The Arts at TPS

Hotlinks: THE STUDIO@TPS : THE STUDIO@TPS Events

We value the Arts very highly and believe that every child derives benefit from contact and involvement in the Arts.

TPS became a Specialist Performing Arts College in September 2004. This means that we have an emphasis on Music, Dance and Drama, with ambitious targets for participation and examination success. We were also awarded Artsmark Gold in September 2007.

Pupils at Key Stage 3 study a range of subjects including Art, Music, Drama and Dance. At Key Stage 4 the choice broadens to include GCSEs in Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Media Studies, Textiles and Performing Arts. Students who are ready and capable are entered early for Arts qualifications.

THE STUDIO@TPS is the centre for our Performing Arts. The STUDIO has facilities for Drama and Dance teaching as well as providing a 200-seat theatre for performances. The STUDIO has state-of-the-art equipment including a concert-quality Grand Piano and a Studio Technician to support pupils’ work.

We are fortunate to have been sponsored and supported in the STUDIO by organisations such as Dance Direction, the Rotunda Arts Group, The TPS Appeal Trust and by individual contributions by parents.

In addition there are specialist facilities and rooms for Music, Art, Pottery, Textiles and Dance. Major public performances can also take place in the school hall.

Each summer we hold a Summer School for gifted and talented Year 5 children from linked junior schools, focusing on the Arts. We also act as a regional audition centre for the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, and an examination centre for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

The school offers a comprehensive range of instrumental tuition, with well over 200 pupils receiving lessons each week. Our team of eleven visiting staff teaches all of the main orchestral instruments in addition to the guitar, drums, piano and singing. We encourage pupils to join one of our numerous extra-curricular groups, which range from an award-winning jazz band through to keyboard club and guitar ensemble. There are also several flourishing choirs, a song-writing course and a music technology club.

Performers regularly gain recognition in other forums – we have a strong tradition of providing players for the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra and other bands and ensembles. Many of our pupils are also linked to the Petersfield Youth Theatre and other local drama groups.


The school makes a major contribution to the Petersfield Festival, providing singers, dancers and players for this important annual event.

There are regular major theatrical productions as well as smaller-scale shows. Recent productions include “A Christmas Carol ”, “Lark Rise to Candleford” and “Back to the 80s”. A crucial feature of such productions is that the backing music is always played by our own talented pupils.

All Year 7 pupils can look forward to being involved in the annual Autumn Spectacular which features every child in the new Year 7 joining in and singing together in a Performing Arts Showcase each October.

Additionally TPS participates in the regional Rock Challenge competition, offering scope for our performers, especially in Dance, to take centre stage.