Inspiration Trust increasing opportunities in music

With a goal of making music accessible to everyone, Inspiration Trust is pleased to announce that the number of its pupil premium students taking up music tuition has increased by 150% in the last year, with over 200 pupils who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to do so are now learning to play an instrument and get top-rate tuition free of charge. 

Inspiration Trust continually champions the importance of music education within a child’s life and wholeheartedly believes that all pupils, no matter their circumstances, should have the opportunity to learn, play and perform music. This is why, alongside an already brilliant music curriculum, the Trust also provides dedicated music tuition for its pupils through the hiring of an in-house team of Peripatetic Visiting Music Teachers. This tuition is subsidised for all that wish to take up music across all schools within the trust, alongside providing the instruments. 

The success of this approach has been monumental with the number of pupils taking up extra-curricular music lessons doubling to over 600 in the last year alone, of which 200 are having completely free tuition where they are able to play a variety of orchestral instruments.

Gareth Stevens, CEO of Inspiration Trust, said:

“Learning music is an enriching experience for all children, and I am proud to see so many of our pupils have access to and are actively getting involved with extra-curricular activities and performances across the Trust. 

Opening the door for pupils who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to take up an instrument before continues to be a priority for the trust and I am delighted to see this number growing exponentially.”

Inspiration Trust is able to provide this high-level of support through working in partnership with the Norfolk Community Foundation, who together, are aiming to raise £100,000 to put instruments in the hands of Norfolk’s young musicians. 

Director of Music, John Stephens, said:

“It’s wonderful to see so many pupils get the opportunity to play instruments and enjoy music in a variety of forms. I am proud to be involved in a Trust that emphasises the importance of music and is committed to ensuring that children have access to the best music education and experiences, irrespective of background."

Inspiration Trust is committed to giving students across all of its academies access to musical opportunities and performances and has pledged to have a full orchestra or ensemble in each of its schools by 2027. Music scholarships are also being rolled out across its secondary schools with three of nine offering them already.