Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) is continuing its expansion across London with the launch of a new academy in Angel, as demand for performing arts training continues to grow in the Capital.
The new academy will be led by Principal Thomas Sankey, a former professional musical theatre performer with credits including Kinky Boots, Elf, and The 12 Tenors, who has successfully run PQA Islington for the past six years.
Thomas built his career on the professional stage before channeling his expertise into education, growing PQA Islington into a thriving academy over six years and now expanding his operation with a second location in Angel.
Principal Thomas Sankey said, “Opening my first academy allowed me to build a business around my passion for performing arts, while making a real impact in my local community. The demand across Islington has been incredible and I’m excited to be expanding into Angel. It’s proof that families are looking for quality performing arts education that builds both creative and life skills.”
There are now three academies across London, contributing to a total of 255 academies nationwide. Each academy offers children aged 4-18 the opportunity to develop skills in musical theatre, comedy, drama, film and television, while also building confidence, communication and teamwork.
PQA’s unique model enables people from a wide range of backgrounds to start and run their own academies, typically operating at weekends, making it possible for principals to build a business around their passion while balancing other commitments.
Andrew Tomlins, Business Development Manager at PQA said, “London continues to be a key growth area for PQA and Thomas is a brilliant example of how our model enables principals to build thriving, multi-academy operations. His success in Islington and now his expansion into Angel, shows both the demand for quality performing arts training in the capital and the strength of our business model.”
