ALRA ‘stands by victims’ following sexual misconduct claims

The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) has opened an internal investigation after reporting by The Telegraph revealed sexual harassment allegations at several top drama schools.

Students at Guildford School of Acting, East 15, and the former Poor School say teachers sexually assaulted them or pressured them to perform naked, among other inappropriate behaviour.

ALRA says it was "heartbroken" to learn of allegations against its staff members, none of whom are still working there now.

In a statement the school said "sexual misconduct or harassment is unacceptable and we are doing all we can to stand by the victims and provide them with support".

It has opened an anonymous online complaints form and email address – [email protected]. However, it has pre-emptively declined all interviews with the media.

It will be the school's second major internal review in recent times after a report published last month found it had "turned a blind eye to racism" and created a "humiliating, hostile and exclusive" environment for students of colour.

Guildford has also promised to investigate, calling the allegations "concerning".