Tom Brittney, star of ITV's hit period crime drama 'Grantchester', has returned to Colyton Grammar School, where he was previously a student, to see its new Drama Studio and to give an acting masterclass to Year 10 and Year 12 students.

Tom was a student at Colyton from 2002 to 2008 before going on to train at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

His first TV acting role was in daytime soap 'Doctors' and his acting career took off when he played the role of Lieutenant Jeremy Foster in 'Outlander'.

His most recent TV role has seen him play lead character Reverend Will Davenport in 'Grantchester'.

Tom visited Colyton to see the new purpose-designed Bradbeer Drama Studio, named after former teacher Sidney Bradbeer, who taught Latin, French and maths at Colyton Grammar School from 1947 to 1981.

Mr Bradbeer left the school a significant legacy, which has been used to found the Bradbeer Bursary Fund. This has funded the Drama Studio and is used to support students from households with limited income and a range of educational activities.

This legacy has also been used to install solar panels at the school and for developments designed for the benefit of students.

Tom spoke to a group of students at lunchtime, answering plenty of questions, which included describing storytelling as his favourite part of the job.

Returning to school, he reflected that he always used to do a backflip on the front lawn, as he wanted to entertain people from an early age!

He also spoke about people he would love to work with, one of them being the late Robin Williams.

He has been lucky to realise two of his ambitions already – working with Tom Hanks and he is now working with Dame Judy Dench.

He said: "It was an absolute pleasure to get the chance to return to my old school, and to pass on some of what I've learnt over the years to the younger generation.

"It was also great to see how much Colyton is putting behind its drama courses, and how passionate and inspired the students are!"

Suzi Brownley, head of drama at Colyton Grammar School, commented: "Tom's visit was a wonderful way to celebrate the new studio space and the students really benefitted from his expertise and guidance during the workshop.

"Tom was very generous with both his time and advice and so the students were able to observe the impact of his feedback on the practical work that they were creating."

Colyton Grammar celebrating 475th anniversary

Founded in 1546, Colyton Grammar School is celebrating its 475th anniversary this year, delayed by last year's pandemic restrictions.

The school will be holding a special 475th Anniversary Festival on Saturday, July 2 between 1pm and 5pm. Everyone is welcome, entry is free, and it will be a fun day out for all the family as well as the chance to look around the school and its beautiful campus.

There will be food stalls, an art exhibition, music and sport – including use of the school's tennis courts and a number of cricket matches.

Please check the school's website for details – www.colytongrammar.com