When Benjamin Perry walked through the doors of ArtsEd as a Sixth Former, he couldn’t have imagined the path ahead. From his formative years at ArtsEd, to two years performing in the Original West End Cast of The Book of Mormon, and now as a Senior Netflix Studio Executive, Ben’s inspiring journey shows how creative education can build skills that last a lifetime. 

Finding a home at ArtsEd 

At 16, Ben left his home in Wales to join ArtsEd. “The pace was so full-on, at times overwhelming,” he remembers. “But it was also the first time I was surrounded by like-minded people. The moment you walked into the building, you felt something special.” 

Behind the scenes, there were sacrifices. His mum remortgaged the house and he worked three jobs. A scholarship from the BBC Performing Arts Fund helped make his training possible. “Without that, I couldn’t have trained there. That support changed everything for me.” 

Stepping into the spotlight 

ArtsEd became the foundation of Ben’s adult life. He recalls his final year with mixed emotions: “It really felt like the end of an era when I left. But at the same time, I felt like I was on the cusp of something I’d been working on for a long time.” 

His final shows included Curtains, where he played romantic lead Aaron Fox, Footloose and Grand Hotel. “It marked the first time I was exposing myself in a professional context. Up until then, I had been coached; now suddenly I was being judged. On top of that, I wanted to do right by myself, the school, and the people who had invested in me emotionally and financially. That weight was very real.” 

Shortly after graduating ArtsEd’s BA Musical Theatre degree in 2011, Ben signed with Curtis Brown and began auditioning. A highlight came quickly: joining the Original West End Cast of The Book of Mormon. “I wasn’t destined to be a swing, but the training I had at ArtsEd, including the swing module, meant I could do it. Without that, I wouldn’t have survived the job,” he recalls. 

He went on to spend two years performing in the show, an unforgettable highlight of his early career. Yet what stayed with him most was the realisation that his passion lay not in the spotlight itself, but in the art form as a whole. 

From stage to studio 

That realisation became the turning point. His curiosity about the wider industry grew, and he began to explore life beyond performing. “The transfer was not an overnight thing,” he admitted. “I knew I wanted to be part of something, but I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to go. But I also felt confident that what was meant for me wouldn’t pass me by.” 

That trust came from ArtsEd. Training had given him the confidence to learn quickly and adapt, even in unfamiliar situations. Combined with the strong work ethic instilled in performing arts school, it gave him the courage to step outside performance and into new directions. 

Those lessons proved invaluable when Ben joined Netflix over five years ago. “My job now is very high-pressured. We invest millions in productions, and I’m the person companies come to when something isn’t working.” The ability to stay composed and think on his feet, he says, is rooted in what he learned at ArtsEd. 

Whether reviewing stunts, managing VFX, or troubleshooting on set, Ben draws daily on the adaptability and people skills built during his training. Actors, he reflects, often underestimate their transferable skills, yet “communication, leadership and managing pressure are more important than any technical training in my job today.” 

Paying it forward 

Ben’s global role has also opened doors for him to give back. In Johannesburg, he worked with Chocolate Tribe, a South African VFX and animation studio that runs a festival attracting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into the industry. Reflecting on the experience, he says: “I was really lucky to be a part of that and to find a way to pay things forward.”  

Words of advice 

To students and new graduates, Ben’s advice is simple but powerful: “Be innovative, be resilient, and listen to your gut. Training sets you up for a long and sustainable career, but success doesn’t only mean standing centre stage. There are many other paths where you can find creativity and fulfilment.” 

The power of performing arts training 

Looking back, Ben describes the most valuable part of his training as resilience and the ability to understand people. “Drama school teaches you universality, putting yourself in other people’s shoes, and I have to do that every day to get the job done.” 

And what makes ArtsEd unique? “It brings people from all walks of life together and gives them the same high-quality training. Its superpower is helping you discover your own unique selling point before sending you out into the world to flourish.” 

For Ben Perry, those lessons have carried him from the West End to the global stage. His journey shows the power of performing arts education, not only in creating extraordinary performers, but in shaping confident, adaptable people who carry those skills into every part of life. 

