Compton pupils sparkle & shine in House Performing Arts Competition

A West Berkshire secondary school recently enjoyed a full house for its annual House Performing Arts Competition.

Parents and staff of The Downs School and Sixth Form, in Compton, were treated to performances by pupils across all year groups on Thursday, April 25.

Pupils from all seven houses performed excerpts from hit West End musicals including Grease and Dear Evan Hansen, produced and choreographed entirely by Year 10 pupils.

Headteacher Chris Prosser said: “I am very impressed by our Performing Arts students.

“They have worked hard to produce their own show and I am particularly proud of their dedication to their performances and how they have supported every house performance, not just each other’s.”

Assistant headteacher Jodie Duthie added: “It is an exciting event allowing students across all year groups to showcase their talents, especially after all their hard work and rehearsals over fourth months.”

Veia Zanelli left The Down’s Sixth Form in 2023 and is now studying musical theatre at Artemis College.

The second alumni judge was Mae Hagen, who after leaving school in 2020, trained at the legendary Italia Conti School.

“We are so proud of our alumni students and thrilled they returned to see the next generation of The Downs creative arts students,” said music teacher Sinead Blake.

Ilsley House achieved first place, while Chiltern House came second and Aldworth House were third.