Liverpool performing arts college Rare Studio makes big move

Liverpool-based performing arts college Rare Studio has entered a major new phase of growth, bringing all 225 of its full-time students together under one roof for the first time.

The college has moved into the Vanilla Factory in Liverpool’s Creative Quarter, ending years of operating across four separate sites and creating a single creative hub for students studying performing arts, fashion and design.

Known for helping launch some of the region’s strongest young creative talent into careers across film, television, theatre and international tours, the move marks a significant moment for Rare Studio. Rather than expanding simply for scale, the relocation reflects the college’s long-standing mission to widen access to creative careers and ensure talented young people from Liverpool can break into an increasingly competitive industry.

The city centre consolidation also coincides with a new long-term strategic partnership with education provider SCL Group, designed to support Rare Studio’s continued growth while strengthening pathways into the creative industries.

Under the partnership, students will continue to receive industry-led training in acting, dance, musical theatre, fashion and design at Rare Studio’s Liverpool campus. Alongside this, they will benefit from SCL Group’s expertise in academic delivery, progression frameworks and educational oversight.

Rare Studio retains responsibility for specialist training, pastoral support and industry engagement, with SCL providing the infrastructure to support strong outcomes and clear progression routes.

Principal of Rare Studio Liverpool, Lindsay Inglesby, said: “For a city with creativity in its DNA, Rare Studio has become a vital pathway for young people to turn raw talent into sustainable careers in the arts.

“Bringing every student under one roof is something we’ve worked towards for years. Growth for us has never been about scale alone, it’s about creating the right environment for young people to thrive, feel supported and access genuine industry opportunities. Every decision we’ve made has been guided by that mission.”

That approach is already delivering results. Acting graduate Chloe English recently won the 2025 Women in Film and TV Pixelogic Media Director Award and went on to direct the second series of G’wed, starring fellow Rare Studio graduate and BAFTA nominee Dylan Thomas Smith.

Current students are also gaining national recognition, with Ellis Howard nominated for a BAFTA for his performance in BBC drama What It Feels Like for a Girl, and Mia Carragher shortlisted for Best Debut Performance at the What’s On Stage Awards.

Rare Studio graduates are now working internationally, including three alumni currently on set in Lithuania working on Honey, produced by Sid Gentle, which has also sponsored the students. The production company is additionally funding a debut production to be created and performed by Rare Studio students at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The partnership with SCL Group reflects a shared commitment to widening access to creative careers and strengthening routes from education into industry.

Brad Rushton, CEO at SCL Group, said: “Rare Studio is doing exceptional work, not only in terms of outcomes, but in staying true to its values. This partnership represents everything we stand for as College, Done Different, and is built on a shared belief that creative education should be aspirational, inclusive and directly connected to industry. Together, we’re creating opportunities that genuinely change lives.”

As Rare Studio looks ahead, its focus remains on sustainable, values-led growth, using its expanded city centre campus and strengthened educational partnership to support more young people into the creative industries, while keeping opportunity firmly rooted in Liverpool.

Find out more about Rare Studio here.

Get the latest news around Liverpool on our website.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.