At ArtsEd, students are taught by some of the most accomplished professionals in the business. Every day, these experts are stepping out of rehearsal rooms, sound stages and directing meetings to pass on their first-hand experience to the next generation of talent. Among them are Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of the School of Musical Theatre, and Mike Hayden, Co-Deputy Director of the School of Acting/Head of Voice. We recently caught up with them to discuss how they balance teaching with their thriving creative careers. 

Louise Jackson, Principal of ArtsEd, has said that what sets our training apart is the standing of those who lead it. “Our teaching staff are working professionals at the height of their craft. Their industry excellence is the true scholarship of the Performing Arts. This direct connection between practice and teaching ensures that our students are immersed in real-world expertise, inspired daily by those who define the standards of the profession itself.” 

Jonathan O’Boyle: Directing and developing talent 

When Jonathan O’Boyle describes his latest project, a semi-staged concert version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, there’s an unmistakable spark in his voice. With a 22-piece orchestra, 20-person choir and a 14-strong cast, it was a huge undertaking. “Disney were very supportive,” he says. “Stephen Schwartz came to rehearsal, and he was thrilled with how we’d interpreted his work. It was a privilege to bring it to life here in the UK.” 

O’Boyle’s directed more than 35 productions across the West End, regional theatres, and internationally in Europe, Asia and New York. That experience gives his students a genuine insight into the world they’re preparing to enter. “Working at ArtsEd, you’ve got to put your money where your mouth is,” he says. “You want to do work that inspires students and shows them the industry we’re all part of. We’re working towards the same shared goal.” It’s an approach that keeps his teaching fresh and his students connected to the realities of the profession. 

He’s honest about the emotional ups and downs of creative work, too. The rush of a standing ovation one night, the sting of a critical review the next. “It can be daunting,” he admits. “Reviews can knock your confidence sometimes, but you have to trust your instincts. You learn to navigate that, and it makes you stronger.” 

He’s quick to credit ArtsEd for giving him the freedom to keep directing while leading the School of Musical Theatre. “I’m really lucky that ArtsEd lets me do it,” he says. “It’s demanding, it’s challenging, but it’s also exciting. I come back from each project feeling refreshed and full of ideas.” 

Mike Hayden AKA Michael Brophy (stage name): A life on stage inspires learnings in the studio 

This summer, Mike Hayden returned to the stage for the first time in over a decade, performing in, As You Like It at Theatre Royal, Bath, under the direction of Ralph Fiennes. “It was intense,” he admits. “Six shows a week and long rehearsals. Even when you’re not on stage, you’re in the space; the mental space completely focused. At the end of the night, you’re exhausted, but it’s the best kind of exhaustion.” 

Teaching voice, sonnets and Shakespearean text at ArtsEd gave him the grounding to walk into the rehearsal room with confidence, but performing again brought new perspective. Returning to the stage after 12 years – he last performed at The Globe Theatre – reminded him what it feels like to be in that vulnerable place his students know so well, facing uncertainty, finding confidence and building the performance step by step. “You’re there because you’ve been chosen. You must have something to offer,” he says. “But you can’t help thinking, ‘Have they made a mistake?’ That’s when you fall back on your craft; your technique, to find your feet grounding, and as so, progress from there.” It’s a reminder that even seasoned professionals never stop learning. 

Hayden’s philosophy is refreshingly simple: the best actors live fully. He calls it a “jobbing profession,” one where there will inevitably be quiet spells, and that’s okay. What matters, he says, is having a life beyond the work. “Watch TV/Films, theatre, football matches, read, hobbies, go for walks, go out; do whatever it is that makes the mind tick and your heart beat; give yourself a licence to experience life and take it from there.” Mike is thrilled that ArtsEd supported this experience, which keeps his work with his students alive and rich. 

The ArtsEd approach 

O’Boyle and Hayden work in different disciplines but share the same belief that staying active in the profession makes them better teachers. Between directing large-scale musicals and performing in classical plays, they bring the pace and rhythm of the industry straight into ArtsEd’s studios. 

