A PENKETH-based stage school has achieved the highest exam results across the UK.

Stage Express, which started as a community project 10 years ago, offers tuition in singing, acting and dance for youngsters aged between six and16 and has seen all 145 of its pupils achieve distinctions in the Trinity Guildhall exams from grade four to teaching diplomas.

Jacqui Podoski, managing director of the school, said: “I am delighted with the results, which are the highest any school has achieved this year so far with Trinity Guildhall and many of our students only aged 12 years have gained exams equivalent to GCSEs.

“The pupils deserve all their success and I am extremely proud of them.”

When Jacqui is not in Penketh she spends time directing master classes at the Juliard school of Music in New York.

She added: ”Stage Express is my passion and my aim is to provide quality vocational professional training to young people from all walks of life, irrespective of background, ability or physical ability – we have around 25 per cent of pupils with special needs at the school.

“And I am very proud to say that we have had a 100 per cent success rate in the years Stage Express has been holding the examinations.”

Anyone interested in joining Stage Express can call 01942 239030.