About The Centre
Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre is a unique example of what can be achieved by teamwork and collaboration, patience and determination. Since it was formed in 1989, when Angela Kirkham and Jennie Henry decided to combine their individual teaching talents, Kirkham Henry’s contributions to the Arts in Ryedale and York has been immense. Supported by a team of brilliant teaching staff they have gained a reputation for excellence in all aspects of the Performing Arts and they are immensely proud of their students’ achievements over the years. “We wish we could name everyone who has given their enthusiasm and hard work – and still do. There are so many. They willed us to fulfil a dream – for their children and for the future.”
The philosophy of the Centre is one of care and concern for each individual, aiming to achieve the personal, and vocational development of each student to the maximum of her/his ability. Angela and Jennie believed that if young people are self-disciplined in their hobby then they are selflennie disciplined in life itself! Dance, Singing and Drama ace taught to the highest level and many students go on to enjoy successful careers in the Theatre. For those who choose not to “tread the boards”, Angela and the staff possess the ability and skills to motivate young people to progress to alternative courses in higher education. Children with a talent, whether for the arts or for mathematics or sport have an irreplaceable perspective on the world that can never be taken away from them. whatever they achieve they’ve done on their own merits and through their own efforts and this provides them with an unquenchable confidence in their own abilities. And that is better than any amount of fame.”
Students excel in examinations with the school regularly achieving 100% pass rates in Royal Academy Of Dance, International Dance Teachers Association, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Arts Award & GCSE Drama.They consistently win trophies at the various Stage Dance and Singing Festivals in the North of England. This year Kirkham Henry pupils have once again been awarded numerous “Most Outstanding Performers” awards at the festivals. The experiences gained have allowed them the opportunity to appear in many professional productions over the years.
“Success can be measured in so many ways and with Kirkham Henry, it isn’t just the prestigious awards that pupils win year after year. It is the rapport between teachers and children – and parents. A feeling of a family enterprise.” The Centre provides a happy, friendly, disciplined and focused environment, which allows its students, both young and mature, to flourish. The schools success is also based on its ability to offer places to young people from a wide range of social backgrounds. Angela and Jennie consider it vital that class fees are kept at an extremely affordable rate in order to support students from less privileged backgrounds and maintain the “rich mix” of talent that has been so successful in the past. “The aim of the Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre is, simply, to help anyone enjoy the pleasures of the performing arts. To learn to appreciate good music, to dance, sing and act well.”
