The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) in Cheltenham is celebrating after one of its teachers was recognised at the academy’s national awards.
Comedy and Drama teacher Holly Petrova was chosen from more than 1,200 PQA teachers across the country, winning the Comedy & Drama Award for the South. The accolade honours exceptional mentors who spark creativity, build confidence and inspire young performers.
Holly, who has taught at PQA Cheltenham for 14 years, first joined as a Poppets teacher for children aged 4–6 before taking on the Comedy & Drama role in 2015.
Principal Sue Day praised Holly’s contribution, saying: “Holly is always open to my creative ideas and has been instrumental in implementing these, teaching every student how to be present in every moment. Everyone absolutely loves her. This award feels like recognition not just for Holly, but for all my staff.”
Holly said the honour meant “everything”, adding: “PQA Cheltenham is absolutely the only place I want to be on a Saturday, and receiving such an award for doing a job I love is incredible.”