Performing Arts
Students join the Sixth Form from far and wide to enrol in the Specialist Performing Arts programmes at The Canterbury Institute for Performing Arts.
Our students are offered high-class industry-standard training in Musical Theatre, Acting, Dance, Music or Production Arts. Students are given audition training and techniques to enable them to either enter industry or gain a place at a prestigious dance, music or drama school. Our destinations for students include RADA, GSA, Performers College, Emil Dale, Laban, Central School of Speech and Drama, Italia Conti, The New York Film Academy and BIMM to name a few. Working with industry specialists and in state-of-the-art facilities within school and our links with local theatres and event spaces. Students get the opportunity to perform in professional venues at least twice a school year. In addition, our performing students will automatically have an introduction to our partner talent agency who may represent you professionally. You will also enter national competitions and be supported with auditions and university applications.
Past students have gone on to achieve amazing careers in industry; including parts in West-End shows, tours with global popstars and work professionally as musicians throughout the performing arts industry.
Sport
Students join from far and wide to join the Specialist Sports Programme in our sixth form. Students can apply to join our advanced sporting academies in athletics, golf, rugby, boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ and girls’ football, cricket, hockey and netball. These academies are led by professional coaches and training sessions are embedded into student timetables. Students benefit from physio appointments on site, and access to our exceptional strength and conditioning facilities that include an 8-lane athletics track, fitness studio, spin studio, weights room and a fully equipped modern gym. Many sessions take place at outstanding local sports facilities such as The University of Kent, Polo Farm Sports Club, Canterbury Golf Club, The Langton, Lee Valley and Kent Cricket Club.
We are fortunate to work with some of the leading sports clubs in Kent and this enables us to provide a high-quality academy style experience for our students. We pride ourselves on delivering a holistic programme that develops students in a variety of ways. Our vision is to provide positive sporting experiences for all our students, and we believe in focusing on key sporting attributes in the form of technical, tactical, mental and physical factors. We also educate students on lifestyle management aspects such as nutrition, sleep quality and time management. A committed coaching team provides pastoral support to students at key times in the academic year.
There are regular competitive opportunities for the majority of the sixth form sports. Several teams have progressed in national competitions. The Kent Crusaders basketball programme became national champions in 2024. Our under 17 cricket became the first state school to reach a national final in 2022. Our netball team reached the final rounds of a national competition in 2023, and football, basketball and cricket have won regular under 18 county cups in the last few years.
Our Sixth Form students go into a variety of positive destinations after finishing with us including professional sport, overseas scholarships, sport science related degrees at university and careers in the sports industry.
The Practical Learning and Enterprise Education Pillar
The Practical Learning and Enterprise Education Pillar is where learning meets industry excellence. Our diverse programmes including Hair and Beauty, Entrepreneurship, Esports, Construction and the Chefs` Academy. These academies equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields. Combining expert classroom teaching with real-world industry experiences, our students gain not only qualifications but also the confidence and practical expertise to thrive in competitive career environments. Whether it is mastering precision techniques in hair styling or beauty treatments in our salon, exploring the fast-growing world of esports, or crafting exceptional culinary creations in our student kitchen, our practical subjects inspire and prepare students for success.
At the heart of the Practical Learning and Enterprise Education Pillar is a commitment to bridging education with industry. Students work with experienced professionals, visit local industries, attend conferences and webinars with leading professionals, access state-of-the-art facilities and engage in opportunities such as live projects, placements and competitions. Through this unique approach, we ensure that every student is fully prepared for the next step in their journey—whether it is higher education, apprenticeships or employment. With a focus on innovation, creativity and professionalism, the Practical Pillar is a springboard for students to turn their passion into a lifelong career.