Jolie Bartley

Jolie is a highly qualified, passionate drama teacher with a trauma-informed approach and a deep commitment to student belonging. A graduate of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Cambridge University, she has transformed her department, now with nine thriving GCSE drama classes in Years 9–11, achieving results well above national averages. Her inclusive ethos encourages students with additional needs to take up drama, knowing they will be supported and able to succeed. Jolie led the school’s application for Artsmark, earning a prestigious Platinum award, with Arts Council England commending her for ‘a rich arts offer rooted in your understanding of the deep value of the arts to young people’s learning and personal development’. Her annual school productions involve over 200 students in performance, backstage and front-of-house roles, and she extends the impact by touring performances to local primary schools. Jolie is a galvanising force and a huge asset in the Varndean School community and beyond.