If you’re looking for an activity that builds confidence, creativity and real‑world skills, performing arts is one of the most powerful choices you can make for your child. When Pauline Quirke MBE and her husband Steve opened the Pauline Quirke Academy in 2007, they wanted to create a place where young people could discover who they are, and who they can become. This really shines through in our motto: Be Yourself. Be Amazing!
Today, with more than 200 sessions across 250+ locations, it is still at the heart of everything we do.
Every child arrives with something unique to offer. Our job is to help them uncover it. From the moment they step into one of our academies, they’re welcomed into a warm, supportive environment where they can grow, explore and thrive. And while they’re learning performing arts, they’re also building life skills that support them far beyond the stage.
Many parents come to us because their child is shy, needs confidence, wants to make friends, or simply needs a creative outlet. Performing arts naturally bring out their real potential and realise what they are capable of:
These are skills that last a lifetime: in school, friendships, future careers and everyday life.
One of the things families love most about PQA is our unique three‑classes:
It’s not just singing, dancing and acting. It’s filmmaking, camera work, storyboarding, reading social cues, improv, character work, teamwork and creative problem‑solving.
These creative skills naturally grow into lifelong ones: confidence, communication, patience, public speaking, resilience, memory, presentation and more.
Our learning approach, is how we help students learn in a way that feels natural, joyful and empowering. It blends our values, skill-based learning into something dynamic and genuinely fun.
While students are busy storytelling or creating scenes, they’re also building real-world skills like literacy, communication and emotional awareness, often without even realising it.
Confidence is one of the biggest reasons families join PQA. And we see it grow every single week.
Whether students are rehearsing a routine, performing for their peers or stepping onto a stage for the first time, they learn to trust themselves, try new things and celebrate their progress. For some children, that journey takes time, and that’s okay. We nurture them gently, support them fully and celebrate every milestone.
Performing arts is all about teamwork. Students learn how to collaborate, communicate and support each other, skills that matter just as much offstage as they do on it.
Through rehearsals, performances and filming projects, young people connect with others who share their passions. They build friendships, empathy and compassion, and they learn what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Our classes are led by professional teachers, industry creatives with real experience both on screen and behind the camera. Many have worked on TV shows, theatre productions and creative projects across the performing arts world. They bring their expertise straight into the classroom, passing on good practice, up‑to‑date industry knowledge and a huge range of skills every single week.
This means students receive professional performing arts training in a fun, supportive environment, helping them grow not only as performers, but as confident, capable young people.
Throughout their time at PQA, students get the chance to showcase their creativity and skills in exciting, meaningful ways:
These moments give young people the chance to feel proud, brave and capable, and to see what they can achieve when they believe in themselves.
Learn more about our student experiences here.
As part of our 2026 Brand Campaign Competition, students shared how they found their voice, their place or themselves at PQA. Their stories say everything:
These journeys are why we do what we do.
We believe performing arts can have a powerful, positive impact on young people. It helps them discover skills they may never have known they had, and gives them a safe, joyful space to grow. And we’d love to welcome your child to be part of it.
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.