First round of circus performers complete training

A circus student performed a fire-breathing stunt at the college's graduation ceremony

The first students to graduate from a circus school since it officially became a sixth form college say they are eager to get started in the industry.

For the past nine months, students at East Sussex School of Circus Arts, in Hailsham, have been practising and perfecting their craft.

It is the first year the school has run as an official sixth form and is one of just two in England to offer training dedicated exclusively to circus arts.

Teacher Renato Pires, who founded the school, said: "There is nothing we can't do, everything is possible if you put your mind into it."

"I went to see a circus and remember thinking 'I just absolutely would love to do that'," said graduate Alisha Bristow.

Meanwhile, student Summer Spice said: "I didn't want to go to university, finding the circus is such a different and unique thing.

"I love being here, the people, the environment. It's a family, it's amazing."

The school says it offers full and part time, highly physical and technical training through circus, acrobatics, dance, acting and live performance.