East Sussex School of Circus Arts
ESSCA is an international independent sixth form college, offering training dedicated exclusively to circus arts. Based in Hailsham, East Sussex, we offer a Full and part time highly physical/technical training through Circus, Acrobatics, Dance, Acting and Live Performance, all combined with circus arts.
We also provide afternoon classes after school hours. For more information please below at the timetable.
Our Story
Welcome
ESSCA is a sixth form college that also runs after school clubs during term time to teach children of all ages from 4+ all the way to adults too, a wide range of circus performance skills including floor acrobatics and aerial skills from: trapeze, hoop, silks, ropes, etc. These classes are a great alternative to traditional sports as they allow children and young people to build confidence while increasing their strength, fitness and flexibility as well as socialising with other students in a fun and supportive environment.
For adults, it’s an interesting alternative form of fitness exercise which could lead to discovering a new skill and even open the door to new opportunities!
Testimonials
What People are Saying

Pedro Cardoso – 2021 Graduate

Celina Mariani – 2021 Graduate

Abu and Nassor Graduates 2022

I am proud to be sponsoring one of their students & this course has positively changed her life!”
Ruth Bannister – Sponsor
Don’t Miss
Our News And Events
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest news from the team and upcoming events.
East Sussex School of Circus Arts Celebrates First BTEC Graduates Under the Big Top
Hailsham, East Sussex – July 2025 East Sussex School of Circus Arts (ESSCA), based at Knockhatch Adventure Park, marked a historic milestone this summer as the first cohort of students graduated from its BTEC Level 3 in Circus and Performing Arts. The celebration—held...
Terror-ific Hallowe’en Circus at the East Sussex School of Circus Arts
No bumps in the night - just 'eerie-sistable' shows - Terror-ific Hallowe'en Circus at the East Sussex School of Circus Arts Zombies, ghouls, ghosts and spooks were out in full force for two Spooktacular Hallowe'en fright nights on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th...
Circus Skills Workshops – Creative team building solutions for the NHS
Sussex’s only Big Top circus school, the Hailsham-based East Sussex School of Circus Arts (ESSCA), which runs a wide variety of training courses covering all key circus performance skills, and a BTEC Level 3 in Circus and Performing Arts, has been commissioned by The...