About Us
Since 1941, New Era Academy has offered a syllabus of graded examinations in a variety of communication
and performance disciplines.
Who We Are
NEA is a regulated awarding body that offers graded examinations covering a broad range of Communications and Performance disciplines. We are a UK based independent examinations board regulated by Ofqual in the United Kingdom and by CCEA in Northern Ireland.
We provide a robust and innovative range of syllabi tiered over 4 entry levels and eight grades suitable for all learning abilities and creative potential. NEA’s Level 3 exams (grade 6-7 and 8) a eligible for UCAS points towards UK university entrance.
Our Ofqual and CCEA regulation means our qualifications meet the high standards set by our regulatory bodies. To maintain our accreditation we undergo rigorous annual compliance checks and are proud of our record of high standards.
Both Ofqual and CCEA recognise that we design and award qualifications to test Learner’s knowledge skill and understanding of a subject and award certification to those who demonstrate the required attainment levels.
We do offer some non-regulated exams for certain group formats and Special Educational Needs Learners. NEA is especially passionate about supporting these young people and we will individually tailor our non-regulated Creative Communications exams for the specific capabilities of the individual.
Our Aims
NEA aim to make quality examinations accessible to everyone and ensure every student has equal opportunities to improve their learning, skill, and creative potential. Our framework of graded examinations across our diverse syllabus:
- Promote the personal, social, creative and intellectual development of the individual
- Encourage self confidence
- Encourage all Learners to realise their potential
- Develop high standards of speech, communication, presentation and performance
- Encourage an appreciation of literature, poetry and drama
- Acknowledge and record levels of achievement and progression
What We Do
NEA is a regulatory board that offers syllabus-based graded examinations covering a broad range of disciplines across the Communications and Performance Exam streams. These are in line with the current UK Assessment Framework.
We are a UK-based, independent examinations board regulated by OFQUAL in the United Kingdom and by CCEA in Northern Ireland. We provide a varied, robust, and innovative range of syllabi tiered over 8 Grades, and 4 pre-grades, suitable for all learning abilities and creative potential. NEA Level 3 exams (Grades 6, 7, and 8) are also accredited with UCAS and are eligible for UCAS points toward UK university entrance.
- Offer a syllabus designed to promote personal development, confidence, presentation, communication and performance skills
- Offer a syllabus with a wide range of disciplines in drama, voice, communication and performance skills
- Offer a range of disciplines that provide progression through a graded system
- Offer a syllabus that provides equality of opportunity and caters for everyone
- Offer support and training to teachers, students, professionals and practitioners
- Provide experienced, well trained examiners to appraise and guide Learners
- Offer a Syllabus within National Curriculum Framework
- Offer the opportunity for Learners to work as individuals, pairs, small groups or large groups
- Develop communication skills
- Encourage Learners to enjoy participating and performing
- Encourage an interest in literature and the arts
- Encourage an interest in the wider world
- Offer assessment and self evaluation opportunities
- Prepare Learners for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences they will require in our contemporary society.
- Undertake to constantly review our syllabus, systems and policies and update as appropriate in the light of Government legislation, educational thinking and operational feed-back.
Teachers can prepare their learners to accomplish the specifications for each grade, detailed in our broad and innovative syllabus. Once learners have mastered and honed their new skills, the teacher schedules an examination date and location with our NEA team. One of our highly accomplished Examiners conducts the examination sessions to assess learners’ performance standards and competency for the stated learning objectives.
The exam formats, take into account the discipline, grade, performer category, and exam specifications to test and stretch performers to unlock their creative potential, and receive independent and qualified appraisal by our trained examiners in compliance with the industry regulator.
Certificates of Excellence
NEA present the following eleven Certificates of Excellence annually to the Learner who gains the highest Distinction mark in:
1. Foundation Medal – Speech and Drama (Peggy Law)
2. Grade 8 (Gold Medal) – Speech and Drama (Ray Cooney)
3. Foundation Medal – Mime (Ellen Ismay)
4. Grade 6 (Bronze Medal) – Acting (Myrtle Moss)
5. Grade 8 (Gold Medal) – Acting (Sir Roger Moore)
6. Grade 5 – Public Speaking (Ronald Marsh)
7. Grade 5 – Interview Technique (Bernard Price)
8. Grade 5 – Devised Drama (Ray Winstone)
9. Grade 8 (Gold Medal) – Musical Theatre (Bill Kenwright)
10. Grade 8 (Gold Medal) – Reading (Jenny Seagrove)
11. Level 6 LNEA – Speech and Drama (Sr Aengus Fitzpatrick)
New Era Academy Industry Affiliations
NEA is a proud corporate member of The Society of Teachers of Speech & Drama (STSD), the professional membership organisation for qualified, specialist teachers of Speech and Drama, to encourage the highest standards of teaching and to promote the study and knowledge of Speech and Dramatic Art in every form.
NEA is committed to always delivering the highest standards to our Teachers and learners. We work closely with CDMT (Council for Quality in Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre). They offer quality assurance and membership services to institutions delivering training, education, and assessment in the performing arts.
We value our good standing with our industry regulators in the UK (Ofqual) and Northern Ireland (CCEA), as well as the UCAS tariff points for our Level 3 exams.
Meet NEA's Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors represents the best of our industry and is proud to take a holistic approach to steer NEA to be the respected business it is for the past 80 years.
Collectively, the Boards are responsible for upholding the standards NEA is known and respected for, maintaining our regulatory compliance, determining changes and enhancements to the syllabus, and managing the business growth and expansion across the UK and into international jurisdictions that value UK qualifications with UCAS tariff points. Our Board of Director Members are:
- Kim Ismay (FNEA)
- Derren Nesbitt (FNEA)
- Miranda Jacobs (FNEA)
- Tina Doyle (FNEA)
- Brian Ellis (FNEA)
- Christine Faithfull (FNEA)
NEA is Proud to have Our Esteemed Patrons
NEA is proud to have these esteemed industry stalwarts supporting NEA in their work to inspire and encourage the next generation of actors, performers, public speakers and orators.
NEA’s Patrons:
- Jenny Seagrove
- Ray Winstone
- Will Brenton
- Ray Cooney
Our Past Patrons
Bill Kenwright CBE
Sir Roger Moore
with our CEO Derren Nesbitt