Aardman Academy Ofsted Report
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We Let The Inspectors In!
By Mark Simon Hewis, Head of Aardman Academy
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In January 2026, two His Majestyā€™s Inspectors walked into Aardman Animations in Bristol and spent two days inspecting our training provision. Not the films. Not the awards. The teaching.
As far as we know, we are the first film company in the UK to be Ofsted inspected under their own company name.
Here is the thing you need to understand about that. Everyone who enters this building signs a non-disclosure agreement. Journalists, partners, students, delivery drivers, everyone. We have live productions in these studios that cannot be seen, discussed, or acknowledged. A studio tour is not something we offer.
Ofsted inspectors do not sign NDAs. They are not legally required to. And they can go wherever they want.
For two days in late January, two His Majestyā€™s Inspectors had more unrestricted access to this building than almost any external person ever has. They were warm, rigorous and completely respectful about ...