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Find Your PQA

Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) has over 170 performing arts academies across the UK, so there is very likely a class close to home. Search by postcode or town to see the academies nearest to you, with their venues, session times and term dates.

Children aged 4 to 6 can begin their performing arts journey in Poppets, our fun-filled classes designed especially for younger children. For children and young people aged 6 to 18, our Main Academy offers an exciting three-hour experience every week, where students explore all three of our classes: Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama, and Film & Television. Students are placed in age-appropriate groups, allowing them to learn, create and grow alongside others at a similar stage of development.

No auditions and no previous experience are needed. Every academy offers one free full session, so your child can try a real day at PQA before you decide. If the age group at your nearest academy is full, you can join its waiting list or search your postcode again to see the next closest academy. Prefer to browse every location? See the full A to Z list in our academy directory.

Academy Directory

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FAQ's.

How do I find drama classes near me?

Type your postcode or town into the academy search on this page. It shows the PQA academies closest to you, each with its venue, session times and a button to book a free session.

What age can my child join PQA?

Children can join the PQA family from as young as 4, 5 or 6 years old, depending on whether their local academy offers Poppets, our engaging classes for young children. Poppets is designed for children aged 4 to 6, providing a fun, imaginative environment where confidence and creativity can flourish.

From age 6 onwards, students join our Main Academy, which welcomes young people aged 6 to 18. To ensure every child learns alongside others at a similar stage of development, students are grouped by age. Green Group: Ages 6 to 9, Blue Group: Ages 10 to 12, Red Group: Ages 13 to 18.

Does my child need experience or an audition?

No. PQA never asks children to audition before joining, and no previous performing arts experience is needed. Every academy welcomes complete beginners.

How much do PQA classes cost?

PQA is a monthly membership paid by Direct Debit. Main Academy is £94 per month, a Main Academy for sibling is £70.50 per month, and Poppets is £47 per month. Your child's first session is a free.

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