ArtsEd proudly announces that its 2019 acting graduate, Leo Woodall, will be gracing screens across the globe in the Netflix limited series “One Day.” Woodall, taking on the lead role of Dexter Mayhew, exemplifies the high calibre of talent nurtured at ArtsEd. The series, set to premiere on 8 February 2024, marks a significant milestone in Woodall’s rapidly ascending career.

Based on the bestselling novel by David Nicholls, “One Day” has already generated considerable buzz, thanks to its unique storytelling format and heartfelt narrative. The story, spanning several decades, follows Emma Morley (played by Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew as they navigate their lives, reuniting on the same day each year.

Their journey is one of growth, change, joy, and heartbreak.

Kim Vithana, Director of the School of Acting at ArtsEd, shared her excitement about Woodall’s achievement:

“We are very excited to see Leo Woodall cast as Dexter Mayhew; the lead role in the new Netflix TV series ‘One Day’.

His success is reflective of his hard work and how the BA Acting Course prepares our students for a professional career in the performing arts.”

ArtsEd has a long-standing reputation for fostering talent that makes a significant impact in the performing arts industry. Woodall’s role in “One Day” is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the institution’s commitment to cultivating versatile, industry-ready actors.

The show is set to unveil its first episode on Netflix on 8 February 2024. With first-look images already stirring excitement among fans and critics alike, the series is poised to be a cultural touchstone for this year.

As ArtsEd continues to celebrate and support its alumni, Leo Woodall’s journey from a promising acting student to a leading role on a global platform like Netflix is a source of inspiration for current and future students. The institution takes pride in its role in shaping the talents that contribute significantly to the arts, both on screen and off.

For more information about our School of Acting, please visit:

Full Selection of Images Now Available

After an outstanding performance from our Day School and Sixth Form, we’re excited to share the full selection of images from the annual Music Concert.

To view and download images click the button below:

View Full Selection

ArtsEd’s Day School and Sixth Form Annual Music Concert is Back!

The stage is set, the performers are ready, and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre is buzzing with anticipation for another sold out production. ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form proudly present their annual musical extravaganza, showcasing the extraordinary talents of over 200 pupils from Year 7 to Year 13.

Dates to Save: 11^th– 14^th December 2023, 7 pm

For four magical nights, the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre will come alive with a diverse musical repertoire. Promising a night of entertainment that transcends genres and captivates audiences of all tastes.

Peter Middleton, Headteacher

“We’re all super excited for the four Music Concert performances that take place this week. The programme is a musical extravaganza featuring everything from The Who to Offenbach to Frozen. We’re incredibly proud of our Day School and Sixth Form students who have been working hard all term to perfect this year’s show.“

Directors

• Lorraine Crowley
• Christopher Peters
• Giovanna Ryan
• Sioned Saunders
• Lucy Songi
• Amy Whiterod

Venue: Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre

Located at 14 Bath Road, London, W4 1LY, our state of the art in-house venue provides the ideal backdrop for our talented students to showcase their skills and passion for the performing arts.

Ticket Information:

This event has now sold out.

There’s Still Time To Apply To Our Day School

The deadline for Day School entry 2024 is: 7 February 2024 for auditions on 22nd February 2024

“Excellent in all areas”
Independent Schools Inspectorate – November 2019

“Students demonstrate very positive attitudes to learning and develop many excellent learning skills.”
ISI Report

Find out more: Day School Admissions – ArtsEd

Sixth Form applications are now closed.

Celebrating Success: ArtsEd Alumni Finalists in Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream

ArtsEd is filled with pride as recent graduates Esme Bowdler and Stevie Doc from the School of Musical Theatre emerge as finalists in the flagship ITV programme, Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream.

This innovative eight-part series, airing on ITV seeks to discover the next generation of musical theatre stars for the global sensation, MAMMA MIA!.

Contestants, vying for the coveted roles of Sophie and Sky in MAMMA MIA! in London’s West End, undergo a full MAMMA MIA! experience, mentored by industry stars and judged by well-known experts in music and theatre, including ArtsEd alumni Samantha Barks (Day School & Sixth Form).

Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of the School of Musical Theatre at ArtsEd,

“We’re absolutely thrilled that recent School of Musical Theatre graduates Esme Bowdler and Stevie Doc are in the final for ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream programme. Both Esme and Stevie demonstrate the very best of ArtsEd’s ‘triple-threat’ training. Being incredible performers, as well as ambassadors for the school.

All of us at ArtsEd wish them all the very best for next weeks final.”

Esme Bowdler and Stevie Doc have successfully navigated seven weeks of fierce competition, earning their places among the final four contestants.

The culmination of this journey will be broadcast on Sunday, 10th December, at 6:30 pm on ITV.

ArtsEd’s Triple-Threat Training

ArtsEd offers exceptional triple-threat training. An exciting and extensive curriculum prepares you to become a world-leading performer across all disciplines and in all genres.

For those aspiring to follow in the footsteps of ArtsEd’s alumni, information about the school’s Musical Theatre courses can be found below.

On 20th October, our Day School & Sixth Form students and staff celebrated Black History Month with various events across the day.

• All staff and students gathered on our Green Roof Terrace, with delicious food, drinks, music, organised by our wonderful DSSF staff and Sixth Form students.
• Assemblies were also held throughout the day focusing on and highlighting the importance of Black History.

Over the past few weeks our ArtsEd Day School & Sixth Form corridors have been filled with displays recognising the significance of Black History.

These displays and events help spread the awareness that, although we use Black History Month in October as a platform to celebrate Black history.  We also should pause to recognise those that have paved the way before us and to prompt important discussions about what the future could hold for young members of the Black community today. A message that is relevant across the rest of the eleven months of the year too.

Happy Black History Month everyone!

We’re thrilled that you are considering ArtsEd as your drama school of choice! Embarking on a transformative journey into the performing arts with us signifies stepping into a space where your passion for acting and musical theatre will be nurtured, challenged, and celebrated. We’re committed to providing a rich, comprehensive, and supportive educational experience for all our students, and we’re delighted to accompany you at every step of your application process. This guide is meticulously curated to provide you with all the information needed for a successful application, ensuring that each step you take is informed, confident, and stress-free. Let’s dive into the journey together!

1. Choose the Programme You Want to Apply For

Embarking on a journey at ArtsEd begins with choosing a programme that best aligns with your aspirations and career goals. Explore the varied offerings under the School of Acting and School of Musical Theatre:

School of Acting:

• BA (Hons) Acting
• MA (Acting)
• Foundation in Acting (Cert HE Acting)

School of Musical Theatre:

• BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
• Foundation in Musical Theatre (Cert HE Musical Theatre)

Evaluate each programme’s curriculum, duration, and prerequisites to understand what aligns with your career aspirations and educational background. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for your educational trajectory, influencing your future career in the performing arts.

2. Think About How You’ll Finance Your Studies

Taking a moment to ponder upon your financial planning for your studies at ArtsEd is an important step before diving into the application process. We have various scholarships and funding options available to you, please investigate and consider what financial support you might need throughout your studies.

• Read About Funding and scholarships available for ArtsEd students here.

Remember, investing in your education is investing in your future, and securing your financial stability during your studies will enable you to fully immerse yourself in the ArtsEd experience without undue stress.

3. Apply Via Our Application Portal

Initiating your application process via ArtsEd’s online portal means stepping into an organized, straightforward application journey. The digital portal is designed to guide applicants through a step-by-step process, from account creation to document submission. Pay close attention to the instructions and ensure that all required documents and details are accurately provided. Keeping a checklist of necessary documents and prerequisites handy can be immensely helpful in this stage.

Apply Now

4. Choose Your Audition Date and Save in Your Calendar

Selecting your audition date is a pivotal step in the application process. Considering your preparedness, availability, and any other engagements, choose a date that allows you enough time for thorough preparation and relaxation before the audition. Mark the date in your calendar, set reminders, and organize your preparation schedule to build towards this important day.

5. Prepare for Your Audition Using Our Useful Tips

Audition preparation is often marked by a blend of excitement and nervousness. Utilize our useful tips and guides to navigate through your preparation phase seamlessly.

• How to nail your drama school audition article will walk you through the audition process for Acting programmes. It includes th comprehensive guide on how to prepare your self-tape.
• Musical Theatre audition tips – Master your ArtsEd audition! article will help you to prepare for a Musical Theatre audition day that includes Singing, Acting and Dancing auditions.

