On this two year course, you’ll get to explore a variety of circus skills, from juggling and balancing to aerial and acrobatics. You’ll also dive into physical theatre, movement, and performance techniques, while learning about influential artists and the business side of the performing arts. 

You’ll learn through doing, but also through some academic study, with assessments that are both practical and written. It’s a chance for you to develop your skills, creativity, and confidence, all while preparing for a future in the performing arts. 

Applications for our BTEC course are now open and made directly through us online. There are three steps to applying, then we hold a virtual interview over Teams. Please click the button below read more about how to apply.

To apply for this course, you need to: 

• Be 16–18 years old on 31st August before the course starts 

• No previous circus experience is required. You will have some ability in a physical or performance-related skill like; dance, drama, gymnastics, parkour, or martial arts 

• Have GCSEs in English and Maths (grades 9–4) or Functional Skills Level 2 

• Be fit and ready for a practical course 

We also recommend having at least four GCSE passes at grades 9–4 to help you keep up with the academic side, though this isn’t essential. 

If you’re successful, your course fees will be covered by the government. 

A few important notes: 

• If you’re 19 or older, this course isn’t funded, you might want to consider our Foundation Degree instead. 

• We welcome EU/EEA students, but unfortunately, we cannot accept students who need a visa. 

• Accommodation funding is not available for the BTEC course. 

Most days, you’ll train in the historic St Paul’s Church in central Bristol, with one day a week at our Kingswood campus, home to our degree students. This means you train four days a week with us!  We also offer supervised practice sessions outside class, so you can really polish your skills. 

You’ll also get the chance to perform at St Paul’s Church during our bi-annual BTEC shows, giving you a real taste of life as a professional circus performer. 

Our BTEC Open Days are the perfect chance to see what life at Circomedia is really like. Whether you’re passionate about circus and physical performance or simply looking for an exciting alternative to traditional sixth-form study, this is your opportunity to explore your next step.

If you successfully complete the first year, you’ll earn a Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma — the equivalent of one and a half A-levels. To continue onto the second year and complete the full Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (worth three A-levels), you’ll need to: 

• Pass all first-year modules 

• Attend at least 85% of the year 

• Pass a short interview 

This approach ensures you’re fully prepared to take your skills and creativity to the next level. 

Many of our BTEC Performing Arts Practice graduates go on to Circomedia’s Foundation Degree, while others continue their training at schools across Europe, including Codarts, DOCH School of Dance and Circus, and CNAC Centre National des Arts du Cirque. Some join professional companies, start their own projects, or take their careers in completely new directions. 

For example, BTEC graduate Helena Humm left Circomedia in 2018 to study at CNAC in France. She later returned to Bristol to star in ‘Seasons’ by Upswing at the Circus City Festival 2021.