Echo Performing Arts Academy has announced the launch of a new Saturday academy at the Seashell Trust Royal School, Cheadle Hulme, opening up more opportunities for young people across Cheshire.
Founded on the belief that every child deserves the chance to find their voice, the new Saturday morning Main Academy will welcome children aged 4 to 16 years from the 5th September 2026. A second Saturday session will also run in parallel at the Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield, with both venues giving children the opportunity to explore dance, drama, singing and musical theatre.
Echo currently serves more than 150 children every week, and has given hundreds of young people the opportunity to develop confidence, creativity, communication skills and self-belief through the performing arts. It will now bring its inclusive, inspiring approach to a new generation of young people across Cheadle Hulme, Handforth, Bramhall and beyond.
The expansion follows the closure of Alderley Edge School for Girls, where Echo’s Saturday Main Academy had been based. Rather than seeing the loss of its Saturday home as a setback, founder Lisa Campbell — a former secondary school teacher and performer — saw an opportunity to take Echo to more families across a wider Cheshire footprint.
Lisa Campbell, Founder and Principal of Echo Performing Arts Academy, said: “When I started Echo, I wanted to create the kind of performing arts school where every child, no matter their level or ability, felt welcome. Something I felt was missing. I had seen children experience pressure to be the best and a culture that celebrated the talented few at the expense of everyone else. What children really need is a safe, fun space where they can find encouragement, confidence and someone to believe in them.
“We have had a growing waiting list for nearly two years, so while the closure of our Saturday venue was initially a huge challenge, it gave us an incredible opportunity to think bigger — supported by our incredible community and teachers. We can now welcome children from two different communities into two new homes, while staying true to exactly what Echo has always been about.
“For me, success isn’t just about the child who goes on to perform professionally. It’s the child who walks into their first class too nervous to speak, then finds themselves standing on stage six months later. It’s the friendships they make, the courage they develop and the confidence they take into school and everyday life. That’s the opportunity we want to give more children across Cheshire.”
At Echo, children learn through dance, drama, singing and musical theatre, working towards performance opportunities where they can see their progress come to life. Whether they ultimately pursue a career in the arts or simply carry those skills into everyday life.
Parents, too, have noticed the difference. Echo won Best Children’s Business at the Muddy Stilettos Awards in June 2026, as voted by the public, and holds a consistent five-star rating on Google. Families regularly cite the warmth of the team, the inclusive environment, and the visible growth in their children’s confidence as the reasons they stay year after year.
Lisa began building Echo in late 2019, flyer-dropping across Cheshire to spread the word before launching the Academy’s first holiday camp in February 2020 — just weeks before the pandemic closed the country. Undeterred, she continued to build classes, and what followed was remarkable growth. Echo now runs weekly classes across Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Macclesfield and now Cheadle Hulme, alongside a popular programme of after-school clubs, school holiday workshops and party bookings.
The academy’s performance opportunities have grown alongside it. Echo children have taken part in stage performances, podcast recordings, acting workshops with professional performers and industry opportunities including BBCs Blue Peter. Through Echo’s associated casting work, some students have also taken steps towards professional TV, film and theatre work.
The new venue at the Seashell Trust will bring Echo into a nationally recognised charity supporting children and young people with the most complex learning difficulties, disabilities and health needs, operating from its state-of-the-art campus in Cheadle Hulme. For Echo, the partnership represents more than a venue arrangement. It is a statement of values.
“Being based at the Seashell Trust feels right in a way I cannot fully put into words,” said Lisa. “Their whole mission is about unlocking potential in young people who are so often underestimated. That is exactly what Echo tries to do every single week. We could not be more proud to be part of their community.”
The Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield, which has a dedicated performing arts hall and longstanding ties to Echo’s teaching team, will run a simultaneous Saturday session. Thursday classes in Prestbury and Tuesday dance in Alderley Edge continue unchanged.
Echo Performing Arts Academy is inviting children aged 4 to 16 and their families to book a free trial session at either of its new Saturday venues from 5th September 2026. No experience is necessary — just enthusiasm.
For class times or to book, visit echoacademy.co.uk or message Echo on Instagram and Facebook at @echoAcademyUK.
