As many of you will know, I am no stranger to BOA, having originally joined the group in 2016 as an Assistant Principal at BOA Creative, Digital and Performing Arts Academy before being promoted to Group Director in 2021. Since September a key part of my role has been to support the development of BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy, by sitting on the Senior Leadership Team and teaching on the Technical Broadcast pathway. What you may not know is that in this role I also had the privilege of being deeply involved in the creation of BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy from its very inception, leading on the design of the building, sourcing the technology, planning the curriculum, and building industry partnerships.

Therefore, as you can imagine I am over the moon to now have this opportunity to lead the academy into what I can assure you will be an extremely bright future!

As I see it, BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy’s mission is to provide all our students, with the skills, knowledge, qualifications, and experience they need to access the very best opportunities the stage and screen industry has to offer. Whether that is going direct to work or pursuing higher education and apprenticeships. It is also important to me that we deliver to the needs of the stage and screen industry, bridging the gap between the world of academia and the world of work, and placing the academy and our students at the centre of the talent pipeline in the West Midlands where there is currently a talent crisis. Finally, I feel very strongly that we have a moral duty to contribute to the levelling up and reform of the stage and screen industry, championing the cause for equality, diversity, and inclusivity. Our students will be the change-makers of the future.

For the remainder of this term, my focus will be on ensuring our current students have an exceptionally successful first year, banking the highest possible grades. I will be working to secure commitment from our industry partners to future projects, placements, and destinations (jobs).  And I will be promoting the academy, in order to grow student numbers and secure our future financial sustainability.

I understand that many of you will have booked tickets to see the film premiere of our first student-led production, Young Brum this week. Thank you so much – your support means a great deal to us. I will very much look forward to seeing you there and answering any questions you may have about the future.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Iain Estell, our Vice Principal for stepping in and leading the academy in Dr Ball’s absence. I am sure you will agree he has done a fabulous job looking after the academy and our learners.

To conclude, I assure you that I intend to be a highly accessible Principal, fully emersed in academy life, and responsive to the needs of our learners and stakeholders. Please do not hesitate to contact me, any time either via email or telephone.

Thank you for your ongoing support

Sincerely

Michael Painter