Inspired by Charlie’s Quirke’s trek, we are supporting the family’s efforts in spreading awareness by launching our own take of ‘Bringing Hope Home’ as a PQA film challenge.
We’re inviting children across the UK, aged 6–17, to take part by creating a short film that explores their hopes and dreams for the future. This could reflect a personal goal, an ambition they wish to achieve, or the hopes they hold for others and the world around them.
Each short film should be 60–90 seconds long and creatively combine voiceover and visuals to tell the story. Participants are welcome to ask for help from a parent, guardian, or older sibling to bring their vision to life.
The first time in PQA history, one winner will receive a FULL YEAR SCHOLARSHIP to PQA and a trophy
3 Runner-Ups will receive a PQA merchandise bundle and a trophy
The winner and runner-up films will screen at the PQA Film Festival 2026
All films will be shared on the PQATV YouTube channel
Download the competition guide by using the link below and read through the whole document before getting started!
Choose how you are going to present your video: Films should have one main filmmaker/ entrant. Your film can be live action, animated, or a combination of both. Ensure your film contains a voiceover spoken by you (the filmmaker/entrant). You must give your film a title, for example, “Hopes and Fears”. Films do not require credits, but if you choose to, you must only include first names.
Your film should be between 60 to 90 seconds long.
Parents/guardians should include the following in their email: the first name of the filmmaker, their age (this will not be made public), and the location of the academy they attend if they are a PQA student (this information does not impact the judges and is collected for internal engagement monitoring purposes only).
Submit your film to filmandtv@pqacademy.com by a parent/guardian and before the deadline of Friday 9th January 2026. Films submitted by under 18’s will not be accepted.
If you have any questions, please email: filmandtv@pqacademy.com
Click here to download the Competition Guide.
We offer a free taster session where your child can explore our three exciting classes: Film & TV, Musical Theatre, and Comedy & Drama.
Book your free session today and watch your child grow in self-belief, unlock their creativity, and discover themselves along the way.
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.