As Jonathan puts it, “Bringing that real-world experience into the classroom is what makes it all worthwhile.” Their commitment ensures that the next generation of actors, directors, and performers aren’t just learning their craft, they’re preparing for a career that’s creative, demanding and endlessly rewarding. Together, they represent the very best of ArtsEd, experts who teach, and teachers who never stop creating. 

(Jonathan O’Boyle with Stephen Schwartz, Peter Parnell and the full company of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Photo by Danny Kaan)

The atmosphere at Arts Educational Schools (ArtsEd) was electric on Tuesday, 2 September, as the BA (Hons) Acting and BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Class of 2025 celebrated their Graduation – a day of monumental achievement made even more extraordinary by one fact: every single graduating student secured agent representation before the ceremony’s conclusion. This unprecedented success is not just a testament to the students’ exceptional talent and dedication, but a powerful affirmation of ArtsEd’s performing arts BA (Hons) programme and its unwavering commitment to forging industry-ready artists. 

Completing three years at one of the most prestigious drama schools is “no. mean. feat.,” as Alumni and Guest Speaker, Georgina Onuorah (Class of 2020) noted. This moment marks not just a bittersweet ending, but a “magical new beginning” for a cohort ready to step onto the world stage. 

From Studio to Stage: The Niche and Transformative Training 

The journey through ArtsEd’s triple-threat training is famously rigorous, often involving a kaleidoscope of artistic and physical challenges. The graduates celebrated the “really niche experience” that saw them jump from trying to “master a grand allegro” and “figuring out how to tilt your larynx,” to the often-humorous moments in acting class. 

As BA (Hons) Acting graduate, Isabel Barden reflected on the early days: “In Term One brought projects… [that involved] rehearsing how an… owl flies down to its nest and how slow a sloth can move.” They had truly “done it all,” moving through everything from animal studies to complex final-year shows. The goal of this intensive process, as Beau Lonergan, BA (Hons) Musical Theatre graduate, articulated, is for ArtsEd to accept people who have potential and from their foundations “builds up skyscrapers of performers,” grounding their work on a base of skill and wisdom. 

This intense environment naturally led to deep bonds. Thinking back to their first voice class, where everyone felt like a “complete stranger,” the first year gave way to a lasting legacy. The ArtsEd BA programme Class of 2025 became “a family who have gotten each other through, who have witnessed each other stumbling and soaring, who have made epic art together.” 

The Superpower of Self: Authenticity is Your Asset 

The speeches delivered on the day consistently championed the importance of embracing one’s own unique identity—a crucial piece of advice for the tough and unpredictable industry ahead. 

Onuorah, reflecting on her own unexpected path, shared how being a “shy tween with a socially debilitating stutter” led to a hidden strength: the love of listening. “Your training doesn’t end here—listening well is a skill that will only make your work richer,” she advised, concluding with the powerful message: “whatever makes you different is your superpower.” 

This message of authenticity was reinforced by a hilarious first-audition anecdote: after weeks of perfecting a song, scene, and walk, she “walked into the room and stacked it so hard the casting team gasped in acknowledgment.” Instead of crumbling, she laughed, the casting team laughed, and it broke the ice. “That was the first job I booked.” It proved the key lesson: “never stop bringing our authentic selves into those rooms, because that is our most valuable asset.” The industry needs you “Just as you are.” 

Building a Legacy: Kindness, Competition, and Community 

The Class of 2025 leaves a vibrant legacy, exemplified by moments of shared joy, determination, and collaboration. They were the first year to stage a completely self-created, self-directed showcase in the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre, creating an electric atmosphere for their peers. Even in the face of inevitable “bad days” and tears, they were pushed through by “the little voices of encouragement of ‘you’ve got this’ in the locker rooms” from their year group. 

The gratitude for the dedicated ArtsEd staff was palpable, with thanks spanning the entire building, from the teachers who are the “back bone to our education” to the site staff who keep the beautiful building “functioning, clean and safe.” Specific praise was given to those who “guided us to be screen stars,” taught them improvisation, and even those who “literally taught a whole year group how to hip-hop,” despite not being the musical theatre course. 

