A former Bury College Performing Arts student is wowing the nation on Saturday nights as she appears in a primetime talent show on BBC One.

Amy Lawson is taking centre stage to appear on The Greatest Dancer as part of the Jazz dance troupe The Queens. The dance squad have reached the live finals of the competition and are being mentored by popstar royalty Cheryl.

Amy secured her Bury College Performance qualification in 2011 before successfully gaining a place at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks in Blackpool. This three year course propelled Amy’s career and has allowed her to achieve exceptional career success.

26 year old Amy said, “Auditioning for The Greatest Dancer was an incredible experience for myself and The Queens. The perfect opportunity to show the nation who we are and what we're all about. To then go and make it through to the lives and be chosen as Cherly's final 3 means the world. It's overwhelming to feel the support, recognition and acceptance of such an icon and has only given us further confidence going forward in the competition.  

We are a group of like-minded women who have been lucky enough to find each other through the uncertainty of our extraordinary industry. Together we are the best versions of ourselves and have united as Queens.”

Amy, who is a former Woodhey High School pupil and trained at the Debra Simmons School of Dance in Ramsbottom, said of her time at Bury College, “I loved my time at Bury College and I can’t praise my tutors enough for their support and knowledge. It allowed me to safely push myself out of my comfort zone and offered me the time to nurture my self-development as a performer.”

Andy Tomlinson, Head of Bury College School of Performance, said, “We are extremely proud of Amy’s progress and success since leaving college. She continues to demonstrate the talent, attitude and professionalism that was so evident to her tutors and peers. We continue to follow her career closely and wish her all the best!”

Latest News

Bury College Dental Apprentice employer smiling at the camera inside the dental practice

Bury College proudly collaborates with local businesses to create opportunities for learners to gain valuable experience in the workplace. One of those businesses is Brandlesholme Dentistry, who currently employ Apprentices through the College.

A former Bury College adult learner smiling at the camera in a hairdressing salon

Read about Laura’s journey from adult learner to business owner.

students stood against congratulations signs on results day

Read about the incredible achievements of our students on Results Day 2026. Hear their success stories, see their reactions, and find out what makes Bury College such a proud place to learn.

Bury College Apprentices in class

Are you a small business owner interested in taking on a school leaver Apprentice? Here is everything you need to know about the new incentive payments that may be available to you.

Adult learner at Bury College smiling at the camera

A Bury College adult learner has transformed her life and career, progressing from Level 2 Counselling on to running her own private practice, which has recently been shortlisted for a business award.

artwork on display at the art exhibition

Bury College's annual Art and Design Exhibition celebrated the creativity, talent and achievements of students across a range of creative disciplines. Showcasing work in photography, graphic design, games art and mixed media, the exhibition highlighted how students are using creativity to explore contemporary issues, develop professional skills and prepare for exciting futures in the creative industries.