Leader in creative arts education, BIMM University, is excited to announce the merger of the Institute of Contemporary Theatre (ICTheatre) with Performers College.

The two schools will unite in September 2025 under the Performers College brand, sealing BIMM University’s commitment to offering first-rate performing arts education.

This union brings together ICTheatre’s innovative and contemporary approach to multi-media and entrepreneurial performance training along with Performers College’s dance and musical theatre pedigree.

The merger, which spans campuses in Brighton, Manchester, Essex, and Birmingham, has been planned to create a unified performing arts school.

It will offer a broad, market-leading experience that meets the demands of today’s industry while maximising career opportunities for all students.

Northern Ballet School, widely recognised for its exceptional training in dance, will retain its distinct identity, while becoming an integral part of Performers College in Manchester. This will place the school’s long-standing reputation and dedication to dance education at the heart of the new Performers College brand.

At the core of the Performers College culture is a strong commitment to creating a supportive, diverse and inclusive teaching environment for everyone. This means all students, regardless of background or their previous training, are empowered to reach their full potential.

Every student across the BIMM University group has the support of an excellent health and well-being team to make sure they thrive both personally and professionally. From mental health services to physical well-being resources, all students have access to a comprehensive range of support systems throughout their training.

Adam Davenport, Interim Dean of Performing Arts said: “Performers College prides itself on fostering a welcoming community where individuality is celebrated, and students are encouraged to express themselves creatively in a safe and nurturing space.

“At Performers College, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that can only happen in an environment where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at the core of what we do. We are committed to creating a space where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to express themselves, both in their art and as individuals.”

This merger will combine the expertise of both institutions, allowing for greater collaboration across programmes.

Students will also benefit from a wider range of industry partnerships, professional development workshops, and cross – department projects.

The unique courses developed by ICTheatre in Brighton and Manchester will remain central to the curriculum and will be supported by Performers College’s renowned dance and musical theatre programmes.

“We are bringing together the best of both worlds,” said Emma Rogers, Campus Dean at Performers College Essex. “Our aim is to create a performing arts school that is unrivalled in its breadth of expertise, providing students with access to industry-leading knowledge and skills. This merger strengthens our combined ability to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence in performing arts education.”

This consolidation reflects BIMM University’s dedication to providing a seamless and focused experience for students across its performing arts schools. By uniting under the Performers College brand, BIMM University will enhance its reputation as a leader in creative arts education while maintaining the distinctiveness that has defined each institution’s success.

Tony Followell, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Performing Arts at BIMM University, said: “This merger represents a transformative moment for performing arts education at BIMM University.

“We are excited to bring together the rich heritage of Performers College and ICTheatre, creating new ways for collaboration and innovation.

“By operating under one unified brand, we will continue to provide the highest quality education and expand opportunities for all our students.”