PQA Preston.

Gill Membery

Hi, I'm Gill, and I’m so excited to be part of the PQA Preston team! As Aimee's mum (yep, the Principal!), I've had the joy of watching her grow up immersed in the world of performing arts. From the moment she was 3, I’ve been cheering her on at shows, taking her to dance, singing, and drama classes, and witnessing firsthand the incredible impact performing arts has on children. Now, it’s such a privilege to help Aimee pass on that same passion and joy to the next generation of performers. You'll find me at reception, ready to welcome everyone with a smile, answer any questions parents might have, and of course, chat about the latest adventures in the lives of our amazing students. I love hearing all the stories they share! It's such a rewarding and fun role, and I can't wait to continue being part of this wonderful community.

JG Lane

Hi, I’m John Gordon (JG), and I’m beyond excited to be part of the PQA Preston team! I studied Musical Theatre at Barnsley College before graduating with a degree in Music Theatre at UCLan in 2020. During my time there, I had the amazing opportunity to perform in shows like *Just So*, *Fiddler on the Roof*, *Addams Family*, and *Into the Woods* – each one was a fantastic experience that deepened my love for the arts. I’m passionate about the power of performing arts and how it gives young people the chance to express themselves, build confidence, and have a blast while doing it. I can’t wait to see what the future holds with the incredible team at PQA Preston, and I’m so excited to be part of a place that helps spark creativity and passion in the next generation of performers. Let’s make some theatre magic together!

Kate Parkes

Hi, I’m Kate, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the PQA Preston team! I’ve been lucky enough to work as an assistant, a Poppets teacher, and now as a Musical Theatre teacher, and I can honestly say it’s been an amazing journey! I started performing at a young age and trained in both classical and musical theatre singing, as well as Performing Arts in North Wales. After that, I went on to study Music Theatre at the University of Central Lancashire, where I dove deep into everything from singing technique and vocal health to composition, choreography, devising, and directing. I even recently completed a PGCE in Drama – because why not add a bit more to the mix, right? Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky to take part in tons of shows across Lancashire, with my most recent role being Eva Peron in *Evita* (which was a total dream!). Now, I’m beyond excited to bring all my passion, knowledge, and experience to the students at PQA Preston. I can’t wait to help create a vibrant, creative space where every student can thrive and have fun! Let’s make some musical theatre magic together!

Lewis Doherty

I've had a love for film ever since I was a child, spending hours watching movies and getting lost in the stories they told. That passion has only grown over the years, and it’s what led me to pursue a career in filmmaking. I’m currently a Film Student at Salford University, where I’m honing my craft while gaining real-world experience in the industry. Before joining PQA Preston, I worked with children at my brother’s football academy, where I developed valuable skills in communication and teamwork. These experiences have helped me connect with young people, and I’m excited to bring that energy and enthusiasm to my role here at PQA Preston. In addition to my studies, I’ve already started making a name for myself in the professional world of filmmaking. I recently created a film for Smoke Free Lancashire, which has been sent to schools across the entire county. It’s been a great opportunity to apply my skills in a real-world project and make an impact on a larger scale. At PQA Preston, I’m thrilled to share my love of film and my experiences with the next generation of creatives, while continuing to grow in my own filmmaking journey.

Thomas Membery

Xavier Sonski

Hey there! I’m Xavier, the passionate editor and producer behind Memorisica, my own production company where we bring indie films and shows to life. But my journey started back at the University of Salford, where I dived headfirst into Film Production. I didn’t just graduate—I kicked things off with a bang! My short film won multiple awards, including Best Film and Best Editing, plus I snagged the Outstanding Achievement in Editing award. Originally from Poland, I’ve always had a love for telling stories that capture hearts and minds. Now, I’m all about inspiring students to unleash their creative potential, build their confidence, and master the technical skills they need, all in a relaxed, hands-on environment. Whether you're a budding filmmaker or just someone looking to dive into the world of storytelling, I’m here to help you bring your ideas to life!