Developing the performing arts talent in our young people
Our Performing Arts Academy is an integral part of our curriculum, spanning from Prep to Senior and into the Sixth Form. Utilising the outstanding facilities of our 110-acre estate and our new Performing Arts Centre, which opened in 2022 and includes a dance studio, music room, practice rooms, and a 185-seat theatre, our Performing Arts For All programme enables our pupils to cultivate and develop their talents in drama, music, and dance from the ages of four to eighteen.
The programme is structured to enable participation at all levels of ability – from beginners to those aspiring to performing at an elite level, including professionally.
The Gosfield Performing Arts Centre
Our Performing Arts Academy is housed in the fabulous J W Turner Performing Arts Centre, officially opened by West End and Broadway star Denise van Outen in May 2023. The centre includes a 185-seat theatre, music room, dance studio, and practice rooms. It hosted its inaugural play, Oliver, in June 2023. This incredible production showcased the talents of our musicians, dancers, and drama students, who all excelled in our amazing new facility, this was followed by High School Musical in 2024, as well as some extraordinary Sixth Form plays.
For students who are not performers, there is the opportunity to learn about the technical side of performance through our impressive lighting and sound installation.
The Performing Arts Academy programme
The academy is led by our Head of Performing Arts, Miss Duffy. For music and dance, teachers lead individual lessons for all levels of ability, from beginners to advanced. While focused on performing arts, our programmes teach skills that will enable our pupils to access extensive opportunities now and in later life, perfectly aligning with our school’s ethos.
Our programme ensures that everyone participates and benefits. From foundation, the more able are encouraged to extend their range of skills, and the most able are mentored through their elite development, mindset, and performance.
Performing and Production Arts Level 3 Diploma
Success in Performing Arts
Students are offered a wide range of opportunities within Performing Arts to participate in competitions and events throughout each year, both internally and externally. Achievements to date include:
- ISA Dance Competitions: KS2, KS3 and KS4 Finalists in 2023, 2024 & 2025; 1st Place Winner KS3 2023; KS4 Judge’s Award 2024
- ISA Musical Theatre Competition: 2nd Place Winners 2024
- ISA Band Competition: 1st Place Winners KS3 Small Band 2024
- DramaFest Performance, Mercury Theatre 2024
- National Schools Theatre Awards: Winner, Best Actor in a Play 2024
Performing Arts Scholars also get the benefit of weekly Masterclasses in acting, dance, music and/or singing, along with termly Professional Workshops with West End stars, TV/Film actors, Casting Directors and other industry professionals.
Our internal events programme is full of opportunity, with annual Christmas and Dance Shows, plus multiple LAMDA and Music Showcase and Recital performances throughout each year. The highlight of our events calendar is the annual school Musical, featuring students in Years 3 through to Year 13.
Scholarships
Generous scholarships are available based on ability and are at the discretion of the Principal and Head of Performing Arts.
Scholarship Days, which include social and academic assessments as well as practical performing arts skills, are held annually, with scholarships offered to join the school immediately or the following September. For further information about our next Scholarship Day, please refer to the website or contact the school registrar.
Year 7 and Year 12 are the standard scholarship access points for internal and external pupils. We may offer scholarships outside these points, but only under exceptional circumstances.
To register or for further information, please contact the Admissions Team on 01787 474040 or email admissions@gosfieldschool.org.
