A performance arts college is to open in Colchester.

Evolution Foundation College, in Wyncolls Road, on Severalls Industrial Estate, will welcome its first class in September, offering a foundation course in dancing, singing and acting.

The one-year course is for 16 to 19-year-olds.

Director and founder Jacqui Tapsell, 47, has spent 30 years in the industry.

She said: “It is my passion to work with talented students to help them to perfect their weaknesses, encouraging them to progress and gain confidence in all areas and watching them grow into efficient, focused and competent young adults.”

For the first year, the college will be based at Showcase Dance Academy before moving to new premises.

Mrs Tapsell said: “I chose Colchester because there are lots of dancing schools at a high standard, but it is hard for students to progress to a professional, full-time college.

“This foundation course will bridge that gap.

“Many will be great at one of the three, but they need the triple set of skills in all three disciplines.”

Mrs Tapsell had a successful career before moving into teaching.

She worked on TV show Surprise Surprise with Cilla Black and choreographed routines for the European football championships in England in 1996.

She is focused on training the next generation of performers at tailor-made facilities on Severalls Business Park.

She said: “I have seen the talent in Colchester and want to give my students every chance of success.”

She also hopes to train others to teach in the future.

Mrs Tapsell has worked as an adjudicator and examiner for several colleges in Essex, including Colchester Institute.

She also had a long association with the Performers College, near Stanford-le-Hope.

For more information, visit evolutionfoundationcollege.co.uk