At PQA, everything begins with our students; their ideas, their imagination, and their willingness to step forward and express who they are.
Every week, we see what happens when young people are given the space to create, explore and grow. Confidence builds. Voices are found. And something truly special begins to take shape.
Now, six months into the year, we’re celebrating just how far our students have come. From exciting in-academy moments to standout national achievements. And while the big milestones are worth celebrating, what makes them truly meaningful is the journey behind them.
At PQA, success isn’t just about the final result. It’s about every brave step along the way.
Whether it’s performing a line they’ve been practising, sharing an original idea for the first time, or stepping into a new role, we believe every achievement deserves recognition. Our students regularly take part in inspiring opportunities like:
But just as importantly, creativity lives in every session. From our much-loved 5-week challenges to themed projects inspired by Eurovision, Christmas and Summer, students are constantly encouraged to think differently, take risks and try something new.
It’s this consistent encouragement that helps young people grow in confidence, week by week. If you’d like to see more of the creativity our students bring to life, you can explore it here.
One of this year’s standout achievements has been our students’ incredible success in the National Youth Monologues competition 2026, a prestigious external competition with over 4,000 entries nationwide.
This is no small stage. This is a powerful platform where young performers write, develop and perform their own original monologues, sharing their ideas on a national stage.
This year, 11 PQA students were selected as Regional Finalists in the Be Yourself Award category, proudly sponsored by PQA.
That moment, standing up and sharing something they’ve created is what “Finding your voice” is all about.
We were thrilled to see finalists across different age groups:
Ela (PQA Rugby) in KS2.
William (PQA Chester), Lauren (PQA Rugby) and Thandisa (PQA Uxbridge) in KS3
PQA Rugby was named Regional Winner of the School & Groups Prize for the West Midlands.
Thandisa (PQA Uxbridge) was crowned National Winner of the KS3 Original Category.
Incredible achievements, but ones built on self-belief, resilience, creativity and the support of their academies and teachers in their Comedy & Drama classes.
Alongside these achievements, many more students were recognised across Reserve, Shortlist and Commended categories, a true reflection of self-belief and great work across PQA.
Our Student Experience Director, Ross Millington, attended the final to celebrate alongside them, watching as young people across the UK took to the stage and shared their work with a packed audience.
Ross Millington, said: “We are incredibly proud of all the students who represented PQA so brilliantly on a national stage, and of the academies and teachers who supported them through the project and throughout the competition.”
Behind that moment was something powerful; students believing in their own ideas and feeling proud to share them.
From the stage to the screen, our students have also been making their mark in filmmaking.
This year, PQA Leicester became finalists in the Into Film Awards 2026 with their short film Control, shortlisted in the Best Film: 5–11 category, one of just three films selected.
Out of hundreds of entries, this is an incredible achievement.
An amazing achievement, but the story behind it is what makes it so meaningful.
The project began with a simple creative challenge. Students were given five prompts: Control, Speaker, Record, Reception or Orange, and were asked to build a story.
They chose Control, and from there, their imaginations took over.
Over several weeks, students:
Created characters and storylines
Designed storyboards
Filmed and collaborated as a team
The result was a playful, imaginative film about a magical video game controller, full of creativity and personality.
But the real success was what happened behind the scenes.
Callie, aged 10 and the film’s director, shared: “I enjoyed filming on set in the house and seeing my idea come to life. It was fun to work with such a good team.”
Students also spoke about overcoming challenges, from remembering lines to managing nerves, building resilience and confidence along the way.
The project even brought in family support, showing how creativity at PQA extends beyond the classroom and into the wider community.
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.