The school's potential future stars of stage and screen held their first rehearsal this week, after a gruelling round of auditions, ready for the curtain to rise in February.

They will be performing a show called Return to Forbidden Planet, which director of performing arts at the school Andy Thorpe described as a rock 'n' roll version of Shakespeare's The Tempest.

And Mr Thorpe hopes the school's recent record results of 22 A*s and 22 As will help springboard the pupils into showing a fantastic performance.

"The results were fantastic," said Mr Thorpe. "We are a performing arts college, but, even so, they have been outstanding this year.

"Some pupils got double awards by staying behind after school and doing twilight sessions."

He put their success down to hard work, their passion for the subject and having Bushfield Theatre Company on site to give them a taste of life on stage.

He said: "Bushfield has a great reputation for producing performers, and we already have pupils who are now on the stage.

"I'm sure we will be seeing more of them going on stage and screen."

It's not just the Mr Thorpe who is looking forward to the show.

Star pupil Ella Benning (16) said: "I love acting, singing and dancing and I'm looking forward to playing the part of the navigation office in the school.

"College productions create a fantastic opportunity for pupils of all ages to work together and share experiences.

"It is very much like a close-knit family."

Callum Alexander (13) plays Captain Tempest. He said: "I really enjoy acting. It's fun as you can play different characters, you meet other pupils and can make new friends.

"I've been involved in productions since year 7 and have played a variety of roles."

Antonia Collison (16), who plays Miranda, said: "I'm so pleased I got the part – it's the role I really wanted. I'm really excited about being part of the show.

"It's the process of putting the show together that's one of the most enoyable aspects of college productions."