Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Certification
Timeline
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Fiona Armstrong

Fiona Armstrong

London,England

Summary

Passionate about supporting young performers, I bring a diverse background in youth theatre, acting coaching, and child wellbeing to the world of speech and drama education. With over 7 years of experience delivering LAMDA and Trinity examinations across independent schools, online platforms, and drama academies, I specialise in Acting, Verse and Prose, Public Speaking, Shakespeare, and Musical Theatre, from Initial Grades to Diplomas. I maintain a consistent Distinction average, delivering dynamic and supportive lessons for both individuals and groups, and working closely with parents to support student development.


Alongside my educational work, I have served as a Youth Officer for Ffilm Cymru Wales, travelling across the country to engage with young people and encourage careers in film and TV. This role deepened my passion for youth development and broadened my understanding of creative career pathways.


I also bring senior leadership experience as a Summer School Director, overseeing up to 45 staff and 200+ international students weekly. My extensive administrative and policy work with Summer Boarding Courses (Dukes Education) has strengthened my expertise in safeguarding and child wellbeing, ensuring safe and supportive environments for young performers.


I have held pastoral care roles such as Boarding Dean for five years at the Diocesan School for Girls, and am certified in multiple areas of safeguarding and mental health. This background, combined with strong organisational and communication skills, means I not only deliver high-quality drama education but also understand the infrastructure, care, and professionalism required to support young people effectively.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

LAMDA & Trinity Exam Preparation Specialist

Self Employed
09.2022 - Current
  • Initial to Diploma Level – Acting, Verse & Prose, Public Speaking, Shakespeare, Musical Theatre.
  • Deliver tailored coaching online for students aged 5 to 18, including international students and individuals with special educational needs.
  • Maintain a consistent Distinction average across all disciplines and exam levels.
  • Teach across a range of settings for companies including Mark Jermin and LAMDA Studio, while also working with a growing base of private clients across the UK and in China.
  • Design and implement bespoke lesson plans for both one-to-one and small group settings, ensuring engaging and progressive learning outcomes.
  • Provide ongoing communication and support to parents and guardians, offering regular progress updates and detailed guidance for exam preparation.

Acting Coach

Mark Jermin Stage School
09.2022 - Current
  • Lead acting and performance training for young actors, including those cast in productions for Netflix, Disney, and the BBC.
  • Deliver screen and stage masterclasses, including audition preparation and self-tape coaching, tailored to both emerging and professional performers.
  • Teach core elements of stagecraft, with a strong focus on voice, physicality, and character development.
  • Additional teaching credits include work with Articulate Stage School and Scala Stage School.

Program Manager & Summer School Director

Summer Boarding Courses (Dukes Education)
06.2022 - Current
  • Summer School Director at Headington School (2024 & upcoming), Eton College (2023), and Rochester Independent School (2022), leading immersive English language programmes for international students aged 12–16.
  • Managed the experience of up to 400 students and a 45-member team, including teachers, house parents, and activity leaders, ensuring high standards of care, engagement, and educational delivery.
  • Served as Designated Safeguarding Lead, overseeing all pastoral and welfare concerns, delivering staff safeguarding training, and ensuring full compliance with professional and statutory standards.
  • In 2024, contracted by Dukes Education two days a week to contribute to policy development, programme planning, and recruitment, supporting alignment with Keeping Children Safe in Education and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools.
  • Appointed Programme Manager (part-time, permanent) in September 2024, responsible for the planning, preparation, and operational oversight of the summer programmes.
  • Take a lead on the pastoral strategy and operational planning, drawing on previous experience as a Boarding Dean, to ensure robust care structures and student wellbeing systems.
  • Collaborate with the staff experience team to design recruitment processes, conduct interviews, and build high-performing seasonal teams.

Youth Officer

Ffilm Cymru Wales
Cardiff
09.2022 - 05.2023
  • Directed youth engagement initiatives funded by the British Film Institute (BFI), with a focus on empowering teenagers and young adults through access to film education and creative opportunities.
  • Worked in close partnership with the Skills, Audience, and Education departments to analyse youth film consumption trends across Wales and inform strategic programme development.
  • Served as Designated Safeguarding Lead, delivering team-wide training on safeguarding policies for children and vulnerable adults, and ensuring organisation-wide compliance.
  • Provided hands-on support in resolving project-related conflicts across education, skills development, and production, maintaining professional standards and positive outcomes.
  • Maintained high standards of record-keeping, data collection, and reporting to the BFI, ensuring transparency and accountability across all youth initiatives.

