The Year 7 students had been taking music lessons at their respective primaries before joining our school, and each successfully auditioned for Director of Music Robin Norman to receive one of the coveted scholarships.

“For the audition, each had to perform a piece on their chosen instrument, and then face an interview where their musical journey so far was discussed, and also their hopes for getting involved in the extensive musical opportunities at the school,” explained Mr Norman.

The full instrumental scholarships entitle the talented youngsters to free, weekly lessons on their instruments throughout Years 7 and 8 at Springwood, followed by a 50 per cent reduction on tuition costs during Year 9 – which continues all the way through to Year 13, should they choose to take Music qualifications at GCSE and A-Level.

“Springwood has a rich musical history going back to the 1970s, and this has always been about nurturing musicians, and also providing opportunities to get involved in music at a local, regional, and national level,” continued Mr Norman.

“We introduced two scholarship programmes at Springwood 12 months ago to help with these beliefs – one for existing musicians who have had lessons, and the other is open to students who have obtained one of the Arts Places through audition.

“I am thrilled that these six young people have been successful, and I look forward to them progressing further during their time here at the school.”

The scholarship winners are Ella Dickens (piano); Imogen Spedding (viola); Callie-May Sinkins (trombone); Edward Wallage (trombone); Max McKenzie (trumpet); and Oreoluwa Olowolafe (flute).

They follow in the footsteps of last year’s scholarship students Verity O’Connor, Mika Verdoes, Elizabeth Rippon, Sophia Dunning, Noah Cooper, Amaya Twell, Isla Manning, Frances Hurst, Fidan Aliti, Gracella Hampton, Amelia Kardas, and Bridie Docherty, who are all now in Year 8 at Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. Their chosen instruments included piano, cello, clarinet, flute, saxophone, and violin.

“At a time when many schools are restricting their Music and Arts provision, it is wonderful to see Springwood continuing to increase opportunities for young people in the town,” added Mr Norman, who is also Director of Music at WNAT.

“We currently have over 200 students choosing to learn an instrument or sing within the school, with even more getting involved in Music extra-curricular activities.

“I’m pleased to say that the same scholarships are also available across all four secondary schools within the West Norfolk Academies Trust – something we are incredibly proud of.”