Nasrideen Karadjallah, a 13-year-old from Hackney, has begun a year-long performing arts scholarship at the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) after winning the Saffie’s Smiles Scholarship, run in partnership with The Sun.
Nasrideen, known as Nas, will attend PQA Bethnal Green every Saturday, training across Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre, and Film & Television.
The scholarship was created in memory of Saffie-Rose Roussos, the eight-year-old who became the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017. For the third year running, Saffie’s parents, Lisa and Andrew Roussos, have worked with The Sun to celebrate an extraordinary young person. This year’s award takes the form of a year’s performing arts training at PQA, reflecting Saffie’s love of performing.
Nas was nominated by his drama teacher at Excelsior Academy in Hackney, who put him forward after seeing his talent and potential both on stage and in lessons. Lisa and Andrew Roussos chose him from entries submitted from across the UK, and he was surprised with the news at school in August, having arrived expecting football training.
Nasrideen said: “I am really excited to start at the Pauline Quirke Academy. I feel really proud of myself and positive. This is a lovely achievement and it is the best thing I have ever had.”
Charlie Quirke, son of PQA founder Pauline Quirke MBE, said: “Watching his entry video, what resonated with me was how much confidence he already draws from being on stage, and how it makes him feel happy and capable of achieving his goals.
“We’re delighted to welcome him to PQA and help him build on that confidence while developing his passion and skills as a performer.”
PQA has confirmed that it will continue its partnership with The Sun for a further four years, awarding four more young people a full year of performing arts training in Saffie’s memory.
Livvie May, Principal at PQA Bethnal Green, said: “We’re so excited to welcome Nasrideen to PQA Bethnal Green as part of the launch of our brand-new PM academy!
“For almost 10 years, PQA Bethnal Green has been inspiring young people to grow in confidence, life skills and performance skills, and we’re delighted to be opening our doors to even more students through this exciting new chapter on the 26th of September.
“A huge congratulations to Nasrideen for winning the competition. We can’t wait to meet him later this month and give him the opportunity to discover everything PQA has to offer.”
Saffie’s father Andrew Roussos said Nasrideen was a very deserving winner, adding that knowing he will benefit from the scholarship was another way of continuing his daughter’s legacy.
The scholarship comes as PQA Bethnal Green expands its Saturday offering following local demand. A new Saturday afternoon Main Academy session for young people aged six to 18 launches on 26 September, complementing the academy’s existing morning session. The three-hour sessions cover Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television.
To book a free space for the open day on Saturday 26 September, please visit https://www.pqacademy.com/academies/bethnal-green/.
