Wells performing arts academy seeks permanent home after series of moves

By Laura Linham 10th Nov 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 3 minutes ago

A performing arts academy in Wells is appealing to the community for help finding a suitable home after several moves left it struggling to secure teaching space.

PQA Wells provides performing arts classes for children and young people. It is currently operating from the Portway Annexe, which the academy describes as a welcoming venue, but the building is shared with other groups and open to the public.

The academy says the space is not ideal for its classes, which can involve large numbers of children, and that hire costs are high.

PQA Wells was originally based at The Blue School in 2024, but had to relocate because of building issues and the distance between its allocated classrooms. It later moved to a primary school, but had to leave in April this year.

The academy also spent a short time at Wells Little Theatre, but existing bookings and the need for several teaching spaces meant it could not accommodate the classes.

Other local schools have been approached, but either do not have suitable space or do not offer external lettings.

PQA Wells hopes to find premises in the city that can be hired every Saturday morning during term time. Ideally, the venue would have at least two large, hall-sized rooms and one or two smaller classrooms or community rooms, allowing three or four classes to run at once.

The academy says its students come from Wells and surrounding villages, while many of its teachers and assistants are local. Its principal attended West Pennard School, St Dunstan's and Strodeberry School before moving on to Wells Cathedral School, and is a longstanding member and trustee of Wells Little Theatre.

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PQA Wells is asking local organisations, businesses and building owners to get in touch if they can offer a suitable space or suggest somewhere to approach.

Anyone who may be able to help can contact Lucy at [email protected].