Bishop's the biz!

And Bishop Perowne CE High School enjoyed a touch of celebrity with former 5ive star Ritchie Neville at the event on this week.

The school, in Merrimans Hill, is already known for high-quality arts achievements and headteacher Peter Warner is confident this will generate more acclaim.

"The arts college is underpinning the whole mission and direction of the school as a distinctive church, Christian school," he said.

"We believe that the arts is fundamental to building self-esteem and self-confidence as well as stimulating enthusiasm and initiative."

It was named a specialist arts college last year and will undergo a number of developments, including a new auditorium and recording equipment.

At the launch, visitors were treated to snapshot scenes from the spring term production, the Wizard of Oz, as well as other works in progress.

Performing arts are used across the school curriculum and another performance was of Little Red Riding Hood in French and Snow White in German.

"It's great to see such wonderfully talented people," Ritchie Neville told the school.

The 23-year-old was taught by assistant headteacher Mike Perry at Bromsgrove School where he appeared as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet.

"I'm about to get an agent for acting, but I'm not a luvvie darling showbiz type," he said.

"I think it would be a waste not to try and have a go because I enjoyed it at school."

Mr Perry said he was a very believable actor.

"He was fantastic, but he then left to do something else," said Mr Perry.

"He's a fine actor and it's important everyone knows that."

The headteacher is keen to ensure people don't think it will be only for people with exceptional talent.

"Bishop Perowne is not just about students who are good at performing arts," said Mr Warner.

"We'll still be turning out mathematicians, historians and scientists, that is so important.

"There's a danger of people thinking this is a fame school but it's about developing confidence."