Ultimately, the graduates were praised for their “passion and fight,” for having “stuck up for each other, fought for what is right and encouraged each other to learn and grow as individuals.” They hope to continue their professional lives with “kindness and a consideration to others wherever we go.” 

The Adventure is Only Just Beginning 

With the astounding achievement of 100% agent representation, the newest ArtsEd Alumni are exceptionally well-positioned for their careers. They are reminded that the journey is “yours. You are the driver.” 

As they embark, the advice is to be patient with themselves and focus on what truly matters. “Don’t compare yourselves to others, we are all unique and our moments will come at different points in our lives.” Furthermore, they are urged to remember that “Acting doesn’t go anywhere”, and to make sure they “feel purpose and motivated in other forms away from acting.” 

The graduation is not an end, but a transformation, encapsulated by a beloved quote from Into the Woods: “The difference between a cow and a bean, is a bean can begin an adventure.” 

ArtsEd was that very bean, and the adventure is only just beginning. We look forward to seeing this talented group go boldly, with joy, dignity, and skill, in pursuit of excellence. 

Following on from the excellent A-Level and BTEC results last week, ArtsEd Year 11 pupils are celebrating today after achieving some outstanding results in their GCSEs – in doing so they have smashed the records set last year.

This year, 15% of all grades awarded are 9s – an increase of 6% on last year and 5% better than 2019.  The percentage of grades 9 – 7 is 48% (up 2% on 2024 and 5% better than 2019).  These results are extremely impressive – not only are they an improvement on 2024, but crucially they exceed the excellent pre-pandemic results of 2019, which were the School’s best results since GCSEs were reformed.

Headteacher, Peter Middleton said,

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate such a fantastic, record-breaking, set of results today. Our pupils, their parents and their teachers should be incredibly proud of these achievements.  The diligence and commitment to their schooling have provided this superb outcome – many congratulations to them all.

Our ethos provides a broad and balanced education which excites, challenges, and inspires our students to achieve their potential.  I am delighted that, coupled with individualised support that enables pupils to realise both their academic and vocational potential, which so well reflected in the unique ArtsEd curriculum.

We look forward to celebrating both these GCSE and A-Level results when our Year 11s return, alongside our new students, to our Sixth Form in September to continue with their academic and vocation journeys.”

Our Sixth Form curriculum allows Sixth Form students to immerse themselves in the subjects that they love; they can study a variety of different courses which include A-Levels and BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma qualifications.  This enables them to focus entirely on their vocational development or pursue academic interests alongside their passion for the performing arts.

At the heart of supporting this success is the ‘ArtsEd Curriculum’ – in which daily vocational training of the highest quality is rooted and integrated within the academic programme.  This was recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in the most recent inspection when they awarded the School the highest accolade – an area of significant strength:

‘The standards that pupils achieve in performing arts, in line with the school’s expressed aims, are a significant strength of the school.’
Independent Schools Inspectorate Inspection Report 2024

Last year, ArtsEd was recognised by the Independent School’s Association, receiving their National Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts. ArtsEd is currently shortlisted for the National Independent School of the Year Award for Performing Arts.

ArtsEd is delighted to announce another year of outstanding academic achievement, with the graduating Sixth Form Class of 2025 achieving exceptional BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice and A-Level results. The School continues to build on its upward trend, with improvements across the graduating class results for the second consecutive year.

The Class of 2025 has delivered a strong performance, with 55% of the Sixth Form grades being the top marks of A* (A-Level) or D* (BTEC). This marks a significant increase from last year and is the second year in a row that this figure has risen. The number of students achieving A*-A at A-level and D*-D grades in the BTEC Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre also saw a substantial increase, further solidifying the School’s commitment to academic excellence.

A-Level and BTEC Success:

The combined BTEC and A level results show that overall the number of top grades in A level (A*) and BTEC (D*) was up 5% to 55%.  The A*- A rate was 74% (up 6%) and A*- B rate was 89% (up 1%)

ArtsEd’s BTEC students excelled, with an impressive 66% of grades being the top mark of D*D*D, with an increase in the number of students achieving the highest possible grade. In total, 89% of BTEC grades were in the D*D*D* to DDD range.

