The Creative Academy

18/06/2026

We’ve spent years telling children not to colour outside the lines.

Now we’re asking them to become innovative thinkers.

Creative arts subjects account for less than 10% of timetabled time in secondary schools.

At the same time, employers consistently tell us they need creativity, adaptability, communication and problem-solving.

We can’t expect young people to become creative adults if we rarely give them opportunities to practise creativity.

The solution isn’t less academic rigour.

It’s recognising that creativity is an essential part of learning.

Children need more creativity.

16/06/2026

“Imagination can be both life-changing and life-saving.”

This article is profound and entirely sums up why we do what we do.

Imagination is vital and it’s entirely undervalued.

Link in the comments

👇👇👇

16/06/2026

How can children discover who they are if they never get the chance to express themselves?

Creative arts subjects now make up less than 10% of timetabled time in secondary schools.

That’s a problem.

Because creativity isn’t just about producing artwork.

It’s about exploring ideas.

Testing possibilities.

Making meaning.

Developing a sense of self.

When children spend most of their education searching for the “correct” answer, they can lose opportunities to develop their own voice.

And the world needs their voice.

Children need more creativity.

15/06/2026

The hidden power of being in the ensemble!

“Performing arts is often associated with leading roles and centre stage moments, but ensemble work is where many young people develop some of their most valuable life skills. Discover how working together through acting, singing and dancing helps students build confidence, communication and teamwork skills that last far beyond performance.”

So true! This blog is well worth a read…

Performing arts is often associated with leading roles and centre stage moments, but ensemble work is where many young people develop some of their most valuable life skills. Discover how working together through acting, singing and dancing helps students build confidence, communication and teamwork...

14/06/2026

Captain Hook is one of those universally recognised characters. Every production has their own take on this dastardly character and it’s a lot of fun working on bringing him to life.

The question is, though, who’s the real villain? Peter Pan cut off Captain James’ arm, fed it to the crocodile and then mercilessly taunted and teased him with the name ‘Captain Hook’.

So…evil villain or misunderstood Captain?

14/06/2026

The jobs our children will do in 20 years probably don’t exist yet.

So why are we still educating them as though memorising information is the ultimate goal?

Creative arts subjects now make up less than 10% of timetabled time in secondary schools.

Yet creativity is the foundation of innovation.

It’s how we solve problems, communicate ideas, adapt to change and imagine something better.

If we want a generation capable of building the future, we need to give them more opportunities to create it.

Children need more creativity.

13/06/2026

It’s crazy to think that The Creative Academy started over 3 years ago now!

We threw ourselves in at the deep end with none other than Les Miserables, but we totally pulled it off (in our humble opinion!). Most of those exceptionally talented young people are now at drama school or university. Some have graduated!

It’s amazing to see that some of the young ensemble in Les Mis are now taking on lead roles in Peter Pan - what a journey it’s been all round.

Help us spread the word and tell everyone what your favourite Creative Academy moment has been in the comments 🙏🤩👇

12/06/2026

Most children aren’t struggling because they’re incapable. They’re struggling because they aren’t unlocking how they actually learn, think, and create.

We build spaces where children:
create instead of comply
think instead of repeat
express instead of shrink

Self-belief. Creativity. Confidence. Connection.

12/06/2026

This is pretty cool - using creativity to explore what SEND children need to be happy, healthy and independent.

Cllr Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Family and Children, reflected that: “It’s marvellous to see the creativity that this project has inspired in the young people in the SEND participation group, they have clearly relished having their voices heard and choosing which art skills they would learn, and the quality of their artworks speaks for itself. A truly inspiring project!”

The co-designed art exhibition was officially unveiled at Kensington Town Hall

12/06/2026

Creative arts subjects now make up less than 10% of timetabled time in secondary schools.

Yet we wonder why so many young people struggle with confidence, identity and independent thinking.

When children aren’t given opportunities to create, imagine and explore their own ideas, they lose more than artistic skills.

They lose opportunities to discover who they are.

They become more focused on finding the “right answer” than asking meaningful questions.

And they miss out on developing the very skills the future demands most: creativity, communication, innovation and problem-solving.

Children need more than knowledge.

They need creativity.