From One Saturday School to 21 Locations: Diane Neave’s Nearly 30-Year Rascals Journey

One of the things I love most about these finalist interviews is getting behind the headline and really understanding what it has taken to build the businesses we are celebrating.

Because “21 locations across the UK” sounds impressive, and it is, but behind that number sits nearly 30 years of teaching, adapting, letting go, taking risks and staying fiercely committed to the heart of the business.

In this episode of The Class Business Podcast, I sat down with Diane Neave, founder and director of Rascals, a performing arts school for children aged three to 12 and a growing franchise network spanning from Doncaster to Surrey.

Rascals is also a finalist in an incredible three categories at The Class Business Awards 2026:

• Powerhouse Business of the Year
• Strategic Leader of the Year
• Children’s Activity Provider of the Year

That recognition feels even more powerful when you hear how the journey began.

From West End Dreams to Her Own Performing Arts School

Diane trained as a dancer and had originally dreamed of performing in the West End, but a serious back injury during her final year at dance college changed the direction of her career.

Teaching had always been part of the plan, although perhaps not quite so soon, and what began as one Saturday theatre school in Ilford gradually grew into something much bigger.

As Diane explained, “I’d always wanted to have my own school,” and even during her own school years, teaching and choreography had already started to shape the path ahead.

The early years of Rascals were very hands-on. Diane delivered the classes herself, opened new locations, developed after-school formats and continued building the business around what children and families genuinely needed.

Learning to Let Go

Then came the point many class business owners will recognise: the business had grown, but Diane was still trying to carry all of it herself.

After having her daughter, she found herself dropping her off at school in the morning and not seeing her again until after bedtime. That was the moment she knew something had to change.

“I found that really difficult to start with because my classes are like my babies,” she told me. “To trust someone else with that and to let go of that was really hard.”

That honesty matters, because bringing in a team is not just a practical decision. For so many founders, it is deeply emotional. You are not simply handing over a class plan. You are handing over something you have built through your own energy, care and reputation.

Over time, Diane did build that team, and the business developed from a licence model into the franchise network it is today.

Building a More Accessible Franchise Model

Importantly, Diane wanted to create a model that did not shut talented teachers and performers out through a huge upfront fee.

As Diane explained, “I wanted to try and reach out to young performers, professionals who haven’t got £10,000 or £15,000 to spend on a franchise.”

That decision meant taking more risk as a franchisor, because Rascals invested in training and setup before seeing a return, but it also made the opportunity more accessible.

Today, there are 11 franchisees running 16 franchise locations, alongside five locations still operated directly by Diane and her team.

What has never changed, though, is the purpose behind the classes.

So Much More Than Dancing, Singing and Acting

Rascals may deliver dance, drama and singing, but Diane is very clear that the impact goes far beyond performance.

Former pupils now contact her as adults to explain how the confidence they built at Rascals has stayed with them throughout their lives, and some are even bringing their own children back through the doors.

“Rascals has always been about the children having fun and giving them confidence and self-belief,” Diane said, adding that one class a week can help a child speak up in school, interact more comfortably with others and carry themselves differently in everyday life.

During our conversation, Diane also spoke about the increase in anxiety and separation anxiety among children in recent years, particularly following the pandemic.

Rascals has responded by training teachers to support both the child and the parent through practical, nurturing strategies.

These include:

• Using positive praise and gentle distraction
• Buddying anxious children with kind, confident classmates
• Reassuring parents that the difficult phase will pass
• Helping children understand exactly what will happen after class

That last technique is beautifully simple.

Diane encourages parents to tell the child what they will do after Rascals, even if it is something ordinary such as going to Tesco. It gives the child a clear next step and reminds them that their parent is coming back.

As Diane put it, “Performing arts classes are so much more than just dancing, singing and acting.”

Why Entering Awards Matters

Entering The Class Business Awards also gave Diane something most founders rarely allow themselves: the chance to stop and recognise what had actually been achieved.

While working on the application, she realised Rascals had grown from nine to 21 locations in under three years.

“You’re so busy trying to move forwards,” she said, “and sometimes you just need to stop and reflect and look back.”

That is such an important message.

Awards are not only about the trophy or the ceremony. The process gives you permission to gather the evidence, look at the milestones and see your business through a different lens.

For Diane, being recognised across three independently judged categories created a powerful moment to acknowledge the scale of the journey so far.

The Next Chapter for Rascals

Diane’s next chapter is about stepping away from regular teaching and moving fully into the franchisor role.

It is a major transition after almost 30 years of delivery, but one that will give her the space to support the network and lead the next stage of growth.

Her advice to anyone currently in the messy middle is wonderfully clear: “Believe in your product, believe in what you do, stay committed and trust the process.”

It is simple advice, but it carries the weight of nearly three decades of experience.

Watch Diane’s Full Interview

You can watch my full interview with Diane to hear the complete Rascals story, including the challenges of letting go, the realities of franchising and the impact the business continues to have on thousands of children.

Watch the full interview here.

Join us at The Class Business Live and Awards

You can also meet Diane, alongside our other finalists, judges and sponsors, at The Class Business Awards on Saturday 10 October 2026.

Your ticket includes access to The Class Business Live from 9:00am to 3:00pm, an exclusive daytime event focused on connection, visibility and impact.

Start the day with tea, coffee and pastries sponsored by Enjoy Marketing before settling into a relaxed but high-energy atmosphere where conversations flow, ideas spark and new relationships form.

During the day, you can expect:

• Guest speakers and practical insight
• Mastermind table discussions
• Direct connections with leaders from across the sector
• Opportunities for finalists to be seen, heard and recognised

It is the perfect warm-up for the celebrations ahead and a powerful chance to spend the day with the people shaping the class-based business sector.

Book your ticket for The Class Business Live and The Class Business Awards & Afterparty here.