Welcome to CAPA College

A message from our PrincipalI’m so excited to have you join us on this journey into the Creative and Performing Arts. At CAPA College, our ethos can be summed up with three key values: Accessibility, Collaboration and Excellence. These aren’t just words to us – they shape everything we do.First, Accessibililty; We believe that everyone who is serious about pursuing a career in the Arts should have access to the best training. We provide incredible experiences, high-quality education and exceptional support – and, as Wakefield’s only Department for Education-funded Free School, there are no course fees to pay at CAPA College.Next, Collaboration; We’re a team here at CAPA College. We create, grow and achieve together. From the classrooms to the studios, we work hard, push each other and have a lot of fun along the way. Respect, equality and open communication are really important to us – they’re what make our College such a supportive, creative space.Finally, Excellence; We set the bar high – for our students, our staff and the work we create together. We’re all about pushing boundaries, challenging ourselves and striving for greatness in everything we do.We’re proud of the fact that CAPA College was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2022 and that our students’ progress places us in the top 1% nationally. Last year, our graduates achieved 100% A*-C grades and went on to study at some of the top Arts conservatoires and universities in the UK and abroad.Our alumni have forged spectacular careers – from West End performers and Hollywood actors, to international lighting designers and leading theatre, film and television producers.CAPA College is about more than just getting good grades. You’ll have the chance to be part of professional projects, take part in guest masterclasses, get real-world work placements and perform in some amazing shows. We want to prepare you not just for exams, but for life in the Arts, giving you the tools you need to thrive in whatever path you choose.We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve as part of the CAPA College Family. We’re here to support you every step of the way – to help you grow, develop and take the next steps into an exciting future in the Arts.Let’s get started!Claire NicholsonCAPA College Principal

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Boarding Type

No Boarder

School Type

Free Schools

Suitable Ages

16 to 19

Gender

Mixed

No. of Students

504 Total

No. of Boys

105 (20.8%)

No. of Girls

399 (79.2%)


Academic Excellence

GCSE Results

Latest Examination

N/A

Students achieving A*/A grades (9/8/7)

A-Level Results

Sixth Form Performance

A* grades

5.84%

A*/A grades

32.85%


Leavers' Destinations

Destinations after A-Levels

UK higher education

62%

School

1%

England

Apprenticeships

2%

School

19%

England

Higher education or training

School:86%
England:63%

Further education

School:1%
England:4%

Employment

School:19%
England:35%

Not sustained in education/employment

School:9%
England:26%


Exciting Events Ahead!

A detailed admissions process on ApplicaaOne is coming soon.

Please see our website for more information on our admissions process.


Admissions Process

Start Application
Oct 2025

Applications Open

Key Dates & Deadlines

Oct 8, 2025

Applications Open


Term Dates & Half-Term Holidays

Updates Coming Soon!

A detailed admissions process on ApplicaaOne is coming soon.

Please see our website for more information on our admissions process.


Alumni Stories

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Bella Brown

September 2020

Employed

Having went on to study BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at ArtsEd; Bella Brown was recently featured as ‘Fate 1’ and first cover Eurydice in the UK cast of Hadestown, performing at the London Lyric Theatre. She has previously appeared as the Mistress and Eva Peron alternate in the new musical revival of Evita.

Sam Peace

September 2018

Employed

Sam pursued a career in Scenic Automation after graduating from Guildhall School with a degree in Production Arts. He recently lead Automation on the UK / Ireland tour of The Book of Mormon; previous productions include Andrew Lloyd Webbers Love Never Dies and the UK/ Ireland tour of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.

Callum Metcalfe

September 2016

Employed

Equipped with his qualifications from CAPA College and his BA(Hons) in Broadcast Journalism Callum started his career at Channel 5 News as Deputy Editor. He progressed to ITV News London as now holds the position of Content Editor; prior to working off-screen, Callum presented Local News.


Enrichment Activities

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As well as studying on their course pathway, all students engage with our tutorial curriculum. Students explore the tutorial topics as a whole year group in collaborative sessions, as well as in small group seminars with their tutor. Sessions are delivered by a range of internal and external speakers including college senior leaders, the wellbeing team, visiting artists and experts.

The tutorial Programme
The curriculum covers a range of topics that are relevant to young people who are emerging into young adults during their studies at CAPA College.

About School

RegionYorkshire and the Humber
Local AuthorityWakefield
Ofsted RatingOutstanding
Gender TypeMixed