Founded in 1911, Italia Conti is one of the UK's longest-established performing arts institutions, with an international reputation for professional training in acting, dance and musical theatre.
Delivering programmes from a purpose-built campus in Woking, Italia Conti combines its rich heritage and longstanding contribution to performing arts education with a contemporary approach grounded in discipline, collaboration and sustained industry relevance.
Training at Italia Conti is practical and closely aligned with professional practice, with students learning from experienced tutors and visiting practitioners across stage, screen and recorded media. Emphasising collaboration and interdisciplinary working, students are supported to develop specialist skills as part of a wider creative community that reflects the realities of the profession.
Alongside its core provision, Italia Conti supports aspiring performers through a network of Associate Schools across the UK and internationally, extending access to performing arts training among children and young people.
Bradley Hawkins, Principal, Italia Conti, commented:
"We’re pleased to add Italia Conti’s voice to IHE’s work. We share its belief that higher education is stronger when specialist providers have a real place in it. Since 1911, Italia Conti has brought together intensive practice-based training, specialist expertise and direct links to the creative industries. Too often, policy starts with the shape of a large university. That is why IHE’s insight, advocacy and collective voice matter. We look forward to working with members, exchanging knowledge and experience, and contributing to the work IHE is leading."
Alex Proudfoot, Chief Executive, IHE added:
"Italia Conti is a celebrated name in performing arts education, widely recognised as a pioneer of the discipline and still delivering outstanding learning opportunities more than a century after its founding. We are delighted to welcome them to IHE and to strengthen our growing community of specialist performing arts providers, whose expertise, innovation and commitment to student success make such an important contribution to UK higher education."
Too often, policy starts with the shape of a large university. That is why IHE’s insight, advocacy and collective voice matter.