Performing Arts Highlights

Music and Drama in Education Awards 2026

This is the fifth time we have been shortlisted for this award, so we were delighted to be recognised once again. These awards are the premier accolade for Drama and Music education in the UK, with leading organisations such as the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company represented alongside schools and colleges from across the country.

We were shortlisted from a nationwide pool, from the Scottish Highlands to the Isle of Wight, so simply being there was a huge achievement. Mr Robinson and Miss Knight attended the ceremony, which was presented by radio host Jojo Silva. Although we narrowly missed out on the top award, we were honoured to receive a Highly Commended recognition, with judges describing our work as “inspirational and outstanding.”

Show Offs

For the first time, we introduced a series of smaller performances for specific year groups. These evenings, titled Show Offs, encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones—for example, singers taking on monologues, and vice versa.

The performances took place over three days: Years 7 and 8, Years 9 and 10, and then the upper school. Each evening featured a mix of songs, monologues and duologues in a relaxed studio setting.

In total, 60 students took part, presenting over 50 pieces ranging from Shakespeare to original compositions. This was our first Show Offs series, and we are already planning more for next year.

Pinter – One for the Road / The Dumb Waiter

Our Year 13 Performing Arts students took over the Tabard Theatre for an evening of Harold Pinter’s One for the Road and The Dumb Waiter. Both plays explore themes of power and paranoia, with powerful and often unsettling outcomes.

Both casts performed exceptionally well, and the packed audience agreed that the progress made by this cohort has been extraordinary. All students have secured places at top Arts universities or conservatoires, and this marked one of their final performances before moving on.

Italia Conti Visit

Our dance students visited the Italia Conti Theatre School for a day of workshops with specialist teachers. Delivered through our partnership with the Royal Academy of Dance, the experience offered both skill development and inspiration for future pathways.

Students also watched a rehearsal performance by final-year Musical Theatre students, gaining valuable insight into the dedication and discipline required for the profession.

Royal Academy of Dance – 12 Week Programme

A select group of Performing Arts students are currently taking part in a 12-week training programme with the Royal Academy of Dance. The programme focuses on developing technique and performance skills, culminating in a final performance later this year.

Jack Petchey Glee Boot Camp

With just three weeks to go until the Jack Petchey Glee final at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End, our students have been working incredibly hard. The boot camp provided an opportunity to meet other groups and receive feedback on our performance.

Workshops in singing and dancing were led by West End professionals, with one instructor praising not only the quality of our piece but also the energy and passion behind it—describing it as our “trump card.”

Tickets are almost sold out, but limited returns may be available via the theatre box office.

Coming Up

  • Metamorphosis / The Little Prince – Hammersmith Centre, 30 April, 7pm (£5 on the door)
  • KES – Main Hall, 5 May, 7pm (£5 on the door)
  • Dustmotes Dancing in the Sunbeams – OSO Arts Centre, Barnes, 12 May, 7pm (£10)
  • DNA – OSO Arts Centre, Barnes, 2 June, 7pm (£10)
  • The Threepenny Opera – George and Devonshire, 29 June, 7pm (£5)
  • Review and New – Hounslow Arts Centre, 2 July (£10)
  • End of Year Dance Show – Tabard Theatre, 6 July (£10)
  • Seussical the Musical – Main Hall, 8–9 July (£5 on the door)
  • Performing Arts Awards – Main Hall, 10 July, 6:30pm

 

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