Mark Simon Hewis, Head of the Aardman Academy, led it from 2020. In 2026, they became the first film company to be Ofsted inspected and awarded the highest grade. They were also named the No.1 animation training programme in Europe and No.2 in the world. Before that, Hewis spent two decades making films, including commercials, a theatrical feature for the BBC, and editing a BAFTA-winning film. He directed a film that won the Grand Prix at the London International Animation Festival and BBC New Filmmaker of the Year. He joined Aardman as an animator, Production Manager, 1st AD, and Director.
