Here you’ll find some of the most popular questions along with their answers, grouped into four sections.

FREE SESSION FAQS
Can I try a session at PQA before signing up? 
Yes! Every academy offers one free trial session, as long as there is space available in the age group. If the group is currently full, you can join the waiting list, and we’ll contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
How do I book a free session?
You can book a free session by searching for your local academy, going to the academy page and scrolling down to their academy sessions. Click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ button associated with your preferred time. The form will show which dates are available to bring your child in for their free session in their age group.
I am trying to book a free session, but the session details are showing ‘limited availability’
For safeguarding and class quality reasons, we cap the size of age groups. If an academy session is showing ‘Limited Availability’ it means that one or more of the age groups is full. You can check the class availability on the 3rd page of our free session booking form.
Why do I need to give you so many details when booking my free session?
We take the care of your child very seriously, so we like to make sure we have all the important information – such as emergency contacts, medical issues or additional access needs, to hand before we meet them. We require your child’s date of birth to allocate them to the correct group for their age.
Why do I need to provide my payment details to book a free session?
If you arrive at this page on the form, it means you have unticked the ‘free session’ box. Just pop back a few pages on the form and make sure the ‘free session’ box is ticked.
My local academy doesn’t have any available places?
Please type your postcode into our academy search bar to see where your next closest academy is.
If I join the waiting list, how long will I be on it?
It is often difficult to provide a specific waiting time, but we suggest having a chat with your Principal for further guidance.
My child is unable to make a free session, can I rebook?
If you are aware in advance that you will be unable to make your free session please contact your local Principal to rebook. If you miss a free session you will receive an email from PQA Membership. This email will contain to a rebooking form. Alternatively you can contact your local Principal or our Membership Team to rebook your session.
Enrollment and Membership FAQs
How do I enrol my child into PQA?
To complete your child’s enrollment, you need to create a membership account in our PQA Parent Portal. Following your free session you will be emailed a link to the Parent Portal. From the Sign In page, select 'Sign Up Now'.  Please enter the email address that you used to book your free session. You will then be sent a verification code which once entered will then allow you to create a password and create your membership account. In here you will be able to complete your Direct Debit instruction. If you are having difficulty accessing the PQA Parent Portal please contact us at  membershipteam@pqacademy.com  or call  or call 0800 531 6282 – Option 1 and speak to a member of the Membership Team.
What are PQAs Term Dates?
PQA operates for 41 weeks across the academic year. Term dates are displayed on all academy web pages, simply search for your local academy.  For members, the term dates and session dates are also found in the Parent Portal.
Do you accept Government tax-free childcare vouchers or contributions?
Unfortunately we don’t. We only accept membership payments via Direct Debit.
My company or local council has offered to fund the membership, is that okay?
Absolutely! Please email membershipteam@pqacademy.com for more information.
I have shared custody of my child, can they attend every other week?
Whilst this is possible, we would often advise against it, as your child may miss out on learning key skills, and it can make rehearsals difficult.
Why do I pay throughout the summer months when the academy isn’t open?
PQA operates as a membership with a monthly fee. A regular monthly fee makes it easier for you to budget and will hold your child’s place across school holidays.
Do I have to sign up for a year?
We have a minimum membership period of two months. We require a minimum of four weeks notice.
Do you offer discounts?
We offer a 25% discount for siblings in Main Academy.
What are the fees for PQA Main Academy?
  • Main Academy (age 6-18) student - £92 per calendar month
  • Main Academy sibling student - £69 per calendar month
  • Poppets student - £46 per calendar month
Main Academy FAQs
What Performing Arts Training does PQA Offer?
For children and teens aged 6-18, our Main Academy sessions comprise of three hour-long classes. Our Musical Theatre class is all about singing, dancing and acting, where young performers learn choreography, script work, and vocal skills. Our Comedy & Drama class builds on the acting skills learned in Musical Theatre and focuses more on traditional drama techniques like physical theatre and improvisation, as well as devising and performing comedy. Our Film & TV classes are unique to PQA. Young filmmakers can get hands-on with the whole production process - from screenwriting to lighting, sound and animation. We make sure that everyone finds their happy place, whether that’s in acting to the camera, or calling the shots behind it! Some of our academies also offer a Poppets class, which is an introduction to performing arts for ages 4-6. These 90-minute classes focus on the development of key skills like speech, movement and building confidence.
Can my child pick which class they do?
When you sign up to PQA, you are signing up to all 3 classes. Our Main Academy runs for 3 hours each week, with an hour spent in each class.
Does PQA welcome neurodiverse and SEN children at academy?
We aim to make every child feel welcome and supported. Your local Principal will be happy to chat about how we can best support your child’s needs. While we cannot offer 1:1 support, we’ll always do our best to be inclusive as possible.
Does my child need to have previous performing arts experience?
No! We welcome everyone to PQA, regardless of prior experience or talents. We never ask anyone to audition prior to joining.
Will my child be with people their own age?
We group students by age in our Main Academy and refer to the groups using colours
  • Ages 6-9 are in Green Group
  • Ages 10-12 are in Blue Group
  • Ages 13-18 are in Red Group
Do you offer half-term or summer workshops?
Most of our academies offer additional workshops during half term and summer holidays. Please check the ‘Academy Notices and Projects’ section on your local academy’s web page.
How often do you do shows?
Our academies will work towards a termly showcase or showing of work. This might be in a local theatre, cinema or in the academy venue, many of which have dedicated performance spaces.
FAQs – Poppets
My child is almost 4 – can I pre-book my free session?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept free session bookings for our Poppets classes until your child is 4.
My child is 6 – should they be in Poppets or Main Academy?
We recommend making this decision based on whether you think your child would thrive more with 7-9 year olds, or whether that might be a bit too much for them! You are more than welcome to discuss this with the Principal of your local academy prior to booking your free session.
Can I stay with my child when they have their free session?
Please discuss your requirements with your Principal and they will be able to talk you through the best course of action based on your child’s needs.