The children’s drama franchise has announced an impressive ten new territory launches for 2025, strengthening its national footprint and signalling the rising appetite for confidence-building extracurricular activities across the UK.
The new wave of franchisees includes nine greenfield sites and one resale, stretching from Runcorn’s industrial roots to Canterbury’s historic heartlands. New academies will also be opening in Sutton Coldfield, Norwich, South Leeds, Farnborough, Leicestershire, Abingdon, Stratford and Swindon.
This acceleration highlights two parallel trends: families seeking enriching, creative experiences for their children, and aspiring business owners looking for flexible, meaningful careers with community impact at their core.
Among this year’s cohort is David Wilson, the new Principal for Drama Kids South Leeds. A lifelong lover of the performing arts, David studied drama at degree level before embarking on a career in education. Now Creative Arts curriculum lead at a Leeds primary school, he has seen first-hand how opportunities for creativity in mainstream education have become increasingly limited.
“I’ve always been passionate about the life skills drama gives young people,” he said. “But with creative subjects under pressure in schools, I felt compelled to help make a change for children across Leeds.”
David had often imagined running his own drama academy, but building a business from scratch simply wasn’t feasible while working full time and raising a young family. Discovering Drama Kids changed everything.
“Drama Kids felt achievable, affordable and completely aligned with my values around what drama should do – build confidence, resilience and self-esteem,” he explained. “Once I spoke with the head office team, I knew I’d found the perfect fit.”
Despite having no previous business ownership experience, David says the structure and support provided by the franchisor gave him the confidence to take the leap. “There’s always someone at the end of the phone,” he said. “From the business planning and training to the reassurance of having neighbouring principals who are happy to help – it’s made such a difference.”
Now a term into running classes, David says the most rewarding part has been watching the transformation in his students. “Seeing children open up, take risks and genuinely grow in confidence – and hearing parents say it’s the highlight of their week – that’s what it’s all for.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to open a second studio, expand his class offering and partner with a local school to embed Drama Kids sessions into the curriculum. His advice to prospective franchisees? “Be brave, be patient and use your network. Sending that first enquiry was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Becky Goodfield, COO of Drama Kids, says David’s story is mirrored across the network: “David’s journey shows exactly what’s possible when passionate professionals channel their skills into something that makes a difference. He’s one of ten new principals who have joined us this year, each bringing their own energy and commitment. Because of them, thousands more children nationwide are discovering the power of drama.
“We’re incredibly proud of the momentum we’ve achieved in 2025 and can’t wait to build on it as we move into an even bigger 2026.”
To find out more about franchise opportunities with Drama Kids, visit www.franchisingdramakids.com
