Springwood High School now has more than 200 students learning a musical instrument or taking singing lessons.

The numbers show that around 11 per cent of students are enjoying a full musical education, well above the national average of around eight per cent. 

“We are thrilled at the take-up of instrumental lessons at Springwood following the demonstrations and progress of students that were on our scheme in primary schools,” said Robin Norman, Director of Music at both the school and the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“We continue to buck the national trend musically and across the trust, numbers are increasing. On top of that we now have the highest number of students engaged in extra-curricular activities as well. Along with our community initiatives, we are thrilled with the development of music,” he added.

Primary school students were involved in the Musical Instrument Teaching Initiative (MITI) run by the Trust in conjunction with the Norfolk Music Hub.

The scheme meant more than 200 children were able to learn an instrument, and a workshop brought the young musicians together to form a string orchestra and a wind band.

Many children were playing in larger groups for the first time, and performed on a professional stage in front of an audience. 

The next musical event on Springwood’s calendar is the Community Carol Service at St Nicholas Chapel, King’s Lynn, on December 6. 

There will also be a celebration concert for the MITI scheme with Springwood feeder schools at the school on Thursday, December 14.