Ensure you adhere to the guidelines provided and engage in rigorous practice. Seeking feedback from mentors or peers during this phase can also provide valuable insights into your preparation.

6. Attend Your Audition, Try to Relax and Enjoy

The audition day is your moment to shine and showcase your talent and dedication to the craft. Approach the day with a calm, positive mindset and remember to enjoy the process. Whether you’re auditioning in-person or virtually, ensure that you are present in the moment, and convey not just your skills, but also your passion and personality. Your authenticity and enjoyment of the craft will undoubtedly shine through when you’re genuinely engaged.

7. Wait for the Results

After the adrenaline of the audition day subsides, patience becomes your best companion. Regardless of the outcome, remember that the experience gained during this process is invaluable and will stand you in good stead for future opportunities.

Apply Now

Each of these steps in the journey to applying for ArtsEd Drama School unfolds a unique set of experiences and learnings. Embrace each stage with curiosity, dedication, and a love for the performing arts to pave your way into an exiting education in Acting or Musical Theatre. Remember, your journey in the performing arts is not just about perfecting the skill but also about enjoying the process and learning continually.

We are delighted to share that three of our ArtsEd alumni have been nominated for the distinguished 2023 Black British Theatre Awards in the category of Best Recent Graduates. This recognition not only casts a spotlight on the innate talents of our alumni, but it also speaks volumes about the standard of ArtsEd’s training and mentorship.

Jenna Bonner — An outstanding talent from our Sixth Form, Jenna made the bold decision to delve directly into the industry upon completing her Sixth Form studies. She is currently captivating audiences in her role as Swing in “Tina: The Musical” at the Aldwych Theatre.

Leah Vassell — A proud graduate of our BA Musical Theatre class of 2022, Leah’s exceptional talent sees her taking on the role of Alternate Jane Seymour/Catherine Parr in the renowned “Six: The Musical”.

Charis Alexandra — Yet another graduate from our BA Musical Theatre class of 2022, Charis is currently playing the role of Alline Bullock in “Tina: The Musical” at the Aldwych Theatre.

To Jenna, Leah, and Charis, our heartfelt congratulations. Your accomplishments are a testament to the dedication and passion with which you approach your craft, and we couldn’t be prouder.

ArtsEd is delighted to announce that it has appointed Mr Peter Middleton as the Day School and Sixth Form Interim Headteacher for the academic year 2023-24.

Peter is an experienced Head, Oxford graduate, and with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management. A lifelong learner, he is committed to continuous self-improvement and sets high expectations not only for academic excellence but also for the personal development of each individual student.

Peter grew up in Somerset and was educated at Radley College before reading Chemistry at Oriel College, Oxford. He began his teaching career at Cheltenham College and moved to St Edward’s School, Oxford, where he was a Housemaster and was responsible for Prep School Liaison. He was subsequently appointed as Deputy Head at Clifton College. From 2013 to 2020 he was Principal at Welbeck College, where students were on a pathway to careers within the armed forces.  There, he developed an environment that balanced academic standards and expectations with opportunities for students’ personal and career development.  He also ensured that both Welbeck and Clifton were given the highest ratings by ISI inspectors. After the closure of Welbeck, he was Head of Kensington Park School.

With a proven track record of supporting students on specialist career pathways, the Board of Trustees is convinced that this, coupled with Peter’s passion for the academic success and personal development of our students, makes him extremely well-placed to lead the Day School and Sixth Form through the next period of its development.

Peter said:

“It is an honour and privilege to have been invited to be the interim Headteacher of ArtsEd. Parents have only one opportunity to give their children the best possible education.  I am committed to working with parents, pupils and staff to ensure that ArtsEd delivers an exceptional education; where ambition and academic achievement are respected and highly valued, creativity is celebrated and diversity is embraced.  In an environment where the performing arts are at the heart of education, it is crucial the each individual is nurtured and challenged to become the best possible version of themselves.  I am commitment to ensuring that students will leave having achieved goals and aspirations of which they could only have dreamed.  I am really looking forward to joining the ArtsEd community in September and working with the inspirational staff, outstanding students and their parents.”

