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The Upper School
Performing Arts
At Clifton College, we recognise the performing arts as a powerful way to build confidence, creativity, and self-expression. Whether performing on stage, composing in the music studio, or working behind the scenes, pupils are encouraged to develop their talents, push creative boundaries, and experience the fulfilment that comes with artistic performance.
Drama at Clifton College
Drama at Clifton College
Nurturing creativity and confidence
A school filled with music
Music plays a vibrant role in life at Clifton College, offering pupils a wide range of opportunities to get involved. Whether through instrumental performance, singing in one of our choirs, playing in our Soul Band or participating in large-scale events such as House Song, pupils are encouraged to engage with music, developing their skills and individual passions along the way.
Taking centre stage
Drama at Clifton College is about more than just acting - it’s about developing creativity, teamwork, and communication skills. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in multiple performances, in our very own commercially operating theatre, The Redgrave Theatre.
Behind the scenes
Pupils studying performing arts have the opportunity to learn about what goes into a great performance behind the scenes. They can get involved in anything from writing, directing, composing, to the technical aspects of theatre.
Director Performing Arts for Clifton College
We give our pupils multiple opportunities to perform and showcase their skills and talents across music, dance and drama.
"In Upper School there are more opportunities for curriculum based lessons"
What's on offerFollow your own path
Music
Clifton College’s musical facilities offer unique opportunities to young musicians. A selection of co-curricular groups offer a range of musical styles, from the more traditional Chapel and Chamber Choirs and Orchestra, to Soul Band, Swing Band and many other pop bands.
Individual weekly music lessons cover traditional classical instruments and more modern options, including bass, electric and acoustic guitar, jazz piano, and contemporary-style singing. Many pupils go on to take grades and the school hosts Associated Board Grade Exams, Music Theatre Exams (LCM) and Trinity College Exams on a termly basis.
Clifton College is a unique musical school in Bristol in that has a fully-equipped recording studio with two live rooms, a dedicated drum room and a central control room, all linked via video as well as sound cabling.
The music department works closely with the drama department, they collaborate to produce impressive full-scale productions of well known musicals and shows.
Drama
Drama is an important part of life at Clifton College, and there are many opportunities to participate, both for pupils who study the subject academically, and for those who simply enjoy performing.
Those choosing drama will have the chance to develop their acting skills and understanding of stagecraft. Our highly qualified staff also work with pupils to develop their teamwork and communication skills.
Clifton College was one of the first Boarding Schools in the country to have its own purpose-built theatre. The Redgrave Theatre, which is named after former Clifton College pupil, Sir Michael Redgrave and seats 320 people.
The Clifton College Annual Musical is a huge event, with pupils tackling all elements of putting on a show, including set change and technical opportunities.
LAMDA
LAMDA examinations are very popular at Clifton College, with many pupils taking these examinations each year, taught by our visiting LAMDA specialist. Students choose to specialise in Public Speaking; Acting; Verse and Prose; or Reading for Performance.
Committed to making education accessible
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to support talented pupils and ensure that a Clifton College education is accessible to all.
From academic excellence to sporting achievements and artistic talent, our scholarships reward potential in a variety of fields.
Additionally, means-tested bursaries are available to pupils who have been successful in obtaining a scholarship.
Clifton College has a rich and established heritage with the British Armed Forces and the families that serve within it. For 150 years our welcoming House staff have been supporting children with the Forces lifestyle.
We are proud of our school’s strong military tradition and that we are the school of choice for many HM Forces families and FCDO families. Our military community values the flexibility and individual support that our wrap-around care offers day, flexi-boarders and boarding pupils.
Hear from our pupils
"The technical side of Performing Arts; sounding design, lighting design"
"After school I go to rehearsals in our professional theatre"
"The technical side of Performing Arts; sounding design, lighting design"
"After school I go to rehearsals in our professional theatre"
“The kids' talent, their absolute confidence, their belief in themselves is totally inspiring. I know not all kids are musical and some of our children may not be interested in that area but it wasn’t just the musical talent that blew us away. It was their confidence, their belief in themselves, the support from their friends, from their houses, it felt magical."
A Pre-Prep parent review of the Upper School Commem Concert
Come and see for yourself
We host a range of events throughout the year to help pupils and families experience life at Clifton College Upper School. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Open events
Experience Clifton College firsthand with a guided tour, meet key staff, explore our top-tier facilities, and get a real feel for student life.
Personal tour
Book a personalised tour with one of our staff members to explore the School and ask any questions specific to your child’s needs.
Video calls
We’d be happy to arrange a video call so you can learn more about Clifton College and have your questions answered from wherever you are.
Join the Upper School
Where next?
Quick links
Who we are
We aim to develop open-minded young people with a real understanding of the world around them, fully prepared for their future in a rapidly changing modern world.
Our community
Discover our supportive community for pupils, parents and staff alike.
A day in the life
Gain an insight into a day in the life of our dynamic Upper School.
Our spaces
Our distinctive, historic buildings provide an inspirational backdrop for learning, along with modern facilities and a state-of-the-art Sports Complex.