ArtsEd Appoints Adam Davenport as Dean of Higher Education

17.04.2026

ArtsEd is delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Davenport to the role of Dean of Higher Education. 

Adam will be part of the new Executive Team, alongside Director of Finance and Operations Alex Gillespie, Headteacher of Day School & Sixth Form Peter Middleton, and the Director of Enterprise and External Engagement, which is currently being recruited.

As Dean of Higher Education, Adam will lead all aspects of ArtsEd’s higher education provision, including the Production Team and Registry and Student Support Team, playing a key role in shaping the future of training at ArtsEd.

Adam Davenport is currently Dean of Performers College, part of BIMM University, where he leads curriculum delivery, productions, quality assurance, student outcomes and strategic development across multiple campuses. Previously, he was Principal of Performers College Birmingham, where he led the launch of a new campus and the development of dynamic professional training courses in Musical Theatre and Acting.

He has also worked as a teacher, director and vocal coach across a range of specialist institutions. Adam trained professionally in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music and has experience as both a performer and talent agent, bringing valuable industry insight into specialist training and progression into the profession.

His background spans academic leadership, curriculum development, student experience and industry engagement, underpinned by a strong commitment to delivering high-quality vocational performance training.

Adam commented on his appointment:

“I am thrilled to be joining ArtsEd at such an exciting time for the institution. ArtsEd has an outstanding reputation for professional training and for developing talented, artistic and multi-skilled graduates who go on to make a significant impact in the industry. I’m looking forward to working with inspirational colleagues across the organisation, supporting students to flourish, and contributing to the next stage of ArtsEd’s journey.”

Principal Prof. Louise Jackson said

 “I am delighted to be announcing this wonderful appointment. Adam is a first-class educator who has a huge amount of expertise in student-centred specialist vocational training , I know from my previous experience of working with him that he will bring an enormous amount of energy and expertise to ArtsEd in supporting colleagues and helping us move forward in this exciting time of change. I can’t wait to see what he achieves here!’

 Adam will join ArtsEd later this year, marking an exciting step forward for the future of Higher Education at the institution.