The teaching in these groups is enhanced by the fact that the Othellos are supported in all classes by Ariel Academy Buddies. These Ariel Buddies are students of all ages who commit to helping and building close bonds with the Othellos, who can display a range of needs stemming from being wheelchair-bound to having conditions such as Downs' Syndrome, Asperger's Syndrome and Autism.  However, in Othellos' classes, the Buddies enable the students to be treated equally and have the opportunity to dance, sing and act.

The Othellos' Buddies have twice received the Lady Diana Award for Excellence, an award which was founded in 1999 by the UK Government to act as a lasting legacy to Princess Diana’s belief in the power of young people to change the world.

The Ariel Othellos' Buddies won the Best Volunteer Group category which recognised their support of young people with learning disabilities and the promotion of  music, dance and drama. At the Awards' ceremony the Othellos themselves received a standing ovation for their performances during the evening.