Headteacher, Peter Middleton, commented on the results:

“We are incredibly proud of our 2025 leavers. These results are a testament to the hard work and resilience of our students and the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers. To see an increase in the number of students achieving top grades, particularly for the second year running, is immensely gratifying. It demonstrates that the robust ‘ArtsEd Curriculum’ we have in place is having a tangible impact, and we are thrilled to see our students’ potential being realised at every level.”

The School is especially pleased with the upward movement in grades for students across the ability spectrum, which is directly reflected in the overall increase in grades. These results will enable students to pursue their chosen pathways at top universities, conservatoires, and vocational institutions. Last year, ArtsEd was recognised by the Independent School’s Association, receiving their National Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts. ArtsEd is currently shortlisted for this year’s award.

We’re absolutely thrilled to share the exciting news that Umar Kamara and Nadya Stoycheva, both second-year students on our BA Acting course, have been awarded Laurence Olivier Bursaries by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT).

The bursaries are given to exceptional drama students who demonstrate outstanding potential but face financial barriers as they approach their final year of training. It’s an honour that recognises not only talent and promise, but the dedication and resilience it takes to thrive in professional actor training.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Umar and Nadya have each been awarded a Laurence Olivier Bursary. As BA Acting students, they have shown exceptional commitment, talent, and drive throughout their training. This recognition from the Society of London Theatre is a reflection of their hard work and their awesome potential. We’re deeply grateful for the continued support that this bursary provides to emerging artists at this vital stage in their training.”
– Jake Harders, Co-Deputy Director of the School of Acting, ArtsEd

Now in its 38th year, the Laurence Olivier Bursary scheme was established to mark Laurence Olivier’s 80th birthday and continues to champion the next generation of theatre artists. Nominees are put forward by drama schools from across the UK and invited to audition and interview on a West End stage in front of a panel of leading industry professionals.

For Nadya, receiving the bursary was both a surreal and deeply affirming experience.

“Receiving this bursary is an absolute honour and it will impact my final year significantly. The experience of auditioning on a West End stage was surreal and will always be an unforgettable moment. As a girl who once thought drama school wasn’t going to be an option, to now be going into my final year at ArtsEd is a dream come true.”
– Nadya Stoycheva, BA Acting Student, Class of 2026, ArtsEd

The bursaries provide vital financial support that allows students to focus fully on their training without the added pressures of financial insecurity.

“In the current challenging financial climate, scholarships and awards such as the Laurence Olivier Awards are vital lifelines for many of our students, allowing them to benefit fully from their ArtsEd training and experience, as well as the important recognition of their talent that these awards provide.We are so grateful for this financial support which will help our students realise their full potential.

 

“If you want to help support more students in financial need please get in touch with the Development Office development@artsed.co.uk or find out more on how you can support us from making a donation to our bursary fund or becoming an ArtsEd Friend, we would love to hear from you.”
– Susie Butt, Head of Development, ArtsEd

We are so proud of Umar and Nadya for this fantastic achievement, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them as they enter their final year, prepare to launch their professional careers and take to the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre for their third-year performances.

We were thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Tuppence Middleton (BA Acting 2008), on Saturday 28 June,  for an unforgettable In Conversation With event, hosted by her best friend and fellow 2008 alumna, Georgina Hope.

Since graduating from ArtsEd, Tuppence’s career has flourished across stage and screen, with acclaimed performances in BBC’s War and Peace, The Imitation Game, Sense8, and the Downton Abbey films. More recently, she’s captivated West End audiences as Elizabeth Taylor in The Motive and the Cue and in The Years.

During the event, Tuppence spoke about her journey through the industry, sharing invaluable insights into navigating challenges, including living and working with OCD, and the importance of breaking down stigma around mental health. Her openness and honesty resonated deeply with our audience.

Tuppence, an intelligent, articulate and deeply creative artist, as demonstrated in her memoir in Scorpions, treated us to an exclusive reading of excerpts from the book, offering an intimate glimpse into her life and creative process.

