Testimonials
Read some testimonials and feedback from parents and family of our students, past and present.
Choosing a secondary school is one of the biggest decisions any parent will make. For us, MEPA Academy made that decision easy. There is simply nothing else like it in the country – a small, nurturing environment that offers full-time performing arts education to such a high standard.
The individual attention each student receives is incredible, and the sense of community is unlike anything we’ve experienced elsewhere. It’s the perfect place for young people to not only develop their talents but to build confidence and find their voice. MEPA is something truly special.
Danny Hayward - Year 9 Parent
Sophie joined MEPA Academy in the final term of Year 7. At the time, she was struggling to find her place in a traditional school environment. Academically, she lacked confidence and often felt as though she was not good enough. School had become a source of worry rather than enjoyment, and as a family, it was incredibly difficult to watch her lose faith in herself.
When Mandy first showed us around the academy, we spoke about both the academic and vocational opportunities available. I was amazed by everything I saw, but I remember leaving with one very clear thought: "You'll never get my daughter to sing!" At that point, dancing was Sophie's whole world. Acting and singing were things I simply could not imagine her enjoying, let alone excelling in.
How wrong I was!
Today, Sophie has completed her journey at MEPA Academy and has grown into a confident performer who not only dances, but also sings and acts. She has truly become a triple threat. But as proud as we are of her achievements on the stage, they are not what matter most.
The greatest gift MEPA Academy has given Sophie is confidence in herself.
Over the years, she has flourished in ways we never thought possible. The academy provided her with the encouragement, support and belief she needed to succeed academically, helping her achieve her GCSEs, something that once felt like a distant hope. More importantly, they helped her realise her own potential and understand that she was capable of so much more than she believed.
The opportunities she has experienced have been incredible, from school trips to representing her talent at the Dance World Cup. Yet what truly sets MEPA apart is the unwavering care and support shown to every student.
Throughout her time there, Sophie received personalised support tailored to her needs, including one-to-one assistance in lessons. The staff took the time to understand how she learned best and created an environment where she could thrive. She was never overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations or excessive pressure. Instead, she was encouraged, guided and supported every step of the way. Thanks to this approach, she achieved fantastic results while still being able to continue pursuing her passion for dance outside of school hours.
One of the clearest signs of how happy Sophie was at MEPA Academy is that she never wanted a day off. In fact, she was often one of the first students to arrive and one of the last to leave. She felt safe, valued and understood. She knew she could approach any member of staff with a concern and would always be met with kindness, patience and support. The relationships she built with her teachers were so special that she genuinely sees them as extended family.
As a family, all we ever wanted is for Sophie to be happy, supported and able to fulfil her potential. Given that Sophie happily spent most days between the academy and the studios from early morning until late evening, I think it is safe to say MEPA Academy achieved all of those things and more.
The staff's commitment extends far beyond the classroom. They truly live by their open-door policy. On the rare occasions I had concerns, an email sent in the evening would often be followed by a prompt reply and a reassuring phone call. Nothing was ever too much trouble. In fact, there were occasions when staff noticed Sophie might be struggling and contacted me first to check that everything was okay.
My mum has always said, "It takes a village to raise a child," and I could not agree more. MEPA Academy has been a huge part of Sophie's village. Without the care, dedication and support of the staff, she would not be the confident, happy and hardworking young lady she is today.
She leaves MEPA Academy with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, incredible experiences and, most importantly, the self-belief to embrace whatever comes next. As a family, we could not have asked for anything more.
To every member of staff who has taught, supported, encouraged and believed in Sophie throughout her journey, thank you. The impact you have had on her life is impossible to measure, and we will always be incredibly grateful.
Holly Young - Alumni Parent
I just wanted to write and state that my daughter is extremely happy since joining MEPA Academy recently, the communication, encouragement and inclusion has been so appreciated.
We were initially worried as a transition in school years, especially in Year 10 was nerve wracking, but we are confident that this is the right place for her to be given the best possible opportunities.
The initial test she undertook to ascertain her current levels and expected grades were fantastic, and despite it being only her second day, it reassured us that the Academy knows how she will learn best and encourage her to do well. This is more than we got in the whole time she was at her previous grammar school in the past 3.5 years.
As for the vocational opportunities, Gracie has ended each day on a high and eager to go again the next morning without any hesitation, a testament to the Academy's approach and resources available to them. As a Year 10 student with no tap experience, jazz or ballet, the teaching staff have truly accommodated her needs and slowed things down to support her learning but not to the detriment of her peers, as a result she is always keen and enthusiastic to catch up and put the effort in to be part of the team.
Highly recommend MEPA Academy and the confidence and enjoyment it has brought to Gracie in such a short since of time, which I have no doubt will only continue.
Just to note, Gracie got a grade 9 in her science test despite not being there and covering the first part of the content previously, and the tap teacher was surprised she’d not tapped before as said she’s good. She’s over the moon with the comments from the staff and encouragement; it’s just the confidence boost she needed.
Her only gripe is that her parents didn’t sign her up sooner!
Laura Dixon - Year 10 Parent
My daughter joined MEPA after two incredibly challenging years at a grammar school. Over the past year I’ve seen her blossom and thrive - not just in terms of her confidence and skills in performing arts - but academically too.
She comes home to say she’s had a “good day” and looks forward to going to school. Sunday nights are no longer hard work. Life is completely different now for her and for me.
She has progressed in so many areas of her life thanks to attending this wonderful school and I cannot wait to watch her thrive and grow further over the coming years.