Leigh Adams has been appointed the BFI’s new Director of Education and Skills. Developing and implementing the strategic ambitions of BFI2022, Leigh will be responsible for the BFI’s nationwide film education and skills strategy, demonstrating the educational and cultural importance of the art of film and its role inspiring the next generation of a creative workforce.
Bringing to the BFI more than 20 years of experience in secondary education, largely in leadership roles, Leigh was most recently headteacher at Costello School, Basingstoke. With a specialism in media studies, he has shaped and delivered the media diploma in two schools, led on a successful bid to become a SSAT Media school, revitalised Adult Learning provision, leveraged many positive partnerships with the media industry and higher education providers, managed high level stakeholder engagement and translated national policy into regional and local delivery.
The BFI is a world leader in education, learning and training for film and the moving image and Leigh will continue to forge partnerships with UK-wide and international education organisations, cultural venues and digital platforms.
Leigh’s remit includes managing BFI Education’s UK Learning programmes, including the offer at BFI Southbank and the hugely successful BFI Film Academy, which provides opportunities and training for 16–19 year olds. He will oversee funded partners including Into Film, which works with thousands of UK schools reaching over one million 5-19 year olds and develop with them a manifesto for film in the classroom. Leigh will also manage the delivery of the recently announced UK Film Skills Strategy with Creative Skillset. Reporting to CEO Amanda Nevill, he will manage a team of 13.
Leigh Adams said: “I am delighted to join the BFI to help deliver its ambitious BFI2022 strategy, which focuses on celebrating and documenting our diversity, culture and heritage through increased access and inclusivity. The UK film industry is in rude health and I am excited to be entrusted with a key role in developing and leading the delivery of the next generation of educational and skills provision. It is paramount that there is continued exponential growth in the number of opportunities for all young people to engage both as the audience and workforce. This challenge is central to my new role and I am excited to work with the established existing team to achieve.”
