report – A Review of Policy, Provision and Excellence in Arts Teaching Across Secondary Education in Europe, examines creative education in eight European countries and identifies the five strongest schools and/or colleges in each country.

BE OPEN’s aim in creating this report is to help define ‘excellence’ and recognise leadership in creative education. The ranking reveals that there are relatively few schools where one can gain a rich creative experience, however those which do recognise the potential of creative education are able to give proven argument for its approach, with pupils being more engaged and obtaining better results overall.

Jane Harrison, Principal says: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by the BE OPEN foundation, alongside such prestigious schools from within the UK and internationally. We believe that a well-rounded curriculum which incorporates the arts and creative study alongside a strong academic education gives our pupils the best preparation for their next step.”

All at ArtsEd are thrilled to have been recognised on this international platform and to be placed as a leading example of excellent provision of a creative education.