Italia Conti Restructures Senior Leadership in 115th Anniversary Year

Italia Conti, one of the UK's longest-established performing arts institutions, has announced an evolution of its senior leadership structure as the organisation continues its 115th anniversary year celebrations and enters a new phase of development.

Bradley Hawkins will move from his current position of Co-Principal to become Principal of Italia Conti, with Hayley Newton-Jarvis moving from her dual role as CEO and Principal to focus solely on her position as Chief Executive Officer. The revised structure is designed to further strengthen the organisation's strategic leadership as Italia Conti continues to expand its higher education provision, industry partnerships and long-term vision for performer training.

Founded in 1911 by actress and teacher Italia Emily Stella Conti, Italia Conti has spent more than a century training performers for careers across theatre, television, film and dance. Its alumni include Noël Coward, Naomi Campbell, Martine McCutcheon, Pixie Lott, Layton Williams and many more across successive generations of British and international talent.

Now based at a purpose-built, state-of-the-art campus in central Woking, Italia Conti continues to deliver conservatoire-style training across Acting, Musical Theatre and Dance, alongside specialist industry preparation for careers across stage and screen.

Under the new leadership structure, Bradley Hawkins will oversee the academic and training delivery of Italia Conti's programmes as Principal, while Hayley Newton-Jarvis will focus fully on the wider strategic direction, growth and long-term development of the organisation as CEO.

Hayley Newton-Jarvis has led Italia Conti through a major period of modernisation and expansion, including the introduction of the school's BA Dance course, the consolidation of its campuses into its new Woking base, and the development of its current higher education structure.

Bradley Hawkins has held a variety of senior academic and leadership roles at Italia Conti over more than a decade, most recently serving as Co-Principal and previously as Vice Principal and Director of the School of Acting. He has played a significant role in the development of the institution's training provision and student experience during a period of considerable change and growth for the organisation, including the move to its new Woking campus in 2022 and the transition to its higher education partnership with the University of Chichester.

Hayley Newton-Jarvis, CEO of Italia Conti, said, “Bradley has been an integral part of Italia Conti's leadership over recent years and this evolution of roles reflects both his contribution to the organisation and our shared ambition for the future of the school. As we celebrate 115 years of Italia Conti, this feels like an important moment to further strengthen our leadership structure and ensure we continue to evolve whilst remaining true to the values and ethos that have defined the institution for more than a century. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional training, nurturing individuality and preparing students for sustainable careers within an ever-changing industry. Bradley's appointment as Principal allows for even greater focus on academic leadership and the student experience, whilst my role as CEO will focus increasingly on the wider strategic growth, partnerships and future development of Italia Conti.”

Bradley Hawkins, Principal of Italia Conti, said, “It's a huge privilege to take on the role of Principal at such a significant moment in Italia Conti's history. Having been part of the organisation during a transformative period, I'm incredibly proud of the work that has already been achieved and excited for what comes next.

“Italia Conti has always combined heritage with innovation, and our priority remains ensuring students receive training that is rigorous, relevant, inclusive and genuinely reflective of the modern performing arts industry. I'm looking forward to continuing to work closely with Hayley, the wider leadership team and our staff and students as we build on that legacy during this anniversary year and beyond.”

Further announcements relating to Italia Conti's 115th anniversary year, including partnerships, scholarships and alumni activity, will be revealed throughout 2026.