Secondary schools strong music dept

[OrchidFlakes]

Hi,
I’m looking for a secondary school (indie non boarding option) with a very strong music department but equally strong science and engineering. Ideally Essex or London. Any suggestions?! I’m a bit stuck so far as it’s not my area of expertise.
I would entertain state schools too but obviously catchment becomes an issue unless they offer places on music merit etc.
I can find lots of stage school type options but my DS is not a performer in that sense more a true musician.

Trinity school Croydon?

Worth having a look at Dulwich College - strong in all those

www.dulwich.org.uk/senior-school/creative-arts/music

Obviously the film is to showcase the best, but also you look at the sheer number of groups and ensembles, plus typical number of performance opportunities in a (non-pandemic) year

My daughter is a very talented musician (classically trained) and in the 11+ process at the moment. From my experience of visiting schools and looking closely at the music department I can say that I was highly impressed with NLCS and Habs. SHHS also has a nice music department.
You can also look at CSG (Camden School for Girls). It's a state but has a music academy status is it excellent music wise (very good state too). They offer 8 places per year based on music rather than by catchment (they have a banding system). We live in NW so only know about schools in this area I'm afraid.

Oops, just realised it's your DS. Sorry!

Agree with a pp, Trinity (Whitgift foundation) is excellent for music. I know some very gifted boys that go there who have had amazing opportunities performing at the Royal opera House etc.

Trinity is fantastic for music. The facilities are outstanding and the opportunities are amazing. We didn't even realise our DS was particularly musical when he started, but he was picked out for his singing and had so many experiences - operas at the ROH, numerous concerts at Royal Festival Hall, the Proms etc, tours to Europe and Japan, and recording film soundtracks.

There are numerous choirs, orchestras, jazz bands and various ensembles. A huge range of instrumental lessons are available.

The school is equally strong on academic studies, as well as sport, drama, art. Definitely worth a look.

Thank you all so much. Lots there to look at! He’s a classically trained pianist and can’t get enough of it so would consider moving or some kind of working week hybrid for the right school for him.
Not sure he’s 11+ material as all his energies go into music or science/engineering hobbies but we have enough time to tutor if necessary as he’s a smart kid but significantly better with number and processes than English
Thanks again

If he's a pianist then Trinity is probably the place - they are an all Steinway school with Steinway scholars, have the occasional master class and the main piano is reckoned to be one of the best in London - including the big concert halls. There may be some issues though if he wants to attend a JD as Trinity have their own Saturday school which they may well insist a music scholar attends and it is nowhere near as good.

If he's good enough and you live near enough then Menhuin school might be an option as I think they allow flexi boarding but you;d probably need to look at MDS funding as the fees are about 45k pa.

City of London.

@londonmummy1966

If he's a pianist then Trinity is probably the place - they are an all Steinway school with Steinway scholars, have the occasional master class and the main piano is reckoned to be one of the best in London - including the big concert halls. There may be some issues though if he wants to attend a JD as Trinity have their own Saturday school which they may well insist a music scholar attends and it is nowhere near as good.

I've not heard of music scholars having to attend the Saturday Music Academy. Certainly students do attend JDs so the school doesn't stop that happening.

I'm loving the 'all Steinway school'. I'm not sure our high school even has a real piano!!
On a more helpful note, lots of schools have streamed concerts the past couple of years so you might get an idea of the variety and quality by looking on their social media.

Do you know about Purcell? Herts but not that far maybe?