BOA Creative Digital Performing Arts

Reviews

1. J J ★★☆☆☆

   I regret to say that my child’s recent 6th form experience at BOA (Birmingham Ormiston Academy) was deeply underwhelming and, in many ways, damaging. While there were a few exceptional and genuinely supportive tutors who made a real difference, the overall atmosphere created by the institution felt elitist and dismissive. The staff’s “favourite pupil” mentality and tendency to repeatedly cast the same individuals in prominent roles created a culture of favouritism and exclusion. Furthermore, the criticism from several tutors was often unconstructive, leaving my child feeling demotivated and questioning their future in musical theatre. Instead of fostering growth and confidence, many teachers seemed more interested in maintaining their own sense of superiority, cultivating an environment of arrogance rather than encouragement. Sadly, this lack of empathy and understanding negatively impacted my child's confidence to the point where they considered leaving musical theatre altogether. In my opinion, the only reason BOA remains popular is due to the limited options available in the area, not because it truly stands out as an exceptional institution. After leaving BOA, my child has gone on to achieve remarkable success in the musical theatre industry, rebuilding their confidence by working with professionals who truly understand how to nurture talent. Interestingly, after auditioning at some highly rated venues in other regions, my child received strikingly similar feedback: "You went to BOA, didn't you?" The feedback continued, "They teach their students to deliver in a way that is below industry standard." It’s disappointing to realise that despite BOA's reputation, their approach to teaching was not only inadequate but, in some cases, a hindrance to my child’s development. Thankfully, my child has since been recognised for their natural talent and has already played a lead role at a young age —accomplishments that have little to do with BOA and everything to do with their resilience and the professional guidance since received. To be clear, there were a few standout tutors at BOA who truly had a positive impact, but that list is regrettably short. My message to BOA is this: Stop thinking you're "above the rest." It's crucial that you treat all students equally, with empathy and respect. You're shaping young minds, and the way you communicate, the feedback you offer, and the environment you create will leave a lasting impact. I hope future students don’t have to endure the same struggles my child did.

   almost 2 months ago
2. Amy Lee Rogers ★★★★★

   Amazing facilities giving children the boost to do what they love. Facilities are clean and well equipped. Communication generally good. We have been very pleased so far.

   almost 4 months ago
3. Aisha Calder ★★★★★

   The best choice I made was to apply for my daughter to start her keystage 4 educational journey at BOA, the standards of teaching are high & their ability to tap in/nurture individual talents from a extra curricular perspective were just evident from the start. This creates a comfortable and accessible environment for youths with a passion for the Arts. This year she completed her KS5 journey at BOA with top results & yet another amazing opportunity that probably would not have been possible without this institutions involvement. Thanks again BOA x

   almost 6 months ago

1. Gary Gibbons ★★★★★

   Our daughter recently attended BOA for the last four years of her GCSE & MT pathway. BOA were supportive throughout & created a safe, pleasurable learning environment. Thanks to the skills & confidence the school instilled, she is ready for the next stage of her learning experience.

   almost 7 months ago
2. Linda Manas ★★☆☆☆

   Absolutely appalling behaviour from BOA students on the Shrewsbury to Birmingham train in the morning. They disrupt everyone’s journey by talking loudly, singing and, in many cases, vaping. I want some peace on my way to work. It seems from the comments below that other people are finding these students annoying on the train too. I am going to write to the headteacher to express my concerns.

   1 year ago
3. Leanne Duthie ★★★★★

   Words cannot express how amazing I think this school is! My daughter has flourished since moving here in year 10. The staff and facilities are second to none. My partner has been a school teacher for 31 years and when he attended a recent event he referred to it as the Rolls Royce of schools. All I can say is a massive thank you to all of the staff who are obviously incredible at what you do.

   almost 3 years ago

1. kim lee ★☆☆☆☆

   Not sure how they missed such a creative and talented young lady.but how my daughter was ignored at this year 10 workshop by all the staff who took time with the other chosen student they already had their eyes on. They called my daughter in for the 2nd round of the workshop interview and she did not realise that there was a 1st round interview that had taken place weeks back. So off course the staff had chosen there students from the very first round. Absolutely disgusted . . Regretably no suprise the boa academy did not accept her.awful way of treating young students. If you're not full of confidence and talking the talk you child has no chance.

   almost 3 years ago
2. BeccaPodmore ★☆☆☆☆

   If you are not over confident and fit into a very small minority of a certain type of student you will be pushed a side and ignored and treated as less than your peers. This place made me miserable most days. The majority of the reviews on here that are 5 star are probably by the parents of the children that fit into the small minority who were given 24/7 attention by the staff at this school. If you think going into this school is about having passion and skill, you’re wrong. I used to love music and at one point it was my entire life but this school drained most of that passion out of me. I didn’t do as well as my work showed I should have because I wasn’t one of the favourites, so only send your kid here if they are typically a teachers pet, that’s the only way they will do well. This school offers a tone of opportunities, however in most cases are only offered to selected people out of favouritism.

   almost 5 years ago
3. kate neave ★★★★★

   Now I have left BOA I can look back and really appreciate how amazing it was. By far the best 2 years of my life and my biggest regret is that I left at the end of my GCSE’s. What an amazing school! Shout out to Mr eagles and Mr Howell for being two teachers I will rememberer for the rest of my life. In fact all of the teachers were outstanding, could not fault the school. It is one of the only places where you can be utterly unique and yourself, thanks Boa, cringey but I will look back at it as some of the best days of my life

   more 6 years ago

FAQs