We know that, as a parent or carer, you want your child to feel happy, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Whether it's at school, at home or through extracurricular activities, helping them find a place where they can thrive is incredibly important.
Think back to an activity you loved as a child. Chances are it helped shape who you are today, building skills, friendships and memories that stayed with you long after childhood.
At The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), we do far more than teach performing arts. Alongside expert training in acting, singing and filmmaking, our students build confidence, creativity, resilience and communication skills that support them throughout their lives.
From finding their voice to discovering lifelong passions, here are five reasons why joining PQA could be one of the best decisions you make for your child.
At PQA, students don't just learn about film and television, they experience it for themselves.
Our Film & Television class gives students the opportunity to explore every stage of the filmmaking process, from screenwriting and storyboarding to camera operation, sound recording, production design and acting for screen.
Working together as a creative team, they transform their ideas into original films, developing valuable communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills along the way. It's a chance to discover new interests, build confidence and gain a real understanding of how the industry works.
And the excitement doesn't stop when filming wraps. Our young filmmakers enjoy unforgettable red-carpet experiences at academy screenings and National Film Festivals, celebrating their hard work alongside family and friends. Their creations can even be featured on PQATV, our online platform showcasing talent from across the PQA network.
Whether they're behind the camera or centre stage, students gain experiences they'll remember for years to come.
Read more about our Film & TV offering here.
One of the greatest benefits of joining PQA is the personal growth that happens alongside the performing arts training.
Every child is different. Some arrive bursting with confidence, while others need a little encouragement to step outside their comfort zone. At PQA, every student is supported to develop at their own pace.
Through our project-based approach, students learn by creating, collaborating and sharing ideas. Along the way, they strengthen essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, resilience and critical thinking.
As their confidence grows, they become more comfortable expressing themselves, taking on new challenges and learning from feedback.
The skills they develop at PQA don't just help them on stage or on screen. They help them navigate school, friendships, future careers and everyday life with greater confidence and self-belief.
For many students, the opportunities created through PQA extend far beyond their time at the academy.
Over the years, many of our alumni have progressed to leading drama schools and universities, while others have returned to PQA as Principals and teachers, inspiring the next generation of young people.
For children and teenagers that are interested in pursuing professional performance opportunities, PQA also offers access to Quirky Kidz, our in-house talent agency representing young people nationwide.
With auditions managed in-house, we provide support throughout the process while ensuring student welfare remains the priority. Quirky Kidz clients have secured roles in major productions including Wicked, Netflix's Toxic Town, Macbeth and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Whether students dream of a career in the creative industries or choose a completely different path, the confidence, discipline and experience they gain at PQA can help shape their future.
Find out more about Quirky Kidz here.
At PQA, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to feel valued, supported and celebrated for who they are.
We are proud to create welcoming environments where students can express themselves freely, explore their creativity and build meaningful friendships. From academy performances and film premieres to weekly class achievements, we celebrate progress, effort and individuality every step of the way.
No previous performing arts experience? No problem.
Many students join PQA having never stepped onto a stage or picked up a camera before. Our supportive teaching teams help every child feel comfortable, included and encouraged from day one.
We also offer a free taster session, giving young people the opportunity to experience a full three-hour session across Comedy & Drama, Film & TV, and Musical Theatre before deciding whether PQA is right for them.
While support varies across academies, parents and carers are always encouraged to speak directly with their local Principal about any additional needs or adjustments. Wherever possible, we will work together to help every student enjoy the best possible experience.
Read more about how PQA champions inclusivity here.
Life can be busy. Between school, homework, exams and everyday commitments, it can sometimes feel like young people are constantly working towards the next thing.
PQA gives students something positive to look forward to each week.
It's a place where they can be creative, spend time with friends, try something new and be surrounded by like-minded young people who share their passions and interests.
Over time, students develop a strong sense of belonging and community. They gain confidence from setting goals, taking responsibility and seeing their progress week after week. The routine and commitment of attending PQA each weekend also helps build discipline and accountability, valuable qualities that benefit them throughout life.
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.
PQA runs for 41 weeks throughout the school year. You can find the full list of term dates on each academy’s webpage, just search for your local academy and visit its web page.
PQA provides performing arts training for children and teens aged 4–18. Our Main Academy (ages 6–18) includes three core classes:
Some academies also offer Poppets (ages 4–6), an energetic 90-minute class introducing young children to singing, dancing and acting.
PQA welcomes all children, whether they’re complete beginners or already confident performers. There’s no audition needed to join.
At PQA students in Main Academy are grouped by age, learning with other children and young people at similar stages.
This depends on where you feel your child will be happiest. Some 6-year olds are ready to join the 6-9 age group in Main Academy, others will feel more comfortable starting in Poppets.
Your always welcome to discuss what’s best for your child with your local Principal before booking your free session.