ArtsEd’s Principal, Dr Julie Spencer said:

“I am delighted about Peter’s appointment as Interim Headteacher. His impressive depth of expertise in the education sector means that Peter is exceptionally well qualified to lead the Day School and Sixth Form pupils and their inspirational teachers over the coming year”

ArtsEd School of Musical Theatre is delighted to announce that Reece McGowan, Georgie Gaudencio, Al Knott, Will Hopkins, and Kayna Montecillo have obtained Ian Fleming Award and got funding to advance their studies.

Initiated in 1980, the Ian Fleming Charitable Trust Music Education Awards, in collaboration with Help Musicians, have been steadfast in their support of exceptionally talented young musicians, aiding them with the financial challenges of higher education.

For those students on the cusp of their final year in Musical Theatre, there’s an opportunity to receive up to £5,000 in financial support, aimed at offsetting study and living expenses for the next academic chapter.

We are thrilled to announce that Reece McGowan, Georgie Gaudencio, Al Knott, Will Hopkins, and Kayna Montecillo have not only met the criteria but excelled in their applications and auditions, earning them this year’s coveted Ian Fleming Award for Musical Theatre.

Fantastic job! We’re immensely proud and look forward to seeing you grow as performers in your third, and final, year of training with us.

We are thrilled to announce outstanding BTEC and A-Levels results achieved by our Sixth Form students this year.

Students enjoyed success in both BTEC and A-Levels:

BTEC

• 92% secured D*D*D* to DDD (Distinction star to Distinction). This is equivalent in UCAS points to 3 A*’s to 3 A’s at A level.
• 78% received D*D*D* (equivalent to 3 A*’s at A level)

A-Level:

• 82% of A Levels taken were graded A*- C

Combined: (including BTEC equivalent UCAS points)

• 94% of all exams taken were graded or equivalent to A*- C

Mark Ferrington, Director of Sixth Form said

I am so pleased with the individual achievements of our students this year. They should all be so proud of their hard work and dedication over the past two years, what a great set of results. Thank you to all our teachers, parents and carers who have supported our young people during their time at ArtsEd Sixth Form.  We wish all our students the very best of luck as they move forward onto the next chapter of their journey.

Lizzie Bellamy, Head of BTEC, had the following message for students:

Congratulations to our Year 13 BTEC students. You should be proud of what you have each achieved. You have shown great strength and vigour throughout the past two years. I hope you can all look back on your journey with us with pride, knowing that you can overcome any challenge if you put your mind to it. We look forward to hearing of your future successes. Keep motivated, open, and share your creative voice.

If you are interested in learning more about life at ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form, why not join us at our upcoming Open Evenings this September! Register today and share the link with others who might be interested.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Register now

ArtsEd BA Acting student, Jake Evans has been awarded a financial bursary to help him complete his training, having successfully auditioned for a panel of theatre industry professionals. The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) awarded a total of £79,000 in Laurence Olivier Bursaries for 2023 to 17 deserving students from drama schools across the UK, and Jake is among the deserving recipients.

Recognising Exceptional Talent
The Laurence Olivier Bursaries were established by SOLT in 1987 on the occasion of Laurence Olivier’s 80th birthday. These bursaries aim to provide vital financial assistance to exceptional students who are entering their final year of drama school and may face financial challenges that could jeopardise their studies. This year, the bursaries have been awarded to 17 talented students from drama schools across the UK, further emphasising the significance of this achievement.

A History of Success
Esteemed actors such as Denise Gough, Bryony Hannah, Paterson Joseph, Ewan McGregor, Daniel Rigby, Vinette Robinson, Juma Sharkah, Michaela Coel, and Michael Sheen have all been recipients of the Laurence Olivier Bursary. This legacy highlights the recognition and support that this prestigious award brings to emerging talents.

The Audition Process
Nominees for the Laurence Olivier Bursary are put forward by drama schools across the UK. These aspiring actors are then auditioned on a West End stage and interviewed by a panel of distinguished theatre industry professionals. This year, the auditions took place at St Martin’s Theatre, creating a unique opportunity for students to showcase their skills and potential in a professional setting.

Well done Jake! We’re immensely proud and look forward to seeing you light up stage and screen in your third, and final, year of training with us.