Suffolk-born singer Steven Yallop inspires students at his former school Mildenhall College Academy ahead of Academy Transformation Trust concert at the Apex in Bury St Edmunds

An ex-student turned professional singer has returned to his school in the run-up to a gala concert by the academy trust.

Steven Yallop visited Mildenhall College Academy (MCA) last month to work with some of the students ahead of the ATT (Academy Transformation Trust) Academies’ Gala Concert, which is on at the Apex, in Bury St Edmunds, this evening.

Also visiting Great Heath Academy in Mildenhall and Iceni Academy Hockwold, near Thetford, he led masterclasses with the students taking part.

Jane Sayer, faculty leader for music and drama at MCA, said: “Steven is an incredible singer who has performed and sold out performances at prestigious venues including the Apex, Cambridge Junction and Hedingham Castle.

“He has an amazing ability to connect with audiences and he certainly inspired our students with his charismatic and energetic games and exercises. His advice on stage presence transformed the children’s performances in a very short time.

“It was particularly poignant that Steven was able to motivate our MCA students and to work with his music teacher.

“You can catch Steven in concert with his Show Orchestra at the Apex on November 5th this year.”

The ATT Academies’ Gala Concert is at 6pm tonight and features MCA, Great Heath Academy, Iceni Academy Hockwold, Westbourne Academy, in Ipswich, and Nicholas Hamond Academy in Swaffham.