MusicFrom Bach to Beyoncé

At any time of the day, singing and playing permeates from our recently constructed, purpose-built department which is home to orchestras, ensembles, choirs, jazz bands, chamber music and rock groups. Music making and performing are central to the lives of a great many girls and there are over 400 individual lessons taking place each week; at break times the corridors and numerous practice rooms are bustling with instrumentalists and singers.

The Music Department is linked via a beautiful glass atrium to the Bishop Centre which is a fantastically versatile performing arts space used for many ensemble concerts as well as full orchestral and choir performances, most recently the Mozart Requiem. Alongside classical music, there are jazz bands and swing ensembles; the PTFA Jazz Nights are always a highlight of the school calendar! Our instrumentalists perform in the school musicals such as High School Musical, Chicago, Oliver, Guys and Dolls and Mary Poppins Jr and there are regular choir and orchestral tours in the UK and overseas.

Our choirs regularly enjoy the wonderful experience of singing choral evensong and concerts for congregations at a number of beautiful locations including St James’s, Sussex Gardens, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral and St John’s Smith Square.

Every year we offer music scholarships at 11+ and Sixth Form entry.

Music Clubs and Societies include

Recorder GroupSwing BandString EnsembleFlute Ensemble
Studio and Sound Recording ClubChamber OrchestraPercussion EnsembleSaxophone Ensemble
Brass EnsembleConcert BandYear 7 ChoirYear 8 & 9 Choir
Senior ChoirJunior Chamber ChoirSenior Chamber ChoirA Capella Groups

A high proportion of pupils are accomplished musicians and excel in music external examinations. Many take part in the numerous choirs, ensemble groups and orchestras in school as well as in the regular in-house musicals, and choir and orchestral tours overseas.
ISI Inspection Report 2022