During the Second World War, Knight joined the hospital section of ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association).

[1] After World War II, Knight attended the Paris school of mime, dance and drama, and in 1950, opened the Corona Academy of Stage Training, in Sutton Lane, Chiswick.

In 1955, the Corona Academy moved to larger facilities at 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, Hammersmith, whilst retaining its former premises in Chiswick.

The school was founded in 1989 by Robin Phillips, following the closure of the Corona Stage Academy, and the retirement of its principal, Rona Knight.

The full-time school admitted both boys and girls, from the age of 11, and had a curriculum that pivoted around the performing arts.