ALRA receives ‘outstanding’ OFSTED report
We are proud to announce that our Ofsted report has ranked the combined North and South campus schools as ‘outstanding’ in all areas. Released on Tuesday 26th February 2019 the report has praise for all aspects of training at ALRA. ALRA, one of the FDS (Federation of Drama Schools) Conservatoires in the UK, is a leading acting school providing fully comprehensive training in acting and directing. In the year that the school also celebrates its 40th Birthday, we are delighted to receive this recognition of excellence.
Adrian Hall, Principal said: ‘It’s really rewarding to receive this ‘outstanding’ mark of quality and I am thrilled that the tutors, students and support teams have been recognised for their hard work, dedication and talent. ALRA has gone from strength to strength. We have built on firm foundations and our nurturing environment and drive for high standards has paid off.’
Both the North and South campus underwent a rigorous inspection in January and the resulting report is full of praise for the high quality of teaching and learning alongside excellent feedback from students about their experience and satisfaction.
The report focussed on the quality of teaching and learning, stating:
‘Teachers are well qualified and highly experienced serving practitioners in the performing arts industry. They use their expertise skilfully to enthuse and motivate learners.’
ALRA’s unique approach to widening participation, mindfulness and wellbeing in the curriculum was also cited as a positive step forward in the sector with references to how students feel fully supported at ALRA:
‘Teachers offer an extensive range of activities to support and promote students’ physical and emotional well-being so that they can develop the stamina and resilience they ned to succeed on the programme.’
Ofsted picked up on ALRA’s improved outcomes in terms of professional representation with high quality agents and employers:
‘On completion of their course, the proportion of students who successfully acquire an agent is high and, subsequently, many students successfully gain a range of professional engagements.’
ALRA has been training actors since 1979 and moved into the present home in Wandsworth, London in the 1980s. Many of the graduates have gone on to have stellar careers including Miranda Hart, Sarah Parish, Jimmy Akingbola and Denise Gough with many more are working in TV, Film and Theatre at prominent venues across the UK and beyond.
Vice Principal, Kieran Sheehan, who heads up the curriculum development said: ‘This report gives us the confidence to move forward with exciting new projects that can only improve on the ‘outstanding’ opportunities we already offer.’
If you would like to read the full Ofsted report, you can find it here.