About Us

Day One Trust exists to help young people thrive in the creative industries. We're working to build more valuable, diverse and sustainable creative industries — bringing together schools, training, networks and events that give young people of all backgrounds a rigorous, informed and connected creative education, in partnership with the sector itself.

Our Values

Excellence

Both of our schools have been rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted — we hold ourselves to the highest standard.

Industry Partnership

Everything we do is designed and delivered in full partnership with the creative industries, not at arm's length from them.

Access & Diversity

We provide young people of all backgrounds with a rigorous, informed and connected creative education.

Real-World Experience

What we offer is practical, relevant and plugged into the real world — building a solid foundation for our students' futures.

Our History

From one school in East London to a growing network of schools, programmes and educators — scroll down to watch our story unfold, or click a milestone to find out more.

2014 ELAM opens School +

East London Arts & Music (ELAM) opens in Bow, East London, as a 16-19 academy offering courses in Music, Games Design and Film & TV — the Trust's founding school.

2016 First ELAM alumni Milestone +

ELAM's founding cohort completes their studies and graduates as the Trust's first alumni, going on to build careers across music, games and screen.

2017 ELAM rated Outstanding Ofsted +

ELAM receives its first Ofsted inspection and is rated Outstanding in all areas — the Trust's first external validation of its model.

2019 London Screen Academy opens School +

London Screen Academy (LSA) opens in Islington, founded by some of the UK's most successful film producers, extending the Trust's model into screen storytelling.

2022 Creative Educators Network launches Network +

The Trust establishes what is now the Film & TV Educators Network, connecting screen educators across the UK with events, CPD and teaching resources — now over 1,200 members strong.

2022 Industry Convertor Programme launches Programme +

The Trust launches its Industry Convertor Programme, bringing experienced screen industry professionals into the classroom through a structured teacher-training pathway.

2022 Level 4 provision launches Curriculum +

The Trust extends its offer with Level 4 provision, giving students a progression route beyond Level 3 study.

2023 LSA rated Outstanding Ofsted +

London Screen Academy is rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.

2024 ELAM rated Outstanding again Ofsted +

ELAM is rated Outstanding in all areas for a second time, confirming the Trust's sustained standard of education.