The Facilities

Step into the environments where creative careers begin

As the lead college group for the National College of Creative Industries, you'll learn in professional studios, performance spaces and production facilities designed to reflect the realities of the creative sector.

Our specialist facilities span multiple locations across South Essex Colleges Group, including the renowned Backstage Centre at High House Production Park, Estuary Studios and the Grays Auditorium at Thurrock College, and film, performing arts, art and design facilities at Southend City College. Together, they provide access to the spaces, equipment and industry environments that help you develop your skills, build confidence and prepare for your future career.

From rehearsing on professional stages and creating content in specialist studios to learning alongside industry partners at one of the UK's leading creative production hubs, you'll gain hands on experience in facilities used by professionals every day.

Southend City College

Located in the heart of the city, next to Southend Central station, Southend City College offers a vibrant and inspiring learning environment for creative learners. Specialist facilities include a dedicated Performing Arts Centre, fully equipped film studios, and professional art and design spaces where students can develop their skills, explore their creativity and build industry-ready experience.

Specialist facilities include:

The Performing Arts Centre including professional studios for performing arts including a dedicated dance studio
Xtreme recording and rehearsal studio, with mixing, recording, rehearsal and sequencing facilities for sound and music production students
Radio studio for broadcast and audio work
Fully equipped photographic studio with digital SLR cameras
Dedicated art studios and design work spaces. Podcast and journalism newsroom
250 seat Performance Pod

Visit our Southend City College page

Basildon College

Incorporating Centre of Digital Technologies, Basildon College offers specialist technical and digital facilities. From practical workshops to modern open plan learning spaces, students gain hands on experience using industry standard equipment, supported by expert teaching that helps them progress with confidence.

Specialist facilities include:

Specialist 'Centre for Digital Technologies' in Basildon town centre, with specialist facilities for games design, animation, digital production, digital and IT media

Visit our Basildon College page

Thurrock College

Home to a range of specialist creative facilities designed to support the development of practical skills and professional experience. These include Estuary Studios, the Grays Auditorium, and dedicated creative learning spaces where students can develop their talents, collaborate on projects and gain hands on experience in industry-standard environments.

Specialist facilities include:

Estuary Music Studios with industry level equipment, practice and recording studios
Outdoor amphitheatre for production arts, acting and musical performances.
Large auditorium spaces used for guest speakers and events.

Visit our Thurrock College page

High House Production Park, Purfleet on Thames

High House Production Park is home to The Backstage Centre and The Bob and Tamar Manoukian Costume Centre, giving students access to a remarkable creative industry environment.

It is a place where education and industry come together, creating opportunities to learn in spaces used by professional productions, artists and creative organisations.

Specialist facilities include:

The Backstage Centre, a purpose built production environment designed in consultation with experts from leading theatre and live production venues.
Large sound stage measuring 875m² with 15m grid height and high load capacity.
Fully soundproofed, temperature controlled production environment.
Rehearsal and production spaces for theatre, TV, film and live events.
Recording studio, live room and band rehearsal space.
Fully equipped dance studio with sprung floor.
Green room, dressing rooms, production offices, meeting rooms, technical workshops, prop making and rigging spaces.
Training rooms, classrooms and industry standard learning environments for live production training.
The Bob and Tamar Manoukian Costume Centre, built in partnership with the Royal Opera House and home to the BA Hons Costume Construction degree.

A real working environment where students can learn alongside industry professionals and benefit from work based learning opportunities

Visit our Backstage Centre page