Stagecoach Stanmore celebrates their 30th anniversary!

Founded in 1995, just seven years after Stagecoach was born, Stagecoach Stanmore, originally led by Principal Rob Jackson and succeeded by Jayne Hardy, have encouraged numbers grow from 170 students in 2010 to over 300 in 2025!

Principal Jayne is astounded by her teams’ success:

‘I’m so proud of our incredible teachers and students and all their hard work. Not only did we work tirelessly as teachers but we survived a Pandemic, making videos for our students to participate in at home and then on Zoom with Live Classes, some students took part in their gardens or in sheds to find room to do their thing! We were delighted to get back into the classroom and our new home of Whitchurch Primary where the school is going from strength to strength.

To mark their incredible milestone Stagecoach Stanmore is curating a book of alumni to celebrate its past students who have gone onto successful careers, and not just in performing arts. Many claim their Stagecoach training gave them the confidence to pursue dream jobs in medicine, law, publishing, science, teaching and more!

Alumni to feature in this book includes Ellie, who praises the guiding hand of Principal Jayne:

‘I joined Stagecoach at 10 years old, me and Jayne actually shared a first day! I’m 25 now and I still carry everything I did at Stagecoach with me. As part of Stagecoach Stanmore I performed at His Majesty’s Theatre, the Kings Head Theatre, Shaftesbury

Theatre, Stockport Plaza and more! I even sang Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in French in Disneyland Paris! When I turned 18 I upped and moved to Liverpool to go LIPA and study acting, I discovered a love for filmmaking and directing while I was there (skills I first developed at Stagecoach doing various projects). Jayne taught me nothing is too big or unachievable and Stagecoach taught me to treat everyone with kindness and where you can find your people (musical theatre kids). I’d give anything to turn the clock back 15 years and do it all over again but I’m grateful to be the adult I am now.’

Alumni Zeph also echoed Ellie’s compliments:

‘I spent seven years as a member of Stagecoach Stanmore, and it was an experience that shaped me far beyond the stage. While I chose to pursue physics academically, eventually earning a PhD and building a career in data science, Stagecoach was where I truly grew in confidence, creativity, and communication. Stagecoach gave me the tools to express myself, work collaboratively, and think on my feet. These skills have proved invaluable in life and work, from presenting to senior executives to staying calm under pressure. I also run a Scout group, and many of the drama games I once played at Stagecoach have found new life there, helping young people build their own confidence. And without a doubt, Stagecoach gave me the confidence to lead. I’m also a new dad, so my only performances now have a very small (but attentive) little audience member. A special mention to Jayne, my longtime drama teacher, whose encouragement meant so much. I'm grateful we’ve stayed in touch all these years. Although, I do miss the stage...’

Stagecoach Stanmore would also like to hear from more ex-students with tales of their lives and invites you to get in touch!

Stagecoach Stanmore’s current students are also celebrating the schools 30th Anniversary on Saturday 12th July with a special performance bringing together all students of all ages to revisit ‘The Ghosts of Stagecoach Past!’ which includes specifically written songs, an exploration of the music, musicals and pop culture throughout the decades and the usual brand of Stagecoach joy and creativity!

Stagecoach Performing Arts has a proud history of helping children and young people build confidence and life skills. Over the past 36 years, more than one million students worldwide have benefited from its creative programs. With a network of 60,000 students and 3,000 schools globally, Stagecoach empowers children with “Creative Courage for Life,” inspiring countless students to pursue their dreams in the performing arts.

For more information about Stagecoach Performing Arts Stanmore please visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/stanmore or call Principal Jayne Hardy on 07803053184