Italia Conti is marking Women’s History Month by celebrating a defining characteristic of its 115‑year history: more than a century of continuous female leadership.
Founded in 1911, the performing arts school has been shaped by six generations of women leaders, beginning with Italia Conti herself, followed by Ruth Conti, Eve Sheward, Anne Sheward, Sam Newton and now Hayley Newton‑Jarvis.
This succession represents an unbroken line of women who have guided and developed the school’s values, artistic standards and long‑term vision.
 
 
 
 
As the institution enters its anniversary year in 2026, this legacy remains central to its identity.
Leadership at Italia Conti today continues to be driven by a predominantly female senior team, including Chief Executive Officer Hayley Newton‑Jarvis, Chief Operating Officer Miranda Tatton‑Brown and Finance Director Kathy‑Ann Darmody.
They are joined by Harriet Whitbread, Head of the School of Acting, and Artistic Producer Lucy Dungate, who help shape the school’s artistic culture and student experience.
Hayley Newton‑Jarvis said: “As we celebrate 115 years of Italia Conti, I am constantly aware that I stand on the shoulders of the women who came before me. The leadership of my grandmother, my aunt and my mother shaped not only this institution, but my understanding of what leadership in the arts can and should be.”
She added: “This anniversary year is an opportunity to honour that legacy, but also to ensure that it remains alive and relevant. Female leadership at Italia Conti has never been symbolic, it has always been active, practical and deeply embedded in the culture of the organisation.”
Miranda Tatton‑Brown said: “Being part of an organisation that has been led by women for 115 years creates a strong sense of empowerment and confidence. It allows us to lead with both empathy and rigour.”
 
 
 
 
Finance Director Kathy‑Ann Darmody reflected on the long‑term perspective shaped by this heritage, noting the significance of stewardship and future‑focused leadership.
From an artistic standpoint, Harriet Whitbread said: “You feel the history of female leadership in the way the organisation operates day to day. It creates rehearsal rooms where care and challenge coexist.”
Artistic Producer Lucy Dungate added that the school’s historic leadership model continues to inspire bold, collaborative and artistically driven work.
As Italia Conti celebrates both Women’s History Month and its 115th anniversary, it looks ahead by honouring a legacy that is not just historical but actively energising its future.
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