Arts
Every former student has a story to tell.
Arts
Every former student has a story to tell.
Arts
Every former student has a story to tell.
Fred Longworth High School has anchored its identity in creative education for nearly three decades, officially earning Specialist Arts College status in 1998. While the specialist schools programme no longer operates, the “Freddie’s” curriculum remains deeply dedicated to performing and visual arts. In fact, the school was awarded the prestigious Platinum Artsmark Award by Arts Council England in 2026, confirming its place as a national leader in high-quality creative experiences.
Dance
The Dance Department at Fred Longworth High School is a powerhouse of creative talent in Greater Manchester. Celebrated for its 25+ year legacy of excellence, the department blends rigorous academic study with a vibrant community of elite alumni, guest workshops, and packed public showcases.
Our connection to the professional dance industry is so strong that our state-of-the-art dance studio facility is named directly after our most famous dancing alumnus.
- An Evening of Dance: A structural showcase tradition spanning over two decades. This massive annual event brings together over 120 pupils from across Years 7 to 11. Audiences are treated to up to 30 unique solo, duet, and group routines.
- Diverse Choreographic Styles: Performances stretch across diverse genres, allowing students to explore technical foundations in Contemporary, Street, Jazz, and Commercial dance.
- WigLe Dance CIC: Fred Longworth High School dance department actively collaborates with local community organisations, hosting specialised youth performance training tracks on campus in tandem with regional dance groups.
- Rambert Grades: The department provides access to the prestigious Rambert Grades framework, focusing on contemporary dance technique, creative improvisation, and technical training foundations.
At Fred Longworth High School, we are incredibly proud of the many students who have developed their passion for dance during their time with us. Many former students have gone on to build successful careers in the performing arts industry. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current students and demonstrate the value of dedication, resilience and creativity.
Jordan James Bridge is a British dancer, choreographer, and creative artist who works in stage performance, film, and fashion. He has performed with leading dance companies and has received recognition for his innovative choreography and award-winning dance films
To learn more about Jordan’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Jordan James Bridge
PROFESSIONAL DANCER
Jordan James Bridge
PROFESSIONAL DANCER
Jordan James Bridge is a British dancer, choreographer, and creative artist who works in stage performance, film, and fashion. He has performed with leading dance companies and has received recognition for his innovative choreography and award-winning dance films
To learn more about Jordan’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Charlie Johnson (née Walsh) has enjoyed success in the professional performance industry, progressing to perform in the West End, one of the most prestigious stages in the world. Charlie’s journey from Fred Longworth High School to a professional performing career demonstrates the opportunities available to students who combine talent with hard work and determination. Her achievements continue to inspire aspiring performers across the school community.
To learn more about Charlie’s journey and her memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Charlie Johnson
Musical Theatre Performer
Charlie Johnson
Musical Theatre Performer
Charlie Johnson (née Walsh) has enjoyed success in the professional performance industry, progressing to perform in the West End, one of the most prestigious stages in the world. Charlie’s journey from Fred Longworth High School to a professional performing career demonstrates the opportunities available to students who combine talent with hard work and determination. Her achievements continue to inspire aspiring performers across the school community.
To learn more about Charlie’s journey and her memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Former student Taylor Byrnes has established a successful career in dance education and leadership. Taylor is the principal of The Danceworks, Salford, one of the region’s leading dance schools, where she has worked as a dance teacher and leader, helping to develop the next generation of performers. Through her commitment to dance education and performance, Taylor has become a highly respected figure within the local dance community.
To learn more about Taylor’s journey and her memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Taylor Byrnes
Principal of The Danceworks, Salford
Taylor Byrnes
Principal of The Danceworks, Salford
Former student Taylor Byrnes has established a successful career in dance education and leadership. Taylor is the principal of The Danceworks, Salford, one of the region’s leading dance schools, where she has worked as a dance teacher and leader, helping to develop the next generation of performers. Through her commitment to dance education and performance, Taylor has become a highly respected figure within the local dance community.
To learn more about Taylor’s journey and her memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Former student Faith Scott has taken her passion for dance overseas, building a successful career in Canada. After developing her dance skills during her time at Fred Longworth High School, Faith progressed into professional dance training and performance, eventually establishing herself within the Canadian dance sector. Her international success highlights the global opportunities that can arise from a commitment to the performing arts. She now runs her own Dance Academy in Canada.
To learn more about Faith’s journey and her memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Faith Scott
Owner and Artistic Director of JUMP Academy of Dance
Faith Scott
Owner and Artistic Director of JUMP Academy of Dance
Former student Faith Scott has taken her passion for dance overseas, building a successful career in Canada. After developing her dance skills during her time at Fred Longworth High School, Faith progressed into professional dance training and performance, eventually establishing herself within the Canadian dance sector. Her international success highlights the global opportunities that can arise from a commitment to the performing arts. She now runs her own Dance Academy in Canada.
To learn more about Faith’s journey and her memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Inspiring the Next Generation
These alumni are just a few examples of the many Fred Longworth students who have used their experiences in school to pursue careers in dance and performance. Their journeys reflect the strength of the school’s dance provision and its commitment to nurturing talent, building confidence and encouraging students to aspire to ambitious futures both on and off the stage.
We hope their stories motivate current students to follow their passions and demonstrate that with dedication, creativity and perseverance, exciting opportunities can emerge from the foundations built at Fred Longworth High School.
Finally, we are also especially proud of the many former students, including Heidi Marsh, Jess Aspin, Ruby Hampson, Harry Cunliffe, Eden Sturgeon, Eva Molyneaux, Alyssa Lynch who continue to play an active role in dance at our school. By returning to mentor current students, assist with choreography and support their learning, they help foster a culture of ambition, belonging and excellence. They are all part of a truly unique and inspiring Dance family that spans generations of Fred Longworth dancers.
