Where can I train? Post 16 Performing Arts training and qualification options in Essex

Essex offers a diverse range of post-16 performing arts options, from broad vocational diplomas at major colleges to specialised training at conservatoire-style institutions.

It can be overwhelming researching the different courses and colleges/schools. Many places offer the same qualification at the end of the course but vary in the standard of the professional training offered and contact hours.

Interviews and auditions start early in Year 11 so research for available courses should really begin when your child is in year 9 or 10. There are free open days at most colleges, some with workshops that your child can participate in so keep an eye on their websites or ask to join their mailing list to be kept informed of their events.

Hopefully this post will help you start the process of finding the right course for your child.

Key Features of Essex Post-16 Options:

• Levels: Courses range from Level 2 (intermediate) to Level 3 Extended Diplomas (equivalent to A-Levels).

• Focus: Strong emphasis on "triple threat" training (acting, singing, dancing) for musical theatre, and technical skills for backstage roles.

• Requirements: Generally require 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including performing arts subjects, and a successful audition.

• Pathways: Options exist for both performance-based careers (actor, dancer) and production roles (stage management).

• Apprenticeships: Available for those seeking to learn on the job within the industry. 

Major Further Education Colleges

These colleges typically offer Level 2 and Level 3 BTEC or UAL (University of the Arts London) Diplomas, which are equivalent to A-Levels.

 Some of these Post-16 performing arts courses focus on practical, industry-focused training in acting, dance, and musical theatre, often requiring auditions.

Key Providers and Courses:

• Colchester Institute (Colchester/Braintree): Offers Full-time courses including Level 3 Acting, Dance, and Musical Theatre, as well as Technical Theatre and Production Arts.

• Colchester Institute: Provides Level 3 courses in Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, and Technical Theatre.

• South Essex College (Southend, Basildon, Thurrock): Offers Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, and Live Events & Theatre Production.

• Harlow College: Offers UAL Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Acting and Musical Theatre & Production Arts, focusing on preparing students for top drama schools.

• New City College (Epping Forest & Havering): Features a "Performing Arts Academy" with Level 3 Diplomas in Performing Arts Practice and Music Performance & Production.

• USP College (Seevic & Palmer’s Campuses): Runs a Performing & Production Arts course with access to a 200-seat professional theatre.

• Chelmsford College: Partners with Complete Dance Studios

  to offer specialised Level 3 training in Dance or Musical Theatre. 

Specialist Performing Arts Colleges

These institutions often provide a more intensive, "stage school" environment.

Performers College

(Corringham): A world-renowned centre for high-level vocational training in dance and musical theatre.

East 15 Acting School (University of Essex)

A top-tier UK drama school with campuses in Loughton and Southend (moving to Colchester in 2026). It offers highly specialised BA and MA courses in Acting, World Performance, and Stage & Production Management.

Adagio College (ACPA)

(Brentwood/Billericay): Offers fully funded BTEC courses in Dance and Performing Arts for 16–18 year olds.

Rom Theatre Arts

(Romford): Provides professional musical theatre diplomas and degree-level training. 

Sixth Forms (A-Level Options)

Many school-based sixth forms offer traditional academic routes in performing arts. 

• Hedingham School

  : Provides BTEC options alongside traditional A-Levels.

• Havering Sixth Form

  : Offers A-Level Drama and Theatre with professional studio facilities. 

• Felsted School: Features A-Level Drama & Theatre Studies with annual productions and LAMDA qualifications.

• Shenfield High School: Offers a Senior Drama Academy with workshops, and performance opportunities.

• Hertfordshire & Essex High School: Provides a CTEC Diploma in Performing Arts: Musical Theatre.

• New Hall School: Offers A Level Drama with a focus on theater-making and technical skills.

• Gosfield School: Features a Performing Arts Academy with training from industry professionals. 

• Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School

• Davenant School. (Loughton)

• The Appleton School (Benfleet)

• The Boswells School (Chelmsford)

There are many more schools that offer the same courses in Essex and the courses offered can change sporadically.

It is recommended to do an internet search for these courses :

• A-level Performing arts courses near (insert your town)

• BTEC Performing arts (Dance/Drama/Musical Theatre etc) courses

• Diploma in Performing arts courses

(Be aware: There are BTEC level 3 courses AND BTEC Extended level 3 courses. The first course is worth one A-level only with two other A-levels to be chosen to study alongside it whereas the Extended level 3 diploma is worth 3 A-levels. )

Post-16 courses in performing arts are broadly divided into academic and vocational routes, catering to students who want to focus on university progression or direct entry into the industry.

Types of Qualifications

• UAL/BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: A two-year, full-time practical course equivalent to three A-Levels. It is often preferred by those wanting to go straight into the industry or specialised drama schools.

  These "hands-on" courses are usually equivalent to one, two, or three A Levels depending on the size (e.g., Extended Diploma). They are often delivered by further education colleges or specialist performing arts academies.

  • Acting: Concentrates on stage and screen techniques, voice, and physical theatre.

  • Musical Theatre: A "triple threat" pathway combining intensive training in acting, singing, and various dance styles.

  • Dance Practice: Focuses on technical skills in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and commercial dance.

  • Production Arts: For those interested in "behind the scenes" roles, including lighting, sound, stage management, and theatrical make-up. 

• A-Levels: Typically more academic, focusing on history and theory alongside performance. These are typically classroom-based with a balance of theory and practical work. ideal for those considering a broader range of university degrees. They are often taken at school sixth forms or sixth form colleges alongside two other subjects. 

  • Drama and Theatre: Focuses on acting, directing, and design through the study of set texts, theatre practitioners (e.g., Stanislavski, Brecht), and live performance analysis.

  • Dance: Covers performance, choreography, and critical analysis of dance works.

  • Music / Music Technology: Focuses on composition, performance, and the technical aspects of recording and production. 

• Technical and Apprenticeship Routes

  • T Levels: Newer qualifications like T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production focus on the technical side of the creative industries.

  • Apprenticeships: Available for roles such as stage technician or arts administration, allowing students to "earn while they learn". 

• Specialist Foundation Courses

  • Level 4 Professional Diplomas: Some colleges offer one-year "top-up" or foundation courses (often free for under-19s) designed to prepare students for auditions at top drama or dance schools. 

Good luck in your search!