Testimonials

‘This school is so much more than a performing arts school.  The amazing standard of care has enabled our son to achieve more than we ever dreamed was possible, both academically and vocationally.  I cannot speak too highly of this school.’

‘Susi, you, all the staff and the other wonderful kids have changed our lives, genuinely, I hope you know the impact you have.’

‘Susi Earnshaw is a school that has given our child space to florish. The staff are exceptional; very small class sizes mean that individual learning styles can be taken into account and the exceptional staff understand how to help children learn - our child is not neuro typical - and all staff have created a learning environment where high level learning can take place.

The Vocational days are of the highest standard - the children are being trained to be industry ready. This has instilled into my child rehearsal discipline, resilience, the ability to work collaboratively within an ensemble and the confidence to be himself.

Because the school is small, the children make friends with others outside of their specific year group. The whole school is an ensemble. The benefit of this is huge as socially younger children learn from the older ones and the older ones learn to support and encourage the younger ones.

I am relieved and grateful that we found the school and that our child has a place here. It is worth every penny.'

‘My daughter Sofia has been attending SETS for just over two years now and I can confidently say it has been life changing for her. 

She arrived broken and insecure after a traumatic experience at her primary school and with the help of Susi and Megan, Sofia started at short notice and was welcomed with open arms. 

Sofia was quickly accepted and nurtured and felt comfortable and safe and that feeling was reflected in a positive way in her behaviour at home. 

Being able to be recognised for her ability in her vocational studies, without solely focusing on academic achievement across the school enabled Sofia to regain self esteem and self worth and belief in herself that had been damaged. 

SETS has been her safe place. A school and community where she has flourished, even in her academic studies. 

The time has not passed without drama. Susi and Julia have not only supported Sofia, but also supported me in how to make sure she is always safe and happy and gets the very most out of her education and time with them. 

I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done and continue to do for my daughter and I’m looking forward to creating more memories of The Bull Theatre during Sofia’s there.’

‘We are so grateful to have our child at Susi Earnshaw School, this educational experience has been able to provide a positive, nurturing and challenging environment, allowing the children to be truly seen and known. Their academic, vocational and life skills are given the space to develop and grow with care and consideration for the whole person, valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each individual, which we feel are key qualities in our child’s educational experience. Thank you!’

‘When my twins first joined SETS three years ago, I don’t think any of us could have imagined just how profoundly it would change their lives. This school has not simply educated them, it has transformed them.

SETS has given them something every child deserves but not every child finds; love, belonging, and a deep sense of being seen. It has provided opportunities that simply would not have been possible elsewhere, and in doing so, it has helped shape their sense of self-worth in ways I will forever be grateful for.

My son, in particular, arrived carrying the weight of a previous mainstream experience that just didn’t align with how his mind works. He is a creative thinker, intuitive, expressive, sensitive and that environment did not know how to hold or nurture that. He began to doubt himself. To shrink. To question his place.

At SETS, he has grown back into himself.

Actually, more than that, he has grown into who he was always meant to be. Confident. Happy. Valued. Encouraged to think differently rather than being corrected for it. Who knows what cracks he may have slipped into had SETS not been an option? That thought alone is enough to move me to tears, and has on many occasions.

This school doesn’t just teach subjects. It teaches children who they are.

The friendships they have formed are deep and authentic, bonds built on shared creativity, understanding, and mutual respect. They have been given tools that will bind them together not just through school years, but through life.

And then there are the teachers.

The care, dedication, and emotional investment they give these children goes far beyond a job description. They champion them. They protect them. They believe in them, sometimes before the children believe in themselves.

And Susi… what can I say? She treats these children as if they are her own. She sees them. Truly sees them. Her leadership is filled with warmth, instinct, and an unwavering commitment to their wellbeing. It is rare to find someone who holds both high standards and such deep compassion in equal measure , and yet she does so effortlessly.

SETS has been more than a school for our family. It has been a turning point. A sanctuary. A launchpad. A home. 

I will never be able to fully articulate our gratitude, but I hope this comes close.'

‘Finding the  Susi Earnshaw Theatre School has been like discovering a hidden gem for our daughter, Elizabeth. From the moment you step into the historic Bull Theatre, you can feel the adventure that Susi Earnshaw herself envisioned when she founded the school—a place where children are not just students, but happy, successful individuals finding their own voice.
 
Susi and her fantastic team of teachers have created a truly brilliant environment that balances professional discipline with a warm, family feel. The children are remarkably well-behaved and respectful, yet they exude a confidence and intellectual curiosity that is wonderful to see. It’s an amazing school where Elizabeth is thriving both academically and creatively. We feel so lucky to be part of such a nurturing and inspiring community!'

‘Susi, thank you so much for the parents' day yesterday.  I am so grateful that the school exists.'