A drama teacher from one of London’s top state schools has set up the “Oscars for schools” in a bid to recognise the talents of pupils.
Laurence Kavanagh, drama teacher at Kensington Aldridge Academy, which is in the shadow of the Grenfell Tower, launched the National School Theatre Awards to celebrate outstanding school theatre productions in the UK.
He said drama and the performing arts played a part in helping the community heal after the fire in 2017.
The new awards are supported by actors including Callum Turner and Kara Tointon, while Harry Potter and Game of Thrones star David Bradley attended the inaugural awards ceremony.
Mr Kavanagh, one of the founding members of staff at Kensington Aldridge Academy, helped create a special concert with choirmaster Gareth Malone which featured in a BBC documentary in 2019.
Mr Kavanagh said Mr Malone came to the school “to bring the students, staff and community back together after Grenfell. It was during this time that we truly saw the power of performing arts as it was so palpable - it really was extraordinary how much drama helped heal our community.”
He added: “I launched the National School Theatre Awards as a way of celebrating young talent but also connecting pupils from across the UK from different backgrounds, experiences, cultures, unified under one umbrella - theatre.
“It is a way of inspiring young performers and connecting them with industry professionals and opportunities. Some of the pupils who have taken part have affectionally been calling it the 'Oscars for schools' which does add to its glamour.”
The competition is open to state and private schools and more than 100 schools took part in the first awards. Winners were announced in June at the Shaw Theatre in the West End.
Mr Kavanagh said: “Our goal is to raise funds and donations to enhance opportunities for student performers. Attending performing arts classes, schools, or colleges can be costly, with some arts colleges charging up to £20,000 a year.”
This year’s winners included Sal Swinburne, a pupil at King’s College Wimbledon who won best supporting actor, and Chiswick School, which won the Best Play for Animal Farm.
Actor Callum Turner said: “As a patron of the National School Theatre Awards, I am honoured to celebrate the dedication and passion of young actors. Witnessing the hard work they put into school productions and the immediate rewards it brings is truly inspiring.”
Actor David Bradley said: “As I said on the night, if this is the future of theatre, 'wow!' It truly was like a mini-Oscars for schools, making it a very special evening.”
Actress Kara Tointon said: “School productions are often the stepping stone for many actors, singers and dancers and it is fantastic to be recognising the hard-work commitment and talent that goes into these shows.”
Nominations for the 2025 awards are open now.
