ArtsEd Appoints Louise Jackson as Principal
Previous head of performing arts school stepped down after bullying inquiry
Louise Jackson. Picture: Lucy Davis
February 25, 2025
The ArtsEd school on Bath Road has announced that Louise Jackson is to take over as Principal this July making her the third person to hold the role over the last four years.
She has previously held teaching and leadership roles at BIMM University, Trinity Laban, and the University of Chichester. At BIMM University, she is credited with playing a pivotal role in the transformation of the institution, implementing a new operating model and supporting the integration of MetFilm School following acquisition in 2024.
The Board of Trustees made the appointment in the belief that she has the ability to lead significant cultural and operational change after a difficult time for the school. It understands that she has championed empathetic approaches to leadership at every institution she has worked with, ensuring that staff, students, and parents are supported through periods of transition. It is hoped her experience of regulatory frameworks, quality assurance, and academic governance will be invaluable as ArtsEd continues to reestablish its position.
She has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship, the highest award for teaching in higher education in the UK and she is an advocate for the value of academic research and practice-based scholarship in the arts.
Her research has focused on specialist arts education, such as that delivered in conservatoires and drama schools. Her work has focused on developing inclusive approaches to teaching and curriculum and the development of artists who are teaching in higher education. Through this, she has mentored artist-educators to undertake their first piece of research based on their creative or teaching practices. More recently she has focused on leadership in arts education and mentored emerging leaders from different arts backgrounds.
Since Julie Spencer, the previous principal, resigned in July 2024 following an independent, barrister-led inquiry into allegations of bullying, the school has been led by a Interim Executive Leadership Team.
This investigation was initiated after reports surfaced about a 'toxic' culture within the institution, with claims that Spencer's leadership was 'erratic and occasionally intimidating,' fostering a culture of fear among students and staff.
Prior to Spencer's tenure, Chris Hocking served as principal until his resignation in October 2021. Hocking stepped down after an external investigation revealed an 'overly sexualised environment' within the School of Musical Theatre, attributed to a 'misguided culture' and leadership failures.
Arts Educational School on Bath Road
Acting Chair of Trustees, Farida Mannan, said, "We are very excited to welcome Louise to ArtsEd, bringing, as she does, such a wealth of educational and leadership experience. We were very impressed by the exceptional pool of talent that had applied for this pivotal role and are grateful to Odgers for their expertise in guiding us through the rigorous process of appointment. Louise’s arrival will signal the beginning of an exciting new chapter for ArtsEd, overlapping, as it does, with the imminent appointment of a permanent Chair of Trustees and other new members of the Board. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would also like to extend my thanks to the Executive Leadership Team and all the staff at ArtsEd who have stepped up during the period of this vacancy. We are very grateful for the stability you have provided."
Louise Jackson said, “It is a privilege to be invited to take up the role of Principal at ArtsEd. I am looking forward to working with the talented pupils, students, staff, alumni and Board members to ensure the continuation of the world leading provision in acting, musical theatre and dance training. Education is a powerful force for transformation, and I am committed to fostering an environment where creativity, passion, and excellence can thrive. Together, we will build on ArtsEd’s impressive history, embracing innovation while staying true to the values that make this institution so special. ArtsEd is perfectly positioned to be at the forefront, in the UK and internationally, of training that is representative of 21st Century Britain and beyond. I am excited to collaborate with the entire community—supporting, inspiring, and empowering every individual to reach their full potential.”
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