Sky Backs Drama Training for Students with Disabilities

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama has, this year, received support from Europe’s leading entertainment company, Sky.

Sky TV will contribute to a dedicated fund, which will provide additional support for students with disabilities, helping to promote equal access to postgraduate training at Central.

Both Sky and Central are committed to encouraging diversity in the arts and entertainment industries, both in the workplace and in the development of the next generation of talent.

Approximately 24 percent of Central’s student population has one or more declared disabilities, with dyslexia and dyspraxia the most common. Central was the proud recipient of a 2015 Guardian University Award for student diversity and widening participation for development of the innovative Performance Making Diploma for Learning Disabled Adults.  

Sky’s support will enable new postgraduate students with disabilities to undertake training at Central while receiving the best possible support. 

Professor Gavin Henderson, CBE, Principal of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, said:

“Central is absolutely delighted to receive Sky’s backing, providing opportunities for artists with disabilities. Sky is a major producer of television, including award-winning drama, and this commitment underpins our shared determination to embrace the promotion of diversity in the dramatic arts.”

Anne Mensah, Head of Drama at Sky, said:

“We’re really pleased to able to support Central. Initiatives like these help improve diversity in the creative industries, which is important to both of our organisations.”