Peripatetic Teacher – Trinity Syllabus

Head Held High
, New Zealand
02.2018 - 04.2022
  • Delivered individual and group lessons across primary and secondary levels at some of New Zealand’s most prestigious schools, including King’s College, Diocesan School for Girls, St Kent’s, and Ponsonby Primary School.
  • Taught the Trinity syllabus in Communications, Acting, and Shakespeare, maintaining rigorous standards and fostering strong student engagement.
  • Achieved a 100% Distinction rate for all students across all exam levels, demonstrating consistent academic excellence and effective teaching strategies.
  • Adapted teaching methods to suit a diverse age range and learning styles, from primary beginners to advanced secondary students.
  • Developed and enriched students’ performance, communication, and confidence skills, preparing them for graded Trinity exams and beyond.
  • Completed the first module of the Speech New Zealand Teaching Qualification, enhancing pedagogical knowledge and professional practice.

Boarding Dean

Diocesan School for Girls
Auckland
01.2017 - 04.2022
  • Held 24/7 responsibility for the comprehensive care of 50 boarding students, ensuring their physical, emotional, and academic well-being.
  • Acted as the primary point of contact for parents and guardians, managing all communication with sensitivity, professionalism, and discretion.
  • Proactively monitored students' mental and physical health, escalating concerns promptly and appropriately to senior management and welfare teams.
  • Maintained detailed and accurate student records, including health logs and behavioural notes, ensuring clarity and accountability in all reporting.
  • Developed and implemented positive routines around physical activity, social engagement, and daily structure to support student development and community cohesion.
  • Administered medication with precision and care, prioritising both efficacy and student comfort.
  • Committed to ongoing professional development, regularly attending safeguarding and pastoral care seminars to remain aligned with best practice and policy updates.

Rooms Division Manager

Edgewater Hotel
Wanaka
09.2011 - 01.2017
  • Held full responsibility for the rooms division operations, ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional guest experiences and maintaining high standards of service across all departments.
  • Directed revenue management strategy, optimizing occupancy and income through dynamic pricing models and targeted promotional campaigns.
  • Spearheaded the rollout of a new Content Management System (CMS) to streamline reservations, improve operational efficiency, and boost profitability.
  • Managed day-to-day operations during major renovation projects, maintaining service continuity and guest satisfaction with minimal disruption.
  • Recruited, trained, and developed front-of-house teams—including receptionists, porters, and reservations staff—building a high-performing, service-oriented culture aligned with brand expectations.

Office Coordinator

Summer Boarding Courses
09.2010 - 08.2011
  • Manage student registrations, arrivals, and departures, ensuring smooth logistics and accurate records.
  • Coordinate communication between students, parents, staff, and boarding teams.
  • Maintain student welfare records and support safeguarding compliance.
  • Assist with staff recruitment and onboarding processes.
  • Handle basic financial tasks such as payments and invoicing.
  • Support day-to-day operations, including scheduling and room allocations.
  • Ensure health and safety protocols are followed and incidents are reported promptly.

Education

Bachelor's Degree - English Literature and Drama

Loughborough University
01.2007 - 01.2010

Certification

Designated Safeguarding Lead (England) Level 2 & 3

NSPCC Designated Safeguarding Lead

Certified Mental Health First Aider

Emergency Health First Aid Certified

Timeline

LAMDA & Trinity Exam Preparation Specialist

Self Employed
09.2022 - Current

Acting Coach

Mark Jermin Stage School
09.2022 - Current

Youth Officer

Ffilm Cymru Wales
09.2022 - 05.2023

Program Manager & Summer School Director

Summer Boarding Courses (Dukes Education)
06.2022 - Current

Peripatetic Teacher – Trinity Syllabus

Head Held High
02.2018 - 04.2022

Boarding Dean

Diocesan School for Girls
01.2017 - 04.2022

Rooms Division Manager

Edgewater Hotel
09.2011 - 01.2017

Office Coordinator

Summer Boarding Courses
09.2010 - 08.2011

Bachelor's Degree - English Literature and Drama

Loughborough University
01.2007 - 01.2010

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Fiona Armstrong