How PQA Champions Inclusivity.

ALISHA MCROBERTS – VICE PRINCIPAL OF PQA ST HELEN'S

“I’m really passionate about diversity and accessibility. I’d love to share why it’s so important to have a diverse team and student body at PQA.

• Representation matters: First and foremost, PQA is all about children and young people. When they walk through our doors, they deserve to see themselves represented in every aspect of our academy. It’s so important for everyone to see people who look, talk, act, and think like them in all walks of life. This representation helps create a sense of belonging and community that is vital for their growth. 

• Diverse perspectives: One of the best things about having a diverse team is the different viewpoints and ideas that come with it. When you bring together people from different backgrounds, you get fresh perspectives that can really enhance our approach to inclusivity. This helps us to think beyond the usual narratives and make our academy welcoming for everyone. 

• Spotting and solving challenges: Diversity helps us address issues we might not have considered. As a wheelchair user who is also autistic, I made it a priority to ensure our academy is as accessible as possible for all disabilities. Too often, disabled people face exclusion due to lack of access, but at PQA St Helens, we’ve worked hard to change that. We welcome students with a wide range of disabilities, providing accommodations that make them feel supported and happy at our academy. We take pride in creating a safe, fun, and productive environment for everyone. 

• Celebrating differences: And let’s not forget—differences are beautiful! They make us unique, and we should celebrate them. Listening to voices from different backgrounds helps us expand our understanding of the world and fosters empathy among us all. In a world that needs more kindness and understanding, embracing diversity is a step in the right direction."

PARENT OF A PQA BRIGHTON-WEST STUDENT

“Our child had to leave school due to bullying, which left them deeply traumatised. They wouldn’t leave the house, but they still showed up to PQA every week. This is testament to the nurturing, supportive and inclusive environment created by Becca and her team at PQA. It’s hard for me to explain the difference this has made to all our lives, knowing my child still has something that brings them joy, recognises their talents and celebrates them for who they are. They feel nurtured and empowered in this very safe space and this is reflected in the amazing talent showcased by this group! We are so grateful to Becca and all the PQA gang.” 

BETHANY CRAKER – PQA PENN ALUMNI

“I remember being an original PQA-er at PQA Penn not long after it originally opened its doors. Without PQA, I’d never have found my voice. I’m autistic, and I used to be non-verbal, but PQA helped me become confident and find my passion for performing. The teachers treated all of us like a family, giving equal opportunities to every student. I always amazed them because I could look at scripts, learn them quickly, and even remember other people’s lines too, thanks to my photographic memory from autism. We learned film techniques, performed on West End stages, and made friendships that last to this day. One of my proudest moments was winning the Best Film award at the festival. PQA didn’t just teach me skills—it changed my life, and for that, I will be forever grateful.” 

A PQA EALING GRADUATE

“The team at PQA has always been amazingly supportive and brightened my day each week. I will miss the academy more than I can say. There’s no other way to put it —the entire team at PQA Ealing is a credit to the Pauline Quirke Academy. I’ve been incredibly proud and grateful to be a part of it. They have constant smiles on their faces, their energy is always at 110%, and the support and love they show to every single person at the academy is immeasurable, yet certainly not unnoticed. The PQA model is incredible and has had a huge part to play in helping me grow both as a performer and a person.” 

A COMMUNITY THAT CHANGES LIVES

PQA’s unique approach to performing arts education goes far beyond just teaching skills for the stage. It’s about building confidence, fostering inclusivity, and providing children with a supportive environment where they can thrive. Whether its helping students overcome personal challenges or creating a space where they can truly be themselves, PQA uses the power of performing arts to bring out the best in each individual.

Ready to see how we make a difference? Find out more about the student experience at PQA.