She generously answered thoughtful questions from our students, speaking about the importance of self-advocacy, staying true to yourself and finding the courage to be open about mental health. It was heartening to hear how living authentically has been transformative for her, both personally and professionally.

Our students were inspired by her stories of resilience, and took away valuable advice on navigating the industry, from dealing with rejection to embracing their own unique journeys.

Before the talk, Tuppence and Georgina enjoyed a tour of the school and, afterwards, joined our community for a warm reception. Tuppence kindly signed copies of her book, answered more questions and mingled with students, alumni and guests. It was wonderful to see alumni from across the years reconnecting, sharing memories, and celebrating the community of ArtsEd together.

To close the event, our Head of Development, Susie Butt, reminded us why these events matter: to build a strong, supportive community, to inspire the next generation through the stories and experiences of our alumni, and to raise vital funds for our bursary and hardship support. The demand for our hardship fund has more than doubled in the past year. In today’s climate, the cost of living and training are real barriers for many talented young people, so every bit of support makes a real difference.

“It was wonderful to hear Tuppence reflect on her training at Arts Ed. She is a wonderful advocate for artistic excellence, and compassion in arts environments and spoke eloquently about mental health and neurodivergence. Her advice to our students was, likewise, thoughtfully provided and she offered real insight into navigating those first steps into industry. I really look forward to meeting more alumni and future events.”
Professor Louise Jackson, Principal, ArtsEd

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tuppence and Georgina for their time, warmth and generosity in sharing their stories and inspiring our students. And thank you to our dedicated staff and teams across ArtsEd who make events like this possible.

If you’d like to find out more about how you can support our students and help ensure that talent, not circumstance, determines who trains at ArtsEd, please click here.

We are delighted to share the fantastic achievements of our talented students who continue to represent ArtsEd with passion, dedication, and outstanding artistry.

A Full Scholarship for Emma Hutchins

Huge congratulations to Emma Hutchins, who has been awarded a full scholarship from All England Dance (AED). Emma trained at Totnes School of Dance and has also just completed the ArtsEd Certificate in Higher Education Musical Theatre programme. This September, she will take the next big step in her training, joining our prestigious BA (Hons) Musical Theatre programme. Emma’s scholarship is a testament to her incredible talent and commitment — and we are so proud to continue supporting her journey.

Emma’s success is especially meaningful as ArtsEd is an official sponsor of both AED and the UK Young Dancer of the Year award for 2025. It’s wonderful to see our students recognised by these national platforms.

Finalists for UK Young Dancer of the Year

We are also thrilled to celebrate three ArtsEd students who have secured their place in the final of the UK Young Dancer of the Year competition:

• Colin Eiffe, BA Musical Theatre, Class of 2027

• Leonardo Scafati, BA Musical Theatre, Class of 2027

• Emma Hutchins, CertHE Musical Theatre, Class of 2025, & BA Musical Theatre, Class of 2028

• Rebecca Glasson, Day School and Sixth Form Student, Class of 2026

“We are incredibly proud of Emma, Colin and Leonardo. Their talent, commitment and work ethic truly embody what we strive for in the School of Musical Theatre. Achievements like these remind us why rigorous, supportive training is so important — it gives our students the confidence and skills to shine on any stage. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”
Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of the School of Musical Theatre

Their success reflects the hard work, skill and dedication they bring to their training every day. As they prepare for the final in September, they have the extraordinary opportunity to work with industry icons Dame Arlene Phillips and Kate Prince, who are leading rehearsals at ArtsEd this weekend. We know they will soak up every moment of this invaluable experience.

“Rebecca’s success is a wonderful reflection of her dedication and the vibrant training environment we have here in the Day School and Sixth Form. Balancing academic studies with the demands of high-level performance training is no small feat, and we are so proud to see our students thriving and seizing these national opportunities.”
Natalie Bareham, Director of Performing Arts, Day School & Sixth Form

At ArtsEd, we are passionate about giving our students every opportunity to grow, learn and shine. We are proud to be part of their journey — providing world-class training, outstanding industry connections, and unwavering support as they take the stage and make their mark.

