15/06/2026
Reflecting on an Extraordinary Academic Year at Nardone’s Academy…
As we conclude another remarkable academic year, we take immense pride in reflecting on the significant milestones, achievements, and growth that have defined this period for Nardone’s Academy.
This year has been one of exceptional progress. We have doubled our student numbers, a testament to the reputation, quality, and ambition that continue to drive our institution forward. As we prepare to enter our third academic year, we are delighted to announce that our intake has doubled once again, with students joining us not only from across Scotland but also, for the first time, from Wales and England this August.
This year also marked a significant step forward in our organisational development as Nardone’s Academy formally became both a registered charity and a limited company. This important achievement further strengthens our governance, sustainability, and long-term vision, ensuring that we continue to grow as a robust and forward-thinking educational institution dedicated to supporting future generations of performers and the arts.
A major highlight of the year was the successful launch of our Professional Dance Performance programme, further strengthening our vocational training portfolio and providing students with industry-focused pathways into professional dance performance careers. We were also delighted, after months of planning, to receive designation allowing domiciled Welsh students to attend Nardone’s Academy whilst receiving full funding through the Welsh Government. This marks another significant milestone in the continued growth and recognition of our institution.
Quality assurance and academic excellence remain at the heart of everything we do. This year, we welcomed an External Verification visit from Qualifications Scotland for our HNC Dance programme and are proud to report that we once again received full approval, alongside commendations highlighting areas of good practice. In addition, we successfully completed three further programme approvals, all receiving positive outcomes and recognition for exemplary practice, whilst also progressing further through the validation process for our newly developed degree programmes. This represents another major achievement following last year’s two successful audits.
We are also excited to announce that preparations are well underway for the launch of our new Associates Programme, commencing this September. Designed to bridge the gap between our Junior School and Full-Time College provision, this innovative programme will create a clear developmental pathway for aspiring performers who are serious about pursuing careers within the industry.
Our academic provision continues to strengthen. This year marks the successful completion of the first year of our HND programmes, with all students successfully progressing into their third year of study. Alongside this, we have expanded our teaching and support teams significantly. Following substantial investment in our Dance Faculty last year, we have now strengthened our Acting, Singing, and Academic departments through a number of new appointments. As we move into the next academic year, our staffing provision will effectively triple, ensuring students benefit from an exceptional team of experienced industry professionals and educators. Further faculty announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
Alongside the expansion of our academic teams, staff across the Academy have continued to enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), ensuring that our teaching, support, and leadership teams remain at the forefront of industry practice, educational excellence, and student support.
Performance opportunities have continued to flourish. This year saw the staging of our assessed college productions, Kinky Boots, All Shook Up, and The Effect, each showcasing the outstanding talent, commitment, and professionalism of our students. Our Junior School also achieved a significant milestone by presenting two productions and its first external production, expanding performance opportunities beyond our own facilities and into the wider community.
Collaboration and partnership have been central to our success. We have successfully completed the first year of our partnership with the Brighton Academy, which has proven to be an outstanding success for both institutions. We have also expanded our engagement with Edinburgh’s professional arts community through collaborations with the Traverse Theatre and St Bride’s Centre.
Our commitment to community engagement has continued to grow through participation in careers fairs, workshops, and outreach programmes with both local and regional primary and secondary schools. These initiatives allow us to inspire the next generation of performers while strengthening our role within the wider educational and artistic community.
Behind the scenes, we have continued to enhance relationships with our suppliers and partners while implementing new operational processes and procedures to improve both staff and student experience. We also introduced a range of informal, themed in-house events throughout the year, providing students with opportunities to relax, connect, and reset alongside their intensive training. Particular focus has been placed on standardisation, student support, mental health provision, and physical wellbeing, ensuring that every learner receives the highest level of care and support throughout their training.
This year has also brought external recognition for our work. We were honoured to receive the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance (SDTA) Award for Outstanding Emerging Performing Arts College. We are also delighted to share that a second major award has been secured, with the official announcement to be made very soon.
International opportunities have continued to grow across the Academy. This year we travelled to Disneyland Paris for the second time with students from both our Edinburgh and Fife campuses, where they performed on stage and participated in the Disney Pre-Parade. This marked our sixth national and international educational and performance trip, providing invaluable professional and cultural experiences for our students.
Adding to this exciting momentum, we are proud to have launched our first-ever Edinburgh Awards Event. This brand-new celebration will recognise the achievements, commitment, and successes of our students, staff, and wider Academy community. Preparations are already well underway, and the event is shaping up to be something truly special. There are many exciting announcements, recognitions, and developments planned as part of this occasion, but for now we will keep a few surprises under wraps. We look forward to sharing more details soon and welcoming everyone to what promises to become a landmark event in the Nardone’s Academy calendar.
As the academic year draws to a close, we are reminded that our greatest achievements are not measured solely by numbers, approvals, productions, partnerships, or awards. They are reflected in the confidence, growth, professionalism, and success of every student who walks through our doors.
The stage lights may be off, but the memories will last for a very long time.
The tears of joy, the hugs, the laughter, and the overwhelming sense of pride at the final curtain call said it all. Our students have worked tirelessly throughout the year, pushing themselves creatively, professionally, and personally. From rehearsals and classes to assessments and performances, they have given everything to their training, and it showed on every stage they stepped onto.
Only written submissions now remain, but for the moment we are taking the opportunity to celebrate everything our students have accomplished this year.
We couldn’t be prouder of every single one of them.
To our students, staff, families, partners, supporters, and friends of the Academy, thank you for being part of our incredible journey.
What a year.
As we look ahead to our third academic year, we do so with great excitement, confidence, and ambition. The future of Nardone’s Academy has never looked brighter, and we cannot wait to welcome both returning and new students as we continue building something truly exceptional together and a leading performing arts college.
