Creative & Performing Arts
We’re the largest provider of creative and performing arts courses in the borough. At our Parsons Walk Campus our students reach professional standard and hone the skills employers want through expert tutors and employer and industry links.
We’re continually investing, including a new Centre for Performing Arts, so our students can achieve ambitious work. We help students focus on skills development, work experience and they benefit from live employer briefs, masterclasses, productions and performances, showcases and competitions.
Our specialist teaching staff underpin our ambitious approach with expertise in new media, gaming, arts, performance, fashion, and textiles.
Join us, at the Heart of Creativity
Start with Arts
Our courses place hands-on skills and practical experience over traditional exams. So, rather than focusing solely on the theoretical, our classes are designed to develop your creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
You’ll gain a taste of industry knowledge by working on live industry projects with leading companies, attend specialist masterclasses with industry professionals, and forge employer links with businesses and charities.
Our drive for destinations and progression is what puts our students at the very top of the job market. Many of our students go on to achieve their first choice at university and prestigious destinations including the London School of Fashion and Glasgow School of Art.
Students in Performing Arts have secured places at some of the top conservatoires and dance schools, such as Shockout, Addict Academy and Italia Conti.
Past alumni have gone on to pursue careers as artists, designers, animators, writers, illustrators and much more.
Launch your Creativity
We’ve invested in industry relevant facilities to prepare you for the future. You’ll work in studios and workshops equipped with the latest tools and technology, all while receiving support from our specialist staff.
Our resources include:
theatre with retractable seating, production standard stage and lighting rigs
TV studio with a green screen
radio studio
photography studio and darkroom
AV editing suites, 3D, art, ceramic, fashion & graphics studios
two purpose built sprung floor studios
soundproofed recording studios
multi-media suites
Excellence in Every Detail
We push our students to create work that exceeds their ambitions and, in most cases, work that meets professional standards.
Our End of Year Show recognises the brilliant talent in our Centre of Excellence, including showcases from Performing Arts and Dance to Fashion, Graphic Design and Photography.
With frequent training, hands-on experience and constructive feedback from our staff, you’ll refine your skills and techniques ready to make an impact.
Teachers – In Focus
Jon Hodson, Head of Creative Arts
Jon has a degree in Visual Arts and Culture from the University of Salford, and further completed his PGCE at Edge Hill University. He said: “I teach because it’s hugely rewarding to be able to help guide the next generation of inspirational designers to meet their potential.”
Speaking of his inspiration to teach, he said: “I love that the design industry, whether it’s Graphic Design or Games Design, is all about the next thing, the new. To be involved in teaching something that is forever changing is a huge amount of fun and very inspirational.”
Norman Lomax, Course Leader, Photography
Norman has over 20 years of experience as a professional photographer working for the world’s top newspapers and magazines. Before teaching, he established one of London’s first Interactive Communications companies. His inspiration for photography started with the work of Julian Pettifer OBE, an English television journalist, who was voted BAFTA ‘Reporter of the Year’ for his coverage of the war in Vietnam in 1968.
He said: “What I love about photography is the ability to jump into extraordinary people’s lives or to be at the centre of extraordinary events.” With a Masters in Interactive Multimedia, Norman’s career highlight was winning the Sports Photographer of the Year and a World Press Prize.
Preparing for Industry
Harry Cunliffe
Harry is a Level 3 Dance student who has received a fantastic offer to study at Addict Dance Academy after college. He aspires to travel with touring artists and perform on stages all over the world. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed the course, it offers a lot of performance opportunities in-house and outside. It helps you build up your confidence to move on to the next steps after college.”
Louie Morgan
Level 3 Music Practice student, Louie Morgan, was offered paid work from DJ agency Peter D Hill, after seeing his set posted on Facebook.
Music Tutor Mark Irwin said: “It’s great to see students networking, especially when they manage to secure paid employment as a result.”
Ellie Garlick
Level 3 Performing Arts student Ellie, plans to go to East14 drama school in London with ambitions for a career in Musical Theatre.
Hear all about her experience of college and plans for the future.