Congratulations to Emma, Colin, Leonardo and Rebecca — your achievements inspire us all!

We are thrilled to share that ArtsEd BA Acting, Class of 2026, student Saffron Crowl has been named one of the ten recipients of this year’s Lilian Baylis Awards, presented by the Royal Victoria Hall Foundation.

These highly respected awards honour the legacy of Lilian Baylis, the pioneering manager of London’s Old Vic from 1912 to 1937, and provide vital financial support to drama students as they complete their training. Each recipient is awarded funds to help ease the financial pressure of their final year of study.

The awards were presented at a special ceremony held at the Old Vic by Olivier Award-Winning actor Hiran Abeysekera, who underlined the importance of supporting young artists:

“People who can’t afford it need help to get there. You never know where they’ll go, how far they’ll reach and, when they get to those jobs, usually people who have got help before help others.”

“We are absolutely thrilled that Saffron has been recognised with the prestigious Lilian Baylis Award — a well deserved honour that reflects her exceptional talent, commitment, and artistry. Throughout her time at ArtsEd, Saffron has always worked to her best ability with passion, and a spirit of generosity to everything she does, both on and off the stage. It has been a joy to watch her grow as an artist and as a collaborator, and we are incredibly proud of all she has achieved. We have no doubt that this is just the beginning of an exciting and inspiring career, and we look forward to seeing all that she will contribute to the industry in the years ahead.”
Jake Harders & Mike Hayden, Co-Deputy Directors of the School of Acting

Congratulations, Saffron!

Saffron Crowl - Lilian Baylis Award

Saffron Crowl (middle)

Saffron Crowl

Saffron Crowl (left) and Hiran Abeysekera (right)

Saffron Crowl (middle)

Saffron Crowl (middle)

Read more from The Stage:

Recipients of Lilian Baylis Award

Read about ArtsEd’s 2024 winner:

Lilian Baylis Award 2024

It is with great pleasure that the Trustees announce the permanent appointment of Peter Middleton as Headteacher of the Day School and Sixth Form at ArtsEd.

Peter has held the role in an interim capacity over the last 18 months and The Chair of Trustees, Claire Blunt, wrote:

‘On behalf of the Trustees, I want to thank Peter for the integrity, warmth, and purpose he has brought to the role over the past 18 months. We look forward to working closely with him as we continue to support the remarkable young people here at ArtsEd.

Peter joined ArtsEd in September 2023 as Interim Headteacher, stepping into the role at a pivotal time for our school community. Since his arrival, Peter has brought clarity, calm, and purpose to the day-to-day running of the School. His impact has been evident in every aspect of school life — from the culture and morale of the staff team to the confidence and well-being of our students.

What has stood out though is Peter’s unwavering commitment to the success of our students. His leadership is characterised by his care, fairness, and ambition for all. He fosters an environment where students are listened to, challenged, and supported in a place where academic achievement and personal development go hand in hand. Peter has clearly demonstrated that the students are at the heart of all that he does whilst building strong relationships with parents and colleagues too.

He has gained the trust and respect of his team with his collaborative leadership style, open communication, and clear vision for the future. He has also engaged thoughtfully and purposefully with parents, carers, and the wider ArtsEd community — recognising the importance of partnership and shared ambition in achieving long-term success.

The Day School and Sixth Form has made both meaningful and measurable progress under Peter’s interim leadership and that positions us even more strongly for the future. Having undertaken a thorough process of reflection and review, the Board of Trustees is confident that Peter is the right person to lead the Day School and Sixth Form into its next chapter.’

Peter Middleton is delighted and said:

‘It has been a privilege over the past 18 months to be part of this amazing school – working closely with our staff, students and their families.  During this time, it has been wonderful to see the students’ develop and witness the outstanding achievements in all areas of the ArtsEd Curriculum.  I am most grateful to the Trustees for their support and for the confidence they have placed in me.  I look forward to leading the Day School and Sixth Form at this key time and to working closely with Louise Jackson as she arrives as Principal.’