School with Hollywood ties honoured by documentary

A stage school with Hollywood stars among its alumni said it was an "honour" to get a new documentary series.

Stage Stars on CBBC will feature current pupils and staff at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire.

Previous students include actors Lily James, Daisy Ridley and Thandiwe Newton.

Elizabeth Odell, the school's director of studies, said: "We are delighted to showcase the exceptional young talent within our school."

"As a hub for aspiring performers, we take great pride in nurturing those pursuing a career in the performing arts," she continued.

"It's an honour to be part of this exciting project, and we look forward to seeing it come to life on screen."

Originally known as the Arts Educational School, Tring Park, it was renamed in 2009 after it became separate from the other Arts Educational Schools in London.

The school is divided into a prep school, a lower school, a middle school and a sixth form.

It was also attended by presenter Valerie Singleton, singer Ella Henderson and Dame Julie Andrews.

The series will capture students performing at the local Christmas fair, celebrating Valentine's Day and taking part in a sports day.

Boarding students balance typical daily school life with auditions and end of year productions.

Some of the current pupils seen in the upcoming documentary have performed in West End shows such as Starlight Express, Matilda, and The Lion King.

Rachel Drummond-Hay, the programme's executive producer, said: "These budding stars show that to make it in the spotlight, you need more than just glitz and talent, you need grit and determination too and watching these young people triumph on stage and off makes compulsive viewing."

The 15 episodes produced by Drummer Television will broadcast on CBBC and BBC iPlayer from Monday.

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