Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts - PQA Pauline and her husband Steve opened their first Academy when they couldn't find anything that ticked all the boxes for their son, Charlie. They wanted to be able to provide performing arts tuition that was enjoyable, fun and would build children’s confidence. More importantly, they wanted to help young people to pursue their life's dreams, whatever those dreams may be, using drama to help children realise their potential and blossom into confident young people.
To Pauline and Steve, the performing arts is more than just singing and acting and they wanted to reflect that at PQA. They therefore created a performing arts school that covers the entire arts spectrum, including lessons in Comedy, Drama and of course Film & TV.
When 130 students turned up for the opening of the first PQA Academy, they knew they were onto something! Over 15 years later, PQA has more than 200 Academies nationwide and is the largest provider of Film & TV education for young people in the UK.
As Pauline said, we only ever meant to have one Academy, but people loved PQA so much that they kept asking if they could open one too!
A professional talent agency for PQA students, designed to help students develop a performing arts career whilst safeguarding welfare.
Our students tread the boards in a fully supported, professional show performed at Her Majesty's Theatre and the Shaftesbury Theatre.
We introduced a biennial Film Festival where the top student films developed in Film & Television classes are selected for cinema screening.
PQA opens its doors to the 100th Academy nationwide!
2017 marks PQA's 10-year anniversary.
PQA launch a red carpet award ceremony to recognise the filmmaking achievements of our students.
PQA's Comedy & Drama module becomes part of the world's largest arts festival with our students performing to the 3 million event visitors.
PQA opens a full-time Academy, with further education courses in performing arts.
PQA continues to fulfil Pauline's vision of helping kids develop their skills & confidence in performing arts.
