Bird College

The college was founded as a dance school by Doreen Bird in 1946 and now provides specialist vocational training in dance and musical theatre, at further and higher education level. The college is considered one of the leading providers of vocational performing arts training in the United Kingdom. In addition, the college also comprises a junior dance department and music services supported by the local council.

The college prepares students for a professional career in the performing arts and has a reputation of feeding artists into West End and Broadway theatre, dance companies, television, film, pop music and other high profile areas of the entertainments industry. Key areas of study include ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary dance, singing, voice craft and drama.

Bird College is an accredited college of the Council for Dance Education and Training. Full-time students at the college study for either the Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre, validated by Trinity College, London, or the BA Hons in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre, validated by the University of Greenwich. The college is also an approved dance centre of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), and students can study towards the ISTD dance teaching qualifications.

Students aged 16 years at the commencement of their course and who are not resident at home during term-time are obliged to reside with College-approved landlords/ladies. Students aged 17+ can arrange their own accommodation and may wish to share flats or houses. Also for students aged 18+ there are a limited number of flats available at the University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus, approximately one mile away.

The College is only too aware of the importance of good accommodation for students. Estate Agents frequently submit lists to the College of flats, houses and bed-sits for rent in the area and these are made available. In addition, some places living with local families are available, all of which are given a seal of approval by the College Office.

We are located in a pleasant suburb, close to the centre of London with easy access by train to Charing Cross.

The Campus is in 4 main buildings.

The Birkbeck Centre accommodates dance studios, common room, weight training and body conditioning studio, Junior Dance, and the College’s resident counselling service. The adjacent Admin Cottage houses a resource centre with IT facilities, library and study rooms and the College’s resident physiotherapist. Nearby, Studio House incorporates a Studio Theatre, further studios and staff rooms. The Centre provides instrument tuition and singing lessons for school students along with studios for HE/FE students. The College also utilises lecture theatre/studio facilities at St John’s Hall, Bexley Adult Education Centre and MBA Dance.

The College is within easy travelling distance for Channel ferries and tunnel, with Ebsfleet International Station being only a 25 minute drive away. Gatwick airport is just 32 miles away; take the train to London Victoria and then bus or taxi to Charing Cross. From Heathrow airport Underground trains connect directly to central London. There is a regular coach service available direct from Victoria to Sidcup and private taxis are available from both airports.