Music schools like Brit

[Disabrie22]

I have a a very musically talented 13 year old (plays instruments) - he wants to go to a specialist music school, tried out the The Brit School and enjoyed it in the summer.
Has anyone had a child go to a music school before finishing secondary?

Do you mean for 6th form or for 14-16?

We're looking at specialist music colleges for sixth form for DD (also 13), but for now she's served best by a normal secondary with a very strong music department and specialist teaching inside and outside school. Much bigger offer in terms of academic subjects and gives her the chance to see if something else might actually be her thing (highly unlikely but given it's not the most certain of career areas, I want it to 100% her choice and not something she feels she has to do because her school specialises in that and it's expected).

I know a lot of kids at specialist schools, and I don't think a lot of some of the tuition they don't seem to be getting. For now I prefer to be able to handpick teachers and have more of an eye on it all. At 16, DD will be more able to structure things herself than she can now.

Could he go to Brit when he is 14? If he is currently Year 9 I think you would have to apply ASAP (it starts in Year 10).

Thanks for the advice

Friend’s son studies at Chethams

BOA in Birmingham?
Can you pay? There are a few independent schools that offer a performing arts type experience.

As far as I am aware, the Brit school is pretty unique in the UK in being a State schol offering a free specialist Performing Arts education for children in Key Stage 4.

There are Private options catering to that age group and State offerings from age 16. But I don't think you'll find many/any others with the same provision as the Brit School.

www.boa-academy.co.uk

Fabulously talented pupils.

mine (also 13) is looking at specialist school as a possibility. I wouldn't describe her as very talented particularly, but she is keen - and the two schools she's played for have been very encouraging.

Their advice seems to be don't wait til Sixth Form (but maybe they would say that)...especially if it is a very competitive instrument. But it probably depends what set up you have at the moment.

She really didn't like Brit though - she's a classical musician/singer and just couldn't see where she'd fit in - though I know plenty do. I have friends' children who are very happy there.

We're still not sure what she'll go for to be honest. The schools are all very open and let you visit - Wells has specialist days and the others seem happy to see children whenever, so that might be worth a go.