National Apprenticeship Week was an exciting and inspiring time at Bury College, filled with activities that helped mark the occasion and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication and achievements of Apprentices.
Bury College School of Performance Class of 2019 have claimed places and life changing scholarships at some of the top theatre institutions in the UK.
Many Performing Arts superstar students were delighted to receive the news that they had been awarded places at some leading Performing Arts schools, whilst other secured employment within a competitive industry. Proud to offer a career-enhancing course which provides students with the skills and experience to progress directly into industry, the training that students receive at the Bury College Jim Cartwright Theatre is a fantastic way to kick-start a professional Performing Arts career.
These achievements complement the exceptional success the School of Performance has had throughout the academic year. Many students achieved outstanding results on top of the unprecedented successes at the Greater Manchester College Group Skills Competition, where students won four out of the five Level 3 categories. They were also awarded Overall Winner and Runners-Up. In addition to this, Performing Arts students Ellie Bennett and Joshua Smart won the prestigious BTEC Gold Award and were invited to perform at the 2019 BTEC Awards Ceremony, a prestigious educational award ceremony held in London.
Caitlin Abbott, a former Haslingden High School pupil, was delighted to be awarded a place at Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD) on the Professional Musical Theatre Diploma. Caitlin has secured an exceptional 100% Anthony Van Laast scholarship which will help to support her throughout her studies.
Caitlin said, “I am so excited to take the next step in my career and move even closer towards achieving my career aim of performing in a West End Musical. My time at Bury College has been amazing and there has been a real sense of support.”
Also celebrating achieving a 100% scholarship was former The Derby High School pupil Joshua Smart who will study a Professional Musical Theatre Diploma at Masters Performing Arts College. Joshua said, “I have really enjoyed my time at Bury College and feel well prepared to take my next step within the Performing Arts industry.”
Ellie Bennett turned down several scholarships and offers in order to take up her place at the much-heralded Laine Theatre Arts.
Performing Arts, Musical Theatre and Vocal Production places were also secured at SLP, The Hammond School, Edge Hill University, University of Central Lancashire, BIMM and the University of Salford.
National Apprenticeship Week was an exciting and inspiring time at Bury College, filled with activities that helped mark the occasion and celebrate the exceptional talent, dedication and achievements of Apprentices.
On Monday 9th February, Bury College’s Hairdressing Apprentices came together for a charity Blowdryathon, raising almost £500 for Little Lady Locks during National Apprenticeship Week!
On Wednesday 11th February, as part of National Apprenticeship Week celebrations, Bury College proudly hosted an Apprenticeship Star Awards Ceremony.
Employers - did you know that now is the perfect time to start thinking about your school leaver Apprenticeship vacancies?
Shape the future of education and find out about opportunities to work at Bury College at our Work for Us Event 2026. Find out about a wide range of career opportunities including teaching, business, and governance roles.
Find out how our Performing Arts students are developing their skills in this year's Christmas Panto.