Ella is not only proud of those past pupils who have gone on to have successful careers in the Performing Arts industry (with both past and current students working on the West End stage, in theatres nationwide, on prime-time TV and in a recent Warner Brothers’ movie!) but she is equally as proud of those who use the skills acquired through her tuition in other chosen career paths too; such as Law, Medicine, Education and many more.
Here are some testimonials from a few past pupils:
LIZZIE DAILY-HUNT – Now studying Acting at LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art)
I don’t really know how to start. I have no real words to describe how much Ella has done for me in the years she has taught me. Despite only a 30 minute lesson once a week, the amount of time she spent finding material for me, doing research and just generally looking out for me went so far beyond what she owed me. I would always feel comfortable walking into the room, knowing I wouldn’t be judged, knowing that if I was having a bad day she would understand. To put it simply, I can categorically say that I would not be where I am now, doing the things that I’m doing if it wasn’t for her. She is probably one of the best things that could have ever happened to me, just because she could see something that I couldn’t see yet, that if I’m being honest I still have trouble seeing sometimes. More times than I can count, Ella has been my biggest cheerleader.
She isn’t just a teacher. She’s a friend and a mentor and if I turn out to be half the person she is I’ll be grateful.
PHOEBE DAVIS – Now studying BA Actor-Musician at GSA (GUILDFORD SCHOOL OF ACTING)
Ella is definitely one of the biggest inspirations in my performance career. She gave me the acting confidence I needed and pushed me to reach new limits I didn’t think I was capable of. Not only is she an incredible teacher; she is also such a warm, caring and lovely person. She teaches with such immense passion to all age groups and cares so much about each individual student. I started lessons with Ella in 2020 and it was the best thing I could’ve done, I am now going into my second year at drama school; still supported by her greatly, knowing she would be more than happy to help with any questions I throw her way.
I came back this summer and worked for her as a steward for LAMDA exams and saw the way she treated each student with such care; having time for them and making sure they were ready and comfortable for their exam.
The level (and amount!) of detail and knowledge she has is incredible and she incorporates this into her teaching so effectively.
Most of all Ella creates the most warm and comfortable space for acting and creativity. Knowing that there was zero judgment and no wrong choices or answers opened the gates to a positive learning experience. She gave me the opportunity to explore text in different ways and experiment with a range of characters. These lessons have stuck with me and given me the confidence and ability to progress and I am very grateful for that. Thank you Ella.
ADVAY MEHTA – Currently studying Medicine at King’s College London
Mrs Jones is one of the best people I have ever worked with. Not only is she immensely talented and brilliant at her job, she has never failed to see the potential and talent in her students, including me and my sister. A kind, caring and competent teacher, she has developed mine and my sister’s performance skills immeasurably, but she has also never failed to nurture our love for drama and performance in all aspects, whether it be acting, verse and prose or public speaking. I will always be grateful to her for enhancing our confidence, abilities and passion, and would recommend her to anyone at any level who wants to build confidence, learn in the performing arts and unlock their potential too.
(Thank you so much for everything. There is no chance I would do as well as I do at interviews if it wasn’t for you.)
DELEILA DASH – Currently studying English Literature at University of Birmingham
After being taught by Ella from the age of 8-18 I can easily say the she is the best Drama teacher I could have asked for. Not only does Ella make her lessons fun for all ages, her love of Drama is also reflected onto her students, allowing them to develop their performance skills. As a teacher Ella has also provided constant encouragement and allows for all of her students to grow in confidence through performance. I could not recommend her enough as a teacher and can’t thank her enough for the way she has not only inspired my love of Drama and theatre but also given me the confidence to explore this passion and perform to a standard I would never have reached without her guidance.
