West End triumph as Westholme student wins Best Actress at ‘the Oscars for schools’

Year 13 student, Olivia, has been crowned Best Actress in a Musical at the National School Theatre Awards 2026, in a glittering ceremony in London’s West End.

Olivia won the award for her performance as Kim in the production of Miss Saigon, collecting her trophy at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on Drury Lane on Monday 22 June.

Olivia was one of three Westholme students to walk the red carpet on the night, all nominated for the same production. She was joined by Louka, a finalist for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance as Chris, and Francesca, a finalist for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her performance as Ellen.

The National School Theatre Awards – known by pupils as ‘the Oscars for schools’ – celebrate the best school theatre productions across the UK, with entries from state, independent and specialist performing arts schools judged nationally. Patrons of the awards include actors David Bradley and Joe Cole.

Mrs Roberts-Lyle, Head of Drama, said: “To have three students nominated at the National School Theatre Awards – all for our production of Miss Saigon – was already a phenomenal achievement, and for Olivia to come away with the Best Actress award is simply extraordinary. Louka, Olivia and Francesca delivered performances of real maturity and emotional depth in roles that would challenge professional actors.

“These awards are judged nationally, against schools across the UK, so to be recognised in three categories and to win one of them says everything about the talent and dedication of our students. Walking the red carpet at a West End theatre is a moment they will remember for the rest of their lives, and they have thoroughly earned it.”

Olivia, who hopes to study musical theatre at degree level before performing professionally in the West End, said: “I still cannot quite believe it. Playing Kim was the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done, and to win on a West End stage is a dream come true. I want to thank everyone at Westholme who helped me get here – it has made me more determined than ever to perform professionally one day.”

Paul Taylor, Principal, added: “Performing arts sits at the heart of life at Westholme, and these nominations, and Olivia’s win, show exactly what our students can achieve on a national stage. Louka, Olivia and Francesca worked incredibly hard, and the whole School community has been cheering them on.”

The award caps a remarkable period for performing arts at the School, whose students have earned national and international recognition on stage and in dance over the past year.