A brand-new college has officially opened its doors in the heart of Kidderminster.  

JDF Performing Arts College had its official opening ceremony last week with Mayor George Connelly having the honour of cutting the ribbon. 

The new college, which is located on Meadow Mills Industrial Estate, promises to bring something new and exciting to the town with creative director Jessica Ayerst calling the opening ceremony a "magical moment where I completed my mission for the town and my studios". 

16 students have already enrolled on the course 16 students have already enrolled on the course (Image: JDF)

Ms Ayerst, who owns J's Dance Factory, said: "The opening was just brilliant. Learners and their families joined us for classes with West End star Morgan Scott who had just toured with the hit musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

"It was great to be able to show people around the site which has just had renovation work completed to add a purpose-built singing room, classroom and secure fingerprint entry system to keep my students safe." 

Mayor George Connelly cut the ribbon at the ceremony Mayor George Connelly cut the ribbon at the ceremony (Image: JDF)

The mum-of-two said she chose to create the BTEC dance course in Kidderminster as she recognised that the town required a connection to London. 

JE Management, the talent agency of the school, is based in London and has provided opportunities for her students in China this year with the production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies. 

Eight students from JDF have also secured work on an exciting project that will be televised next week. 

The mayor with creative director Jessica Ayerst The mayor with creative director Jessica Ayerst (Image: JDF)

The lecturers believe the students need to have a college that will equip them with the tools they need to succeed with the course offering both fully funded training at BTEC level and IDTA teaching qualifications. 

This will help students gain employment or create their own dance businesses. 

Ms Ayerst added: "Our opening day was a huge success with 16 students enrolling onto the dance course." 

The college has already had applications for their next academic year in 2025 and will hold its first open day on Sunday, September 22. 

To find out more or to book a place on the open day visit www.jsdancefactorykidderminster.com