A PERFORMING arts school is being launched to find the stars of the future.

Pupils at Chase High School, in Westcliff,will be able towork towards the Arts Award qualification.

The performing arts school, the first of its kind in the Southend area, will teach art, dance, drama, singing, music, musical theatre, prop design, costumedesign, literature, photography and web design.

The Arts Award qualification, managed by Trinity College London, in association with Arts Council England, has three levels – bronze, silver and gold – with the silver level equating to an extra GCSE at grade A to C.

Hundreds of students have signed-upfor the course, which is free of charge to Chase pupils.

Students from other schools can also join-up, for a small charge.

Sally Carr, who is patron of the new school, said, “I am delighted to be patron of this unique project and very much look forward to becoming involved in the wide and exciting variety of different arts.”

Headteacher Victoria Overy added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to be creative and develop their skills in a variety of arts, whilst gaining an accredited qualification.

“Through the Arts Award, our students will learn to work independently, helping them to prepare for further education and employment.”

It will run weekly on Thursday evenings from 3.30pm to 6.30pm at the school, in Prittlewell Chase.