Exciting opportunities for young performers in TCC and CTC collaboration

Two local colleges, who excel in delivering Performing Arts provision for sixth form students, are delighted to announce further collaboration in the coming year.

Thurston Community College, a large, popular secondary school near Bury St Edmunds, with a bespoke sixth form campus in the nearby village of Beyton is highly regarded for the strength of its curriculum and wider enrichment opportunities in many areas including music, drama and dance. Recently, students performed in seven sell out shows of We Will Rock You School Edition, the College’s 2025 production. Preparation is currently underway for a lower school production of Annie JR. in the summer term.

Meanwhile CTC College of Performing Arts, is one of the UK’s leading independent performing arts colleges offering full time professional training in musical theatre to ages 16+. With 100% graduate success, CTC lay the foundations of the triple-threat performer carefully balancing core technique across acting, singing and dance whilst nurturing originality and flair for those wishing to take their training to the next level. Based in Needham Market, CTC Studios is a modern and vibrant training hub fully equipped for the specific needs of the Performing Arts with sprung flooring, Sonos surround sound, a costume wardrobe, scenic workshop and floor to ceiling mirrors and windows.

CTC Principal, Bridie Rowe said “We are delighted to be partnering with Thurston Community College as our educational partner in support of the delivery of our RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts course. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to providing high-quality training and industry-focused opportunities for students, helping them develop the skills and experience needed for a successful future in the performing arts.”

Thurston Community College Principal, Maéve Taylor, said, "I have enjoyed attending the high-quality productions which showcase all that CTC provides for their students; they share our commitment to high student standards and the role of the Performing Arts in education."

This future collaboration will enable CTC students, who are taking Level 3 qualifications in Performing Arts access to the specialist facilities and teaching at both CTC Studios in Needham Market, and at Thurston Sixth in Beyton, where students will benefit from expert careers and personal development support.

Ms Taylor went on to say, “We are pleased to be working more closely with the staff and students at The CTC to provide additional opportunities here at our Thurston Sixth, Beyton Campus. We know that over time this will bring wider benefits to students and staff on all three of the campuses which form TCC and CTC."

Both organisations look forward to sharing more information on this exciting collaboration soon.