About US

Founded by Irfaan Jason Rafiq and Jo Rafiq, International Drama Academy (IDA) is committed to meeting the crucial needs of arts education.

With over 18 years of experience, Irfaan Jason Rafiq is a seasoned educator and holds a Master’s Degree from Shakespeare’s Globe Education. His career includes successfully leading drama departments and achieving Platinum Artsmark status for schools.

Jo Rafiq also brings 18 years of extensive experience in teaching dance, professional dance training, and film and television experience.

Currently aspiring to be a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), Jo leverages her deep understanding of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) to navigate the complex demands these children face in education. Together, they are dedicated to utilising the arts to enrich and support every student's educational journey.

Why Choose IDA?

  1. Expert Leadership:

    • With a wealth of experience in teaching and leadership, we provide strategic guidance to transform and elevate your school’s arts programme. Our focus is on making arts education engaging, inclusive, and aligned with your strategic educational goals.

  2. Empowering Outreach:

    • IDA’s commitment to outreach extends beyond the classroom. Our programmes upskill teachers, staff, governors, parents, and students, creating a vibrant community deeply engaged with the arts. By partnering with top arts organisations and industry professionals, we ensure that every stakeholder in your school benefits from high-quality arts education and training.

  3. Proven Impact:

    • Schools that collaborate with IDA report substantial improvements in student engagement and academic outcomes. Our targeted initiatives have led to a 30% increase in arts participation and a 25% boost in reading proficiency among vulnerable students. These successes underscore our effectiveness in enhancing school arts programmes.

  4. Global Perspective:

    • By integrating global arts experiences into our curriculum, IDA broadens students’ horizons and fosters an inclusive learning environment. This exposure to international arts enriches educational experiences and encourages innovative thinking, preparing students to thrive in a diverse world.

Commitment to Excellence

At IDA, we're dedicated to addressing the challenges schools face by seamlessly integrating our arts programmes with your curriculum and School Development Plan (SDP), enhancing creativity and educational outcomes. With my extensive background in education and close collaboration with industry professionals, we ensure our programmes deliver the latest in Acting, Singing, Dancing, Film, and TV training, supporting enriching arts opportunities and valuable student work experiences. We're here to fill the gap with more time, more money, and more arts, empowering your students and staff to excel both in the arts and beyond.