Inspectors give Arts Educational best possible rating
Local specialist dance and drama college, the Arts Educational School has once again received the top rating from OFSTED.
On the basis of a short inspection of this performing arts school, carried out by Ofsted in March 2004, inspectors were satisfied that the outstanding standards reported at the last inspection have been maintained.
The Arts Educational Schools London, known as ArtsEd, is an independent provider of performing arts training. The college comprises a pupils' department for young people aged eight to 18 specialising in expressive arts, and two vocational training schools for older students. The pupils' department was not within the scope of this inspection.
The school of musical theatre offers a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree with honours (BA Hons) in musical theatre and the national diploma in professional musical theatre. The school of acting offers a Master of Arts degree (MA) in acting, a three-year BA Hons degree in acting, the national diploma in acting and the national certificate in professional acting.
At the time of the short inspection in March 2004, 250 students were following the degree- level programmes. Of these, 126 were enrolled on the BA musical theatre course, 23 on the MA course in acting, and 101 on the BA acting course.
The school was praised for effective leadership and the way the dean works closely with the directors of the schools of acting and musical theatre to follow a coherent strategy for the development of the organisation. The organisation's governing council is made up of professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including education and finance, and provides the dean with a unique advisory resource.
The strong emphasis on the cultivation of external links was also highlighted, both to develop performing opportunities for the students and enhance the reputation of the school. The college has strong links with the theatre industry, including one with the Royal Court Theatre. Productive relationships with a number of theatrical agencies result in students having the benefit of a high representation of agents and casting directors at the Arts Educational Schools student summer showcase performances.
The last full inspection of the Arts Educational Schools London took place in October 2002, when achievement and standards, and the quality of education and training in both musical theatre and acting were graded outstanding, as were leadership and management.
June 18, 2004