Train for stage and screen through intensive, industry-focused performance training delivered in partnership with Kingsclere Performing Arts College. Choose a Musical Theatre or Dance pathway and develop your technique, versatility and confidence through professional-style classes, rehearsals and productions while working towards a qualification equivalent to three A levels.


  • Description

    Over two transformative years, you will work towards a level 3 Extended Diploma qualification that's equivalent to 3 A-Levels, helping to unlock the door to higher education or a career in the performing arts sector.

    We place a strong emphasis on enhancing employability through the development of a broad set of skills pertinent to careers in the performing arts. Our curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive training and knowledge in key areas.

    Musical Theatre Pathway:

    • Solo Singing: Focus on individual vocal technique and performance.
    • Ensemble Singing: Training in harmonizing and performing as part of a group.
    • Acting: Techniques for stage and screen acting, character development, and script analysis.
    • History and Context of Performance: Understanding the evolution and significance of musical theatre.
    • Dance Technique: Includes Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Commercial and Commercial styles to ensure a versatile dance skill set.
    • Audition Preparation: Strategies and practice for succeeding in auditions.
    • Acro and Body Conditioning: Fitness, strength and agility training tailored for performers.
    • Voice: Vocal health, projection, and articulation for singers and actors.
    • Musical Theatre Performance: Comprehensive training in performing musical theatre repertoire.

    Dance Pathway:

    • Jazz: Training in jazz dance techniques and performance.
    • Tap: Skills development in rhythm and tap dance choreography.
    • Contemporary: Contemporary dance techniques and expressive movement.
    • Ballet: Classical ballet training emphasizing technique and form.
    • Commercial: Dance styles popular in music videos and commercial performances.
    • Choreography: Creation and development of original dance pieces.
    • Dance Appreciation: Exploring the historical context of various dance forms and professional works.
    • History and Context of Performance: Exploring the historical background of various dance forms.
    • Acro and Body Conditioning: Fitness, strength and agility training tailored for performers.
    • Dance Performance: Opportunities to perform in a range of dance styles and productions.

    To further support our students' professional development and readiness for higher education and employment, this programme includes an Integrated Performance Package. This includes:

    • LAMDA: Training and certification from the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art.
    • ISTD: Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing certifications in Modern and Tap dance.
    • RAD Ballet: Training and assessments from the Royal Academy of Dance.
    • Private 1:1 Singing Tuition: Personalised vocal coaching.
    • Acrobatic Dance Training: Skills in acrobatics for dance performance.
    • Professional headshots and audition photos for dance.
    • Professional Workshops: Masterclasses and workshops with industry professionals.
    • Enhanced Show Work and Rehearsals: In-depth preparation and performance opportunities.
    • Audition Preparation: Comprehensive support for auditioning for higher education and professional engagements.

    Please note that fees apply for this programme and elements of the integrated performance package are subject to change. This will be discussed before enrolment.

    For further information and details of interviews and auditions please contact Kingclere Performing Arts College directly

  • Entry requirements

    You will normally need:

    • Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above
    • A successful audition
    • A successful interview

    If you have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will continue to study these alongside your main programme.

    Your audition will assess your potential and current performance skills in the pathway you want to follow.

    You will get the most from this programme if you:

    • Have a genuine passion for performing arts
    • Have existing ability in dance, acting, singing or musical theatre
    • Are prepared to perform as part of an audition
    • Are willing to rehearse and practise regularly
    • Can respond positively to direction and feedback
    • Are comfortable performing individually and as part of an ensemble
    • Have the discipline needed for intensive practical training
    • Can work collaboratively with other performers
    • Are willing to develop your fitness, technique and performance confidence
    • Can commit to rehearsals and performances outside normal College hours
    • Want to prepare seriously for higher education or a career in performing arts

    At Level 3, professional attitude, reliability and commitment are just as important as talent.

    For further information please contact Kingclere Performing Arts College directly via kings-pa.co.uk

  • Qualification

    OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Performing Arts

  • Progression

    After completing this two-year programme, you can progress into specialist higher education, professional training or the performing arts industry.

    Possible next steps include:

    • A degree in Musical Theatre
    • A degree in Dance
    • Acting or Drama
    • Theatre Studies
    • Choreography
    • Performing Arts
    • An HND or other higher education programme in performing arts
    • Drama school
    • A dance conservatoire
    • Specialist professional performance training

    Depending on your skills and interests, careers and professional opportunities could include:

    • Theatre performance
    • Musical theatre
    • Professional dance
    • Television and screen performance
    • Cruise ship entertainment
    • Theme park entertainment
    • Choreography
    • Directing
    • Stage management
    • Teaching or coaching after gaining appropriate qualifications

    The wider skills developed through productions and performance may also support careers in areas such as arts administration, events, creative production and other parts of the entertainment industry.

  • Assessment

    Your progress will be assessed through a combination of practical performance, written assignments and project work.

    Assessment may include:

    • Solo performance
    • Ensemble performance
    • Dance or musical theatre productions
    • Practical technique
    • Rehearsal and project work
    • Written assignments
    • Reflective evaluation of your development

    Your tutors will provide feedback throughout your training to help you refine your technique, strengthen your performance skills and develop greater professional independence.

    English and Maths, where studied alongside your programme, are assessed separately and may include exams.

  • Home study

    Performing arts requires significant preparation outside your timetabled classes.

    You should expect to spend time:

    • Rehearsing choreography
    • Learning lines
    • Practising songs and vocal material
    • Developing performance technique
    • Preparing for auditions
    • Researching productions and practitioners
    • Completing written assignments
    • Preparing for performances

    Independent rehearsal and preparation are essential if you are to make the most of the programme.

  • Work placement

    Performance is an important part of your professional development.

    Throughout the programme, you will take part in productions that provide realistic experience of the demands of the performing arts industry.

    This includes:

    • Rehearsing towards live productions
    • Performing for audiences
    • Working as part of an ensemble
    • Following professional direction
    • Preparing for auditions
    • Working to production schedules and deadlines

    Productions may take place in the evening and you will need to commit to extended days during rehearsal and performance periods.

    Professional workshops and masterclasses will also give you opportunities to learn from people working within the performing arts industry.

  • Fees and additional costs

    This programme is provided by Kingsclere Performing Arts College in partnership with Newbury College. Fees to cover the integrated performance package (see description), uniforms, headshots, trips and other costs are applicable.

    Details of these fees will be provided by Kingsclere Performing Arts College at the application stage and means tested reductions may be available via the Kingsclere Performing Arts College Bursary Award scheme.

    If you are passionate about your career in performing arts and you are worried about the cost, please submit your application and a member of the team will be happy to discuss your options.

Upcoming Programmes

Code Start Fees*
PERFL3EXD 272901 August 2027 Fee information

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* Terms and conditions apply. The fees stated on this website are for guidance purposes only and should be checked before enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, fees shown are for tuition only, over one academic year. Where a course is longer than one academic year, the fees stated are for the first year, and the cost of the second or subsequent years will be discussed at interview. For details of fee remission for students over 19 click here. If you think you may be entitled to a concession or fee remission, or you would like more information on the additional costs associated with your chosen course, please contact us on 01635 845000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..