We're delighted to announce the results of our Dear Future Self Summer Filmmaking Competition 2026!
As September arrives, many young people are stepping into a brand-new chapter. It's a season of fresh starts, exciting opportunities and a moment to pause and reflect on how far they've come. Yet it's also a time when passions, interests and creative ambitions can sometimes take a back seat to the demands of what's next.
At the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), we believe those passions matter. They're often the very things that help shape confidence, identity and future aspirations. That's why this year's competition theme felt so important and so closely connected to our nationwide Just Stick With It campaign. Through this campaign, we've been exploring the hobbies, interests and creative pursuits that adults wish they'd continued, highlighting the lasting impact that sticking with something you love can have.
On the theme of reflection, over the summer holidays, PQA invited young people from across the UK to create a short film message to their future selves.
The challenge encouraged both PQA and non-PQA students to capture a moment in time and reflect on what matters most to them right now. Through their films, they explored questions such as: What do I love? What makes me feel most like myself? What memories, passions or dreams do I never want to forget?
The result was a collection of heartfelt, creative and deeply personal films that left a lasting impression on our judges.
"We were blown away by the creativity and thoughtfulness of the entries" they shared. "Every film approached the brief in a unique way, making the judging process incredibly difficult."
The standard was exceptionally high, and after much deliberation, our judges selected two winners and six outstanding runners-up.
These films will be screened at PQA's National Film Festival, where the winners will be invited to attend the event, see their work showcased on the big screen and receive their awards and prizes.
12 and Over Winner
You Are Not Alone by Caitlin, PQA Haywards Heath
Under 12 Winner
Love Your Younger Self by Lorena, PQA Bristol
Don't Forget Who You Are by Mia, PQA Bedford
10 Years On by Miles, PQA Worcester
Footprints by Oscar, PQA Bristol Long Ashton
Don't Forget Where You Started by Dare, PQA Rugby
Toes by Max, PQA Stockport
Stories of My Future Self by Maren, PQA Reading
A huge congratulations to all of our winners, runners-up and everyone who entered. Thank you for sharing your stories, your creativity and a little piece of yourselves with us.
All entries can be viewed on PQATV's YouTube channel HERE.
PQATV showcases the incredible Film & TV work created by young people from PQA academies across the UK, alongside entries submitted to our national competitions. It's a celebration of creativity, and storytelling.
Take a look and discover what young people can achieve through Film & TV at PQA. We guarantee you'll be inspired, entertained and maybe even reach for the tissues!
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 39 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.