Drama
- Oliver! The Musical: A massive school production featuring over 70 talented students bringing the classic story to life.
- The Addams Family: A spooky musical comedy that marked the official ribbon-cutting production for the school’s high-tech new theatre building.
- The Phantom of the Opera: An incredibly ambitious full-length production undertaken by a 40-strong student cast, which received wide critical acclaim across Tyldesley.
- National Theatre Connections: Our drama faculty frequently partners with the National Theatre to debut contemporary youth plays, such as performing Find a Partner on the professional stage at the HOME Theatre in Manchester.
- Professional Workshops: Students regularly engage with industry leaders, including physical theatre sequences inspired by the world-famous Frantic Assembly and devising workshops with regional companies like ThickSkin Theatre.
At Fred Longworth High School, we are incredibly proud of the many students who have developed their passion for acting during their time with us. Many former students have gone on to build successful careers in the performing arts industry. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current students and demonstrate the value of dedication, resilience and creativity.
Adam Boardman is a successful professional theatre and television actor who left Fred Longworth High School in 2010.
To learn more about Adam’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Adam Boardman
Actor
Adam Boardman
Actor
Adam Boardman is a successful professional theatre and television actor who left Fred Longworth High School in 2010.
To learn more about Adam’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Music
The Music Department at Fred Longworth High School is recognised for its progressive approach to practical music-making, technology integration, and industry training. Led by head of Music Helen Robinson, the department focuses on helping students exploit their creative musical interests through modern performance, digital composition, and live showcases.
Beyond theatrical performances, the music department structures standalone concerts throughout the school calendar:
- The Summer Concert: Held annually in July, this acts as the final musical showcase of the year, bringing together the school’s diverse rock bands, solo vocalists, and instrumental ensembles.
- The Winter Concert: A structural calendar staple usually held in mid-December, focusing heavily on classical ensembles, brass arrangements, and seasonal choir displays.
- Community Concerts: The school’s prominent Fred Longworth Brass Band frequently aligns with national ensembles for community-facing projects, such as performing collaborative charity shows at local venues like St George’s Church alongside the British Army Band Catterick.
At Fred Longworth High School, we are incredibly proud of the many students who have developed their passion for music during their time with us. Many former students have gone on to build successful careers in the performing arts industry. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current students and demonstrate the value of dedication, resilience and creativity.
Laura White is an internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter who attended Fred Longworth High School.
To learn more about Laura’s journey and her memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Laura White
Singer / Songwriter
Laura White
Singer / Songwriter
Laura White is an internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter who attended Fred Longworth High School.
To learn more about Laura’s journey and her memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Thom Rylance, lead singer, songwriter and founder of the chart-topping indie band The Lottery Winners is a former student at Fred Longworth High School. Thom has enjoyed remarkable success in the music industry, helping to lead the Leigh-based band to multiple Top 40 albums, including the UK Number One album Anxiety Replacement Therapy in 2023.
To learn more about Thom’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Thom Rylance
Singer / Songwriter
Thom Rylance
Singer / Songwriter
Thom Rylance, lead singer, songwriter and founder of the chart-topping indie band The Lottery Winners is a former student at Fred Longworth High School. Thom has enjoyed remarkable success in the music industry, helping to lead the Leigh-based band to multiple Top 40 albums, including the UK Number One album Anxiety Replacement Therapy in 2023.
To learn more about Thom’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
As one of the most sought after composing talents of his generation, Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s musical works have been performed to sell-out audiences at London’s Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House.
To learn more about Paul’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Paul Lovatt-Cooper
COMPOSER & Musician
Paul Lovatt-Cooper
COMPOSER & Musician
As one of the most sought after composing talents of his generation, Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s musical works have been performed to sell-out audiences at London’s Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House.
To learn more about Paul’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Reece Cairns is a talented and dynamic professional musician who attended Fred Longworth High School. Deeply involved in the vibrant creative community at “Freddie’s” during his school years, Reece turned his early musical education and passion for performing into a successful career in the modern music industry. After finishing his studies at Fred Longworth, Reece went on to study contemporary music and artist development, honing his skills in music production, performance, and live gigging.
To learn more about Reece’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Reece Cairns
Musician
Reece Cairns
Musician
Reece Cairns is a talented and dynamic professional musician who attended Fred Longworth High School. Deeply involved in the vibrant creative community at “Freddie’s” during his school years, Reece turned his early musical education and passion for performing into a successful career in the modern music industry. After finishing his studies at Fred Longworth, Reece went on to study contemporary music and artist development, honing his skills in music production, performance, and live gigging.
To learn more about Reece’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Ross Baillie-Eames is an exceptionally talented composer, sound designer, and music lecturer who attended Fred Longworth High School between 2011 and 2016.
To learn more about Ross’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Ross Baillie-Eames
Composer & MUsician
Ross Baillie-Eames
Composer & MUsician
Ross Baillie-Eames is an exceptionally talented composer, sound designer, and music lecturer who attended Fred Longworth High School between 2011 and 2016.
To learn more about Ross’s journey and his memories of Fred Longworth High School click here.
Paddy Monaghan is a musician and tutor who attended Fred Longworth High School.
Paddy Monaghan
Musician
Paddy Monaghan
Musician
Paddy Monaghan is a musician and tutor who attended Fred Longworth High School.
If you are a former student we would love to hear from you. Share your Fred Longworth story and help us celebrate the achievements, experiences and memories of our alumni community.