SWINDON College is teaming up with the nationally renowned Wilkes Academy to offer performing arts courses from September next year.

The college will be launching the new partnership at an open morning on Saturday between 10am and noon, which will feature showcase performances by Jonathan Wilkes and students from the Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts.

The partnership will offer BTEC National Diplomas in performing arts, musical theatre at levels 2 and 3 and the majority of the curriculum will be taught at The Wilkes Academy’s new studios, which are currently being developed in the Renault Building in west Swindon.

The qualifications will be delivered over part of the week and students may also be eligible to join the Advanced Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts to develop their performance skills.

Acceptance on all the courses will be subject to audition.

Academy patron, pop sensation Robbie Williams, said: “Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts is such an exciting venture.

“I wish I had this kind of place when I was growing up.”

Amanda Burnside, executive director enterprise and learner services at Swindon College said: “This is a really exciting development for the college and we are looking forward to working with the Wilkes Academy.”