The Purcell School is one of the world's leading specialist centres of excellence and has a national and international reputation in the education and training of young musicians between the ages of 8 and 18. Founded in 1962, it exists to meet the special needs of young people of outstanding musical talent in a friendly, coeducational day and boarding environment whilst maintaining the highest possible academic standard. There are 160 pupils, 70% boarding, with 65 in the VIth form, and a very high staff to pupil ratio. The timetable is carefully constructed to combine the best of musical and academic tuition for each individual.
The only specialist school for young musicians in London, it benefits from all the capital's cultural and teaching resources. It offers exceptional opportunities to exceptional young musicians; the finest teachers, time and priority for musical activities, the opportunity to work with others of similar calibre. The school provides teaching in all instruments including composition and voice. Great care is taken over the allocation of pupils to teachers and progress is carefully and regularly assessed. Pupils take 6-7 GCSEs and 2 or 3 A levels. Examination results are outstanding and for the past 5 years the school was placed in the top 1% - 3% of all UK schools. The majority of pupils go on to Music Colleges and universities, many on Scholarships.
Masterclasses and workshops are held with visiting eminent international musicians, the LSO, Covent Garden and renowned chamber groups. There are excellent performance opportunities on a regular basis at school and at prestigious concert halls: The Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Purcell Room, St John's Smith Square, as well as regular foreign tours, eg to Russia, the Far East, Israel, Malta, Germany, USA.
Admission to the school is by musical audition (held weekly). The Purcell School believes that no talented child should be denied a merited place. For families who need help, a number of Government Aided places under the Music and ballet Schools Scheme are available, together with other Scholarships and Bursaries. The School is a Registered Charity No 312855.
