More than sixty new schools for Stagecoach Performing Arts

Children’s services franchise, Stagecoach Performing, Arts has worked tirelessly over the course of the last 18 months to protect its position as the number one children’s performing arts provider in the world. Aside from quickly assembling and launching an entire online programme within weeks of the UK lockdown, the brand is still investing significant resources into ensuring all of its franchisees are equipped with the tools to not only maintain their businesses but expand them.

The latest initiative, which comes into full effect at the beginning of the new autumn term, has been created to ensure that student numbers remain safe and manageable once schools resume in September. Originally rolled out following the lifting of nationwide restrictions in the spring, franchisees were given the extra funding and capability to launch additional schools, meaning classes were run in ‘bubbles’ of 18 students or less. Now that franchisees are preparing to welcome students back after the summer break once more, many are officially launching these once-temporary schools – with more than 60 new classes starting.

“We’re passionate about setting our franchisees up for the success they truly deserve after such a turbulent year,” explained Andy Knights, CEO. “We’ve been so impressed by the ways in which our franchisees have adapted, but it’s been encouraging to see that the majority haven’t necessarily struggled to maintain their student numbers at all – in fact, the demand for our services is as high as it has ever been! Our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of the students, teachers, Principals and parents in our network, which is why this new strategy has been devised.”

One franchisee taking full advantage of the additional revenue from launching more schools is Emma Otway. The mum-of-two invested in the existing Wilmslow territory in 2016, having taught at the same school for two years. In less than six years, Emma has grown student numbers by 239%, from 61 students in January 2015 to 207 as of August this year. With a consistent increase in both enquiries and enrolments, Emma has launched a new mid-week session.

“I’ve been running seven schools on a Saturday for the last few years, but there’s always been a real demand for a mid-week class, especially with families taking weekend mini-breaks post-pandemic,” said Emma. “With enquiries so high and my weekend classes all full, the time was right to launch a Wednesday night class. Expanding was always in my sights, but I did initially think that the pandemic might have caused a delay to my plan. But thanks to the support from the head office team and the value that the online programme provided during lockdown, parents really trust in our services and want their children to be a part of Stagecoach.

“I’m far from concerned about the profitability of my franchise. I even had a baby in lockdown and never once felt out of my depth! I’m looking forward to filling this new session – I’ve enrolled at least 60% of the places already – and making it as successful as my weekend schools.”

Emma’s students – both new and existing – will return at the start of the new term, with the Saturday classes starting on 18th September and the new Wednesday evening class launching on the 15th. She will be joined by the rest of the UK network when the autumn term starts again this September.

Find out more about franchising opportunities with Stagecoach Performing Arts by visiting www.stagecoachfranchise.com

Notes to Editors

For more information, or to speak with Andy Knights or Emma Otway, contact Kelly Ayres at Rev PR on 07895 876745 or email kelly@revpr.co.uk
Images available: A hi-res photo of Emma Otway with her students.


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About Stagecoach Performing Arts

About Stagecoach Performing Arts: Over the years we have seen more than one million students unlock their potential, which is something they will value for their whole life. At Stagecoach we teach our students so much more than how to sing, dance and act. We help them blossom into well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace life and all its opportunities. With nearly 30 years’ experience in teaching the performing arts, we understand how to get the best out of our young performers. We delight in seeing our students have fun, make friends, learn new skills and discover hidden talents. We encourage them to take ‘safe risks’ through rehearsals and performance, which brings out a willingness to take on new challenges. None of us know what the future holds, which is why it’s so important for today’s children to be resilient, brave and self-assured. Furthermore you can rest assured that your child is in safe hands as we adhere to the strictest child safety policies. About joining Stagecoach as a franchisee: With our 30th birthday in 2018, the Stagecoach model has been proven and refined to become one of the UK’s leading performing arts opportunities. Franchisees build a team of equally passionate and enthusiastic teachers, qualified to bring out the very best in their students. Stagecoach schools provide a thriving, nurturing and supportive environment for creative learning. That’s just one of the reasons why 40,000 children every week flock to classes nationwide. Today, a network of more than 300 franchisees operate over 680 schools offering 1,780 classes in eight countries. Through an exciting and varied framework of teaching and development, franchisees have helped to unlock the potential of more than one million students since it opened in 1988.


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