It is with great pleasure and pride that I write here as the Head of ArtsEd Day School & Sixth Form. An exceptional independent day school for 11-18 year olds that was founded over 100 years ago, our ethos remains true to the original vision for the school: to provide a broad and balanced education stretching pupils to achieve both their academic and artistic potential.
ArtsEd is a school like no other; an international leader in Performing Arts education and a local and national leader in its wider academic provision. Our students achieve value added scores in the top 1% nationally, which means that all our pupils reach their academic potential, achieved through a programme of teaching and learning that is tailored to each individual. ArtsEd pupils benefit from a high-quality vocational programme delivered by committed and creative professionals, and their expertise instils in our pupils a passion for performance that feeds into all aspects of their education and personal development.
The School was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in March 2024 and I am delighted to share with you the report. This highlighted that the teaching of the performing and creative arts is Significant Strength. We are one of very few schools to have been described as exhibiting a Significant Strength as it is the highest accolade under the new inspection structure. The inspectors described the teaching of the performing and creative arts as being:
“inspiring and informed by current professional practice. Teachers have high expectations of pupils, who receive challenging tasks and are given a busy schedule of performance opportunities. Pupils respond with focus and energy, producing work of a notably high standard both in the classroom and on the stage.”
ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2024 (paragraph 22)
The inspectors also recognised key attributes of our students and staff, and the centrality of the ‘ArtsEd Curriculum’, our ethos and values, and the pastoral care:
“Leaders plan a curriculum through which pupils study a wide range of academic and vocational subjects. Pupils develop linguistic, mathematical, scientific and technological skills. Leaders strategically plan ahead and adapt their curriculum in the light of the changing demands of the world of performing arts. Pupils are articulate, attentive, listen with respect and enjoy opportunities to work together. Pupils have a sense of responsibility; they apply effort to their work and are self-motivated and ambitious.”
ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2024 (paragraph 17)“The curriculum, school policies and school activities encourage and support an ethos of mutual respect where pupils appreciate the individuality of others and feel they can be their natural selves. Pupils are kind and tolerant, and there is a clear focus on matters of equality and inclusion.”
ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2024 (paragraph 27)“The leaders of the school have developed a culture of mutual respect and tolerance which is seen in the interactions between pupils and pupils and staff around the school. Inclusion and diversity are prioritised by leaders with the recent appointment of staff and pupil equality, diversity and inclusion leads.”
ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2024 (paragraph 38)
To read more on this inspection and the report, please click here Independent Schools Inspectorate Report
You can find an essential overview of the unique and outstanding education that ArtsEd provides on this website, but to best get a sense of what to expect, please do come and visit us in person. All you need to do is come to the Open Evening in September (sign up to our newsletter to be notified when registrations open) to get a first-hand taste of the exuberance and energy that feeds all this excellence!
Our students spend time every day doing what they love, which means that they grow and develop into happy, collaborative, and well-rounded individuals, fully committed to holistic education and, at 16+ or 18+, armed with a set of skills and experiences that prepare them for whatever pathway they choose to follow.
ArtsEd Day School pupils are remarkable individuals, and we pride ourselves on knowing, nurturing and respecting them as such. The school’s outstanding pastoral systems, small class sizes, and family atmosphere mean that every young person feels valued, supported and encouraged to be the very best they can be.
I look forward to welcoming you to the school soon.
Peter Middleton
Headteacher
“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. A positive, buzzing, supportive place.”
Peter Middleton
A school where the performing arts are at the heart of an outstanding education.
Nurturing talent in a national centre of excellence for the performing arts
Nurturing the individual and celebrating the team.
Dedicated to the wellbeing of each and every student.
Showcasing talent from right across the school.
Choosing the next step with confidence.
