Avon Valley School scoops prestigious theatre award for a second time
"Out of all the schools that entered the National School Theatre Awards, it was amazing to be one of just 15 invited to perform at the ceremony”
School’s performance of ‘Everybody's Talking About Jamie’ impresses judges.
Students from The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College are celebrating after winning a prestigious national award for their production of Everybody's Talking About Jamie: Teen Edition.
The production, which ran for seven performances in May and featured more than 80 students, was entered into the National School Theatre Awards following a hugely successful run that captivated audiences and showcased the school's exceptional performing arts talent.
On Monday 22 June, a selection of cast members, alongside members of staff from the performing arts team, travelled to the renowned Gillian Lynne Theatre in London's West End. There, they had the opportunity to perform a section from the production in front of the awards judges as part of the national finals.
During the packed-out red-carpet awards ceremony, The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College was announced as the winner of the prestigious ‘Best Musical 2026’ award.
The achievement follows previous national recognition for the school's performing arts department. In 2024, The Avon Valley School won its first ‘Best Musical’ award for its production of Mary Poppins Jr. This week’s award further cements the school’s reputation for excellence in school theatre.
Elisa Wheatley, Performing Arts Faculty Leader, said: "Out of all the schools that entered the National School Theatre Awards, it was amazing to be one of just 15 invited to perform at the ceremony. It was a complete surprise when our name was read out as the winner of the 'Best Musical' award and we are completely over the moon. As always, I am so proud of our incredible cast, and I am grateful to the team for giving our students this amazing opportunity."
Headteacher Blake Francis said, "When I say our school productions are amazing, people may think I'm biased. However, national recognition such as this demonstrates the incredible standard our students and staff can achieve.”
"Our students, representing every year group across the school, were outstanding throughout the production. The positive feedback from audiences and the judges' decision are testament to their talent, dedication and hard work.”
"Productions of this quality do not happen by chance. They require months of planning, rehearsals, commitment and teamwork. I would like to congratulate every student involved and thank our incredible performing arts team for making this success possible."
About AVS
The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College is a popular and oversubscribed 11-16 school situated in Newbold, Rugby, which is led by Headteacher, Blake Francis. With 1100 students on roll, the school, which is judged ‘good’ by Ofsted, is housed in a state-of-the-art building that opened in 2007. The school gained its Performing Arts Status in 2004, and prides itself on giving students the opportunity to perform and gain confidence through the arts; productions have included Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Matilda, and Mary Poppins.