In a purpose built, industry standard campus on Studio Way, Elstree Screen Arts Academy (ESA) serves as a specialist training ground for the next generation of creative professionals. This is not a conventional secondary school; it is a University Technical College (UTC) for 14 to 19 year olds, situated in the town of Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, a location famously dubbed the British Hollywood. The academy sits alongside world class production hubs including Elstree Studios and Sky Studios Elstree.
In February 2025, Ofsted awarded the academy an Outstanding rating across all inspected categories, including sixth form provision and leadership. Following the updated 2024 inspection framework, the school received these high marks without an overall effectiveness grade. Currently catering to approximately 500 students, the academy operates as part of the Danes Educational Trust.
The atmosphere at ESA is professional and studio focused, mirroring the industries it feeds. Students do not wear uniforms; instead, they follow a professional dress code that encourages individuality within a workplace context. Principal Chris Mitchell, who has led the academy since 2018, describes the institution as a place that cares as much about the type of person students become as the grades they achieve.
The campus feels like a creative hub rather than a traditional school. Facilities include the Sky Up Academy Studios, professional sound stages, and high end digital editing suites. This is a school for the self motivated, where students are treated as junior professionals. The 2025 inspection confirmed that behaviour and attitudes are superb, with a culture of respect and creative collaboration permeating the site.
Academic results at ESA tell a story of rapid improvement and specialist excellence. In 2025, 100% of sixth form students achieved a qualification graded A* to C, with over 90% hitting the A* to B bracket. This represented the school's best performance to date. The academy ranks 1,589th in England for A-levels (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).
At GCSE level, the academy ranks 3,632nd in England and 5th in Borehamwood (FindMySchool ranking). While standard EBacc metrics are lower than national averages, with an average attainment 8 score of 36.6, the school performs exceptionally well in its creative specialisms. In 2025, 62% of students achieved a level 4 or higher in both English and Mathematics, which marked a 2% increase from the previous year.
At ESA, STEM is redefined through the lens of production technology. The curriculum focuses on the technical skills that underpin the film and TV industries, such as sound technology, lighting, and digital animation. In 2025, 100% of students in Sound Technology and Music Performance met or exceeded their target grades, with 75% achieving the highest possible Distinction or Distinction* marks.
Students use industry standard equipment from their first year. The "Production Pipeway" curriculum ensures that the science and technology taught are directly applicable to the crafts and trades of the cultural industries.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
43.9%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching at ESA is project based and immersive. The curriculum is designed around industry relevant pathways including Creative Production, Crafts and Trades, and Creative Technologies. Students often work on live briefs for external clients through the school's own student led production company, ESA Productions.
The 2025 inspection found the quality of education to be outstanding. Teachers are often industry practitioners who bring real world credibility to the classroom. This ensures that students develop not only academic knowledge but also the technical fluency required for professional employment.
The school provides a direct pipeline into the UK's thriving creative sector. In 2024, leaver destinations were notably employment focused compared to traditional sixth forms; 24% of students moved directly into the workforce, while 29% progressed to higher education.
University destinations typically include specialist creative hubs such as Ravensbourne, Bournemouth University, and University of the Arts London. For those choosing the vocational route, students have secured apprenticeships and roles with major partners like Sky, the BBC, and Elstree Studios. In 2025, 100% of trainees in the Level 4 diploma programme passed, with 67% achieving Distinction or Merit grades.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
ESA is a non selective academy with three main entry points at Year 10, Year 12, and Level 4. For Year 10 entry, the school accepts 150 students annually. After looked after children and siblings, up to 10% of places are allocated to those demonstrating a high aptitude for creative arts through a practical workshop.
The remaining places are allocated by distance: 50% to those within 5 miles, 30% to those between 5 and 10 miles, and 10% to those between 10 and 15 miles. Applications for 2026 entry open in September 2025 and typically close on 31 January 2026. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to typical entry patterns.
Support at ESA is built around a tight knit community where students feel safe to express their creative identities. The academy has a dedicated mental health initiative, "Research Explored," in partnership with the CAMHS Digital Lab, focusing on student wellbeing through creative content.
For students with SEND, the academy provides exceptional support; in 2025, there was no achievement gap between students with additional needs and their peers. The pastoral system is designed to help students manage the resilience required for freelance and creative careers.
Extracurricular life is synonymous with production. Students can join the ESA Community Trust or work on high profile musicals; current productions include "Heathers: The Musical" (Teen Version). The school also runs a "Reading Plus" programme to support literacy through creative texts.
The facilities remain open after school hours for student projects, and regular masterclasses with industry professionals are a staple of the calendar. The student led media production company won several awards in 2024 for its commercial work.
The school day typically runs from 9:00am until 4:15pm, though students in the sixth form may have different schedules depending on production requirements. Transport is convenient, with Elstree and Borehamwood station a 15 minute walk away.
The school encourages a "Bring Your Own Device" policy to ensure students are digitally fluent. Wraparound care details are not published for this age group; parents should contact the school directly for specific details on supervised studio hours outside of lessons.
As a state funded academy and UTC, Elstree Screen Arts Academy is free to attend. There are no tuition fees for any students.
The school offers 16 to 19 discretionary bursaries for students from low income households to assist with transport, equipment, and meals. Eligible students can also access the 16 to 19 Tuition Fund for small group support. Families can apply for Hertfordshire SaverCards for half price bus travel or TrainCards for discounted rail travel.
Elstree Screen Arts Academy is a beacon for creative education in England. With its 2025 Outstanding Ofsted rating and record breaking results, it has firmly established itself as a premier technical college. It suits creative, self motivated students who thrive in a professional atmosphere and want to be at the heart of the UK's film industry. The main challenge is the transition at 14, but for those who make the move, the industry links and technical training are second to none.
Yes. In February 2025, Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in all categories. It ranks 1,589th in England for A-levels (FindMySchool ranking) and saw its best ever results in 2025, with 100% of sixth formers achieving A* to C grades.
There are no fees. Elstree Screen Arts Academy is a state funded academy and UTC, providing its specialist creative education free of charge to all students.
While 10% of Year 10 places are awarded for creative aptitude, the school is non selective. However, you must have a genuine passion for the screen arts, as the entire curriculum is built around film, TV, and media production.
No. ESA is a 14 to 19 school. Students join in Year 10 for their GCSEs or Year 12 for their A-levels and technical qualifications.
The school is well served by public transport, including Elstree and Borehamwood station. Financial support via 16 to 19 bursaries is available to help eligible students with travel costs.
Get in touch with the school directly
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