Hello, my name is Florence and I am delighted to be the Principal of PQA Haywards Heath! I have been part of the PQA family for over 7 years, having worked at PQA academies across the country. I am therefore thrilled be the owner of PQA Haywards Heath since it’s inception in September 2023 and can’t wait to be expanding the academy into Saturday afternoons from September 2024!

I have always been a keen performer from an early age, having attained ISTD and IDTA Ballroom and Latin Dance Qualifications and have over 10 years’ experience of competing at regional, national and international level. I gained experience teaching children to dance as well as working at various stage schools within my hometown. I also worked at YMCA Downslink Group as a Youth Ambassador and Workshop Facilitator, delivering mental health workshops to school students across the South. This work resulted in me being nominated for and winning a national award as ‘Young Campaigner of the Year 2017’.

I studied Drama with Psychology at Bath Spa University where I obtained a First Class BA Honours and an Outstanding Achievement in Drama Award. It was whilst I was at university that I worked for PQA Bath for over three years. First as an Academy Assistant then Comedy & Drama Teacher and Vice Principal, most recently Acting Principal.

Upon graduation, I relocated to my hometown of Brighton, where I re-launched PQA Brighton as a Managing Principal, latterly becoming the Vice Principal and Comedy & Drama teacher for two years. I also undertook a PGCE in Secondary Drama through the University of Sussex where I obtained my qualified teacher status with distinction. I currently work at St Paul’s Catholic College in Burgess Hill teaching drama and performing arts to students aged 11-18.

As Principal of PQA Haywards Heath, I have a deep passion for the performing arts and what it provides young people. At PQA, I aspire to build the confidence and the self-esteem of my students in a supportive and nurturing learning environment, encouraging all students in fulfilling their creative potentials, expressing themselves and becoming the best performers that they can be, being their amazing selves!