Thurston Community College, near Bury St Edmunds, to open up facilities to CTC College students taking Level 3 qualifications in performing arts

Performing arts students will be able to access facilities and teaching at two college sites as part of a new collaboration.

Thurston Community College (TCC) has been announced as the educational partner in support of delivering CTC College’s RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts course.

CTC College is a performing arts college based in Needham Market, while TCC, in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, has a sixth form campus in the nearby village of Beyton.

Recently, TCC students performed in seven sell-out shows of We Will Rock You School Edition, the college’s 2025 production, and preparation is currently underway for a lower school production of Annie JR. in the summer term.

CTC College offers full-time professional training in musical theatre to ages 16 plus, with a modern and fully-equipped training hub in Needham Market.

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

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."

Ms Taylor added: “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.