But it’s often those exact moments that show what someone is made of: resilience, adaptability and the determination to keep building, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
Here, Lisa Stead, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, shares the story of one franchisee who launched at a time of national uncertainty – and has since gone on to build a thriving school and expand into a second territory.
That franchisee is Josh Bradley, Principal of Stagecoach North Tyneside. A former Sixth-Form drama teacher, Josh had always wanted to make a positive impact in his local community. He planned to open his school in April 2020 but, like so many people starting something new at the time, saw those plans thrown into question almost overnight.
“When we first went into lockdown, I didn’t know what was going to happen – none of us did,” said Josh. “I’d built so much excitement around opening, and then everything just stopped. But Stagecoach gave me the space to decide what was best for my school. I knew the strength of the brand and the clear structure of the classes would give me a solid foundation, so, even though it was daunting, I pushed ahead. I’m so glad I did because I’m in a position I never imagined I’d be in.”
What stands out to me in that reflection is the balance of realism and belief. Josh didn’t ignore the challenge – he acknowledged it – but he also trusted the framework in front of him and made the decision to move forward. That’s what long-term success in franchising often comes down to: not blind risk, but steady decisions backed by a framework you can rely on.
Since opening, Josh’s North Tyneside school has grown to nearly 275 students and developed a strong, supportive community around it. More recently, he and his fiancée, Abbie – who left her teaching role to join him full-time – have taken over a second Stagecoach territory in Newcastle, where they are rebuilding and growing a school with enormous potential.
“When I started, I had zero students and thought that getting to 200 would be an incredible milestone. Now we’ve surpassed that and I’m managing two territories with a fantastic team. I never expected Stagecoach to become such a big part of my life, but it’s been an amazing journey.”
Growth like that is impressive in any context, but what I’m equally proud of is how Josh and Abbie have built it. The culture has stayed front and centre. They’ve focused on creating a school environment where families feel known, welcome and genuinely connected – which is often the difference between a business that grows quickly and one that grows sustainably.
“We know our students and, as much as possible, their parents by name. We create experiences beyond theatre shows, like festivals and Christmas events, so families feel truly part of something special,” explained Josh. “It’s important to us that families feel connected to the school, and that’s only possible if we build those relationships. We’ve worked hard to create that sense of community, and it’s one of the things I’m most proud of.”
With two schools to nurture and a busy year ahead, Josh and Abbie are continuing to build with the same energy that got them started – ambitious, but grounded in what matters.
“We’ve chosen to be ambitious because we’re at a stage in life where we’ve got the energy for it. Our teachers love working at Stagecoach and some are even asking for more hours because they enjoy it so much! So, while we’re happy where we are now, I’m always open to what the future might bring. When I look back to where we started, I’m reminded that sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them.”
That’s the real takeaway. Josh’s story isn’t just about launching during difficult circumstances – it’s about what’s possible when you combine passion with resilience, and you keep showing up even when it would be easier to pause. That mindset, backed by the right support, is what turns a leap into something lasting.
