This fire was suspected to have been caused by a cigarette within the costume area controlled by the Wakefield Amateur Theatre Guild for a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

This was done in order to form a Church controlled High School on the site of the former, Upon closure of Thornes House High School, the remaining campuses within Thornes Park were handed over to Wakefield College as their Sports and Fitness educational centre, with a Swimming Pool and other athletic facilities provided on-site.

It was at this time, which CAPA opened to students aged 16–18 and became renowned across the UK as one of the leading schools for Performing Arts.

Students aged 13+ are required to study for GCSEs in Maths, English (x2), Science (x2 or x3 depending on academic status and/or the pathway they are on).

Their vision for all pupils to have belief in themselves, and to develop strong character traits, is embedded in the day-to-day offer" and also that there is "a meticulous culture of vigilance across all aspects of safeguarding".