On June 14th–15th, Stagecoach Performing Arts hosted their Global Annual Conference for franchisees at Cranage Hall, Cheshire. This year’s conference theme, Ignite, celebrated the spark that drives and unites our schools worldwide. Through inspiring talks, engaging workshops, and meaningful connections, we were reminded why being part of this extraordinary community matters so much.

Lisa Stead, CEO Trafalgar Education, said: “Ignite is about energy, ambition, and momentum. It is about taking the spark of an idea and turning it into action. It is about challenging ourselves to think differently, share what works (and what doesn’t), learning from one another and leaving with renewed energy and confidence in what is possible.”

Keynote speakers Carrie and David Grant, BAFTA award-winning broadcasters and performance coaches, joined us, sharing practical, core leadership principles and skills that not only empowered us, but also empower, encourage and fire up our teams; in turn, inspiring our students to embrace their individuality, communicate with confidence and believe in what is possible.

Chase Demmers, Head of Events and Partnerships, said: “Our Annual Global Conference is always such a highlight in the Stagecoach calendar. We try to plan a schedule that really benefits our network’s needs as well as leaving time for the all important fun and networking. Variety is the spice of life and we had plenty of that. There aren’t many other places where someone is learning about tax brackets one moment and then having a glow stick party and singing Black Eyed Peas with Carrie and David Grant the next. We take great pride in our conference and it is always wonderful to see the effort that all franchisees make from all over the world to be there”.

The event closed with a celebration dinner; a fitting way to mark the achievements of the day and the year as a whole, surrounded by the people who make this community what it is.

We came together to celebrate the achievements, the commitment, and hard work of our Principals, including an awards ceremony recognising their outstanding contributions in the following ways:

Global Newcomer of the Year – Greenfield
Sophie Simpson (Wigan)

Global Newcomer of the Year – Resale
Alex Weaver (Yate)

Global Emerging Franchisee of the Year
Rachel Barker (Basingstoke West)

Global Expanding Franchisee of the Year
Mia Peichert (Frankfurt-Nord)

Global Exceeding Franchisee of the Year
Jaye Lawrence (Bridgend and Cowbridge)

Global Multi-Territory Owner of the Year
Amber-Rose May (Erith, Bearsted and Dartford)

Congratulations to all this year’s winners. Their dedication and success continues to inspire the wider Stagecoach community.

We want to thank our wonderful franchisees. More than 150 attended from the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, and Malta to celebrate over 38 years of outstanding commitment and achievement.

Stagecoach continues to go from strength to strength. Together, we now support over 70,000 students worldwide, creating opportunities for young people to develop confidence, creativity, courage and life skills through the performing arts. That impact is only possible because of the passion, commitment and expertise that exists throughout this community.

This year, Stagecoach was recognised as the UK’s No.1 Franchise in the EF100 rankings. Whilst we are proud of the recognition, what matters most is what it represents: the collective effort, care and ambition of this network.