Aziz Foundation Announces Preferred Partnership with royal central school of speech and drama

We are delighted to welcome The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama into The Aziz Foundation’s Preferred Partner network, joining over 50 UK universities and specialist partners dedicated to advancing opportunities for British Muslim students .

As the first conservatoire to join our Preferred Partners scheme, this marks a significant milestone in the expansion of our network of specialist arts and culture partners, reflecting our commitment to supporting British Muslims to thrive in the creative industries.

Boasting the highest number of postgraduate students in the European drama school sector, the institution has seen the proportion of Global Majority students increase year on year since 2019. Its widening participation and EDI programmes are sector-leading, offering vital financial support through initiatives such as the Louis Mahoney Scholarships, Leverhulme Trust funding, and Dream On Bursaries. Royal Central’s dedicated EDI Team takes a whole-culture approach to equity, delivering mandatory anti-racism and inclusive leadership training for students and staff. Its Graduate School Framework ensures that all graduates leave with a strong understanding of inclusive practice and cultural awareness.

Through this partnership, The Aziz Foundation will offer Master’s Scholarships at Royal Central, supporting talented British Muslim students passionate about leadership, creativity, and driving positive social change through the arts .

Rahima Aziz BEM, Trustee, The Aziz Foundation, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Royal Central as a Preferred Partner. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to equity, widening participation and supporting British Muslim talent in the creative industries. We look forward to seeing future Aziz scholars thrive and reach their full potential at Royal Central.”

Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE, CEO and Principal, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, added:

“Becoming a Preferred Partner University of The Aziz Foundation in 2026 marks a significant moment in establishing change and accessibility to the theatrical arts for postgraduate British Muslim students in the UK. We are enormously proud to celebrate being the first UK Conservatoire to welcome Aziz Foundation Scholars through the Preferred University scheme. I want to take the opportunity to thank my colleagues at Royal Central for their insight and work to enable this partnership. Together we will support talented British Muslim postgraduates in gaining access to our creative training, and enable them to thrive in the cultural and creative industries."

We extend a warm welcome to Royal Central and look forward to supporting future scholars as they develop their voices, leadership and impact within the arts and beyond . Please click here to learn more about Royal Central.