CAITLIN HAMILTON – Member of the National Youth Theatre. Graduated from LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) in 2021 and now working as a professional actor (https://www.bloomfieldswelch.com/caitlin-hamilton)
I always looked forward to my 1-2-1’s with Ella. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply to drama school (LAMDA) or National Youth Theatre. She let my natural intuition with text blossom and fed my creative spirit which I had never had before. I never felt silly to suggest out of the box ideas or collaborate on anything in the lessons and so I grew a lot as an actor. It was an important safe space for me and I’m forever grateful for my time with Ella.
YEAR 6 STUDENT
Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher. I have never experienced a teacher like you. You are so caring, nice, understanding and many other things. It would probably take me a whole year to say to everyone how lovely you are. Thank you for helping me improve my Speech & Drama. I now feel much more confident when speaking in public. I really enjoyed learning with you. You make the lessons fun. I will never forget you in the future. Thank you so much.
ANNIE STEELE – currently studying Law at the University of Liverpool
The years that I was fortunate enough to have lessons with Ella were nothing short of an immense privilege. Whilst educational, lessons still were consistently fun and memorable, her energy infectious. Her strong emphasis on clear and open communication with one another when preparing pieces creates a comfortable and positive environment to work constructively on performance within. Ella’s faith in you both as an individual and as a performer never faltering; pursuing, and attaining, excellence in all of your performance ventures. Although looming LAMDA examinations were accompanied by expected nerves, on every occasion I was assured by the fact I could not have been better prepared by Ella. The successes of lessons with Ella extend beyond exam results. Her dynamic approach to teaching playing a pivotal role, instilling a newfound self assurance within me, a confidence allowing me to attain more from life. Her drive and passion for drama reflects clearly in her attitude. I shall cherish the skills I have learnt from Ella for the rest of my life, and thank her greatly for her unwavering support.
ALEX ROBSON – currently studying English & Drama at Royal Holloway
By being one of Ella’s students for almost eight years, I have been constantly supported not only by her unceasing enthusiasm, but by her incredible wealth of knowledge in performance. Through her teachings, I have learnt the value of confidence, physicality but most of all the joy within performing. No matter how bad my week was, I always had her lessons to look forward to every Friday. Ella always went above and beyond to provide me with the brightest future possible. Without Ella I would not be studying English and Drama at university. Though Ella is a friend, a drama teacher and a fellow lover of all things Shakespeare, I regard her as a life mentor above all else.
HAYLEY HUDSON-BATH – parent of ISABELLE HUDSON-BATH who is currently studying Acting at Guildford School of Acting (GSA)
How can I put into words just how amazing, a drama teacher, Ella Jones truly is.
Ella really understands how to connect with her students. Sharing her enthusiasm and passion for the subject of drama, Ella fills her students with confidence and self-belief and truly makes them shine.
One only has to look at Ella’s continuous student success’ in examinations and moving onwards to top rated Drama Schools and Universities to see just how much students can achieve, under the guidance, tuition and encouragement of Ella.
Ella has been an absolute blessing ever since my daughter decided that she wanted to follow her dream of becoming a professional actor and to study drama full time.
My daughter is now a full time student at Guildford School of Acting but Ella is still always there, even years later, at the end of the phone, to give support and advice. Offering up suggestions for monologues and encouraging Isabelle to push herself out of her comfort zone to achieve the absolute best.
Ella also has this skill of translating Shakespeare into modern language and really helping her students to fully understand and embrace his writings and therefore be able to perform his works with skill and passion. My daughter would never have believed, or unlocked her natural skill for performing Shakespeare, if it hadn’t been for the tutelage of Ella. Under Ella’s guidance she now confidently reads and enjoys the works of Shakespeare.
The best thing we ever did was approach Ella Jones Drama to request one to one tuition and if distance was not an issue, Isabelle would still attend sessions to this day. Learning with Ella is like taking a masterclass.
PARENT:
Ella, I just wanted to take the time to thank you for everything you have done for ***, she is a testament to your efforts. Her success whatever that may be will have been started, developed and grown with you.
You are an incredible lady and I am thankful that she has a role model like you to help her through this journey.
Thank you.
Ella Jones 