A performing arts school in Swindon has been ranked in the top 10% of Stagecoach schools across the network.

Stagecoach Performing Arts Swindon bagged the honour after it was judged highly for its quality of teaching, leadership, student retention, safe guarding as well as its offering of additional opportunities for students.

A report detailing the school’s impressive standards was completed after rigorous tests were made by an external company during unannounced visits to classes.

Sheryll Fox, Principal of the school, said: “I am delighted that the school has been given this fabulous ranking. I know that we have a wonderful team of talented teachers and support staff and great kids, which makes the school such an exciting place to be, but professional acknowledgement from Head Office is a real bonus.”

Stagecoach Swindon was opened 19 years ago this April by its current Principal Sheryll Fox. It runs classes in Singing, Dance and Drama at St Joseph’s College and New College on Saturdays during term time. It is a professional part-time theatre arts school with over 600 schools in the United Kingdom and further schools in Australia, Canada, Germany, Gibraltar, Malta and Spain.

Sheryll Fox added: “The school is important for young people. Some students are shy, some are confident, and we can support both types and give them skills for life. Schools don’t always have time to help them build these skills – students do need extra support.”

Parents responded to news of the success with messages of support on the school’s Facebook page. April Hill wrote: “That’s fantastic Sheryll, big congrats to you and the team who work so hard to provide our children with such a fun and rewarding Saturday.”

Some of the more experienced singers and dancers from the school will be performing in a production of Beauty and the Beast at Birmingham Symphony Hall on July 1. It is part of a world-record attempt for the largest simultaneous performance of a single show, taking place across the world in celebration the Disney film’s 30th anniversary.

Stagecoach Swindon is also putting on a variety performance of its own based on themes of the fairy-tale.

Ex-students from Stagecoach Swindon have gone on to enjoy a variety of future careers from working in the performing arts industry, to banking, marketing, and teaching, among others. Ex-student Tomi Fry performed in the West End as Michael in the hard-hitting musical Billy Elliot.