Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts Stroud

The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts Stroud, located at St Matthews of England Primary School, offers structured weekend classes that look well suited to young people interested in drama and filmmaking. According to the provider's website, the curriculum sparks imagination through a variety of creative disciplines, including musical theatre, comedy, drama, and television production. Classes are organised into specific age brackets, featuring 90-minute Poppets sessions for children aged four to six and three-hour Main Academy sessions for those aged six to eighteen.

Younger participants engage in singing, dancing, and acting to build early creative skills in a supportive setting. Meanwhile, older students explore more advanced techniques such as creative play, improvisation, and scriptwriting. Parent reviews highlight that the academy helps children overcome shyness, with participants frequently gaining noticeable confidence and enthusiasm for their weekly Saturday morning sessions.

Reviewers also praise the caring industry professionals and superb teachers, led by Principal Marie, who focus on nurturing each child according to their individual developmental paths. Group project-based learning is a core feature of the academy, encouraging students to build essential interpersonal skills while working collectively on creative projects. The academy stands out for its special seasonal offerings, such as the Summer of Me and PQA Winter Filmmaking Challenges, which give students additional opportunities to participate in creative media production.

Student wellbeing is explicitly prioritised by the organisation, which actively celebrates events like Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week to ensure a supportive atmosphere for emotional health. Furthermore, the provider emphasises its safeguarding policies and the creation of safe spaces, ensuring a secure environment where children can participate comfortably. The club's supportive community vibe and high standards are reflected in a published Google rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on nine reviews.

Based on the available evidence, this academy appears to be a practical option for families seeking an encouraging environment where children can build self-belief alongside peers of similar ages. While published Google Place opening hours indicate the venue operates on Saturday mornings between 9:45 AM and 1:00 PM, parents should note that these are not confirmed as exact children's session times. Prospective families will need to contact the academy directly on 07944 618517 or via their website to confirm specific class schedules, pricing, and current availability.

Additionally, parents should verify any specific arrangements regarding special educational needs support and whether snacks are permitted or provided during the longer three-hour sessions.