Prospectus - The Purcell School
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Prospectus
2 / The Purcell School Prospectus
Nurturing Talent CONTENTS
Making Music 5
7
Welcome
A Brief Background
Enriching Lives 8
10
At Home
Music Overview
14 Strings
17 Keyboard
18 Brass, Percussion, Harp and Voice
21 Woodwind
22 Jazz
25 Composition
26 The Core Music Programme
28 Academic Music
31 Music Technology
32 Academic Study
37 Pastoral Care
38 Life After The Purcell School
41 Applications
44 Fees and Financial Assistance
46 How to Find Us
‘I am blown away by the commitment, skill and
infectious energy of the remarkable young musicians
Photography supplied courtesy of Chloe Alice Haynes,
Aimee-Deborah Peters, Mydas Digital Photography
at The Purcell School.’
and Innermedia. Sir Simon Rattle OM CBE, President Patron
The Purcell School Prospectus / 3
4 / The Purcell School Prospectus
Welcome
Nurturing the Next Generation
of Musicians
‘Pupils will flourish in the specialised environment
of The Purcell School.’
Vladimir Ashkenazy, Patron
The Purcell School is Britain’s oldest specialist The School affords ideal opportunities for ‘The School is a vibrant place
music school. Situated on the outskirts practising, performing and developing
of London in Bushey, Hertfordshire, the musicianship, while also providing a balanced
where creativity and discipline go
co-educational boarding and day school is academic education which helps to prepare hand in hand, providing specialist
home to around 180 musically gifted young our students for life-long careers as musicians. training for musicians of the
people, all of whom are passionate about The high quality of teaching and outstanding
fulfilling their talent. pastoral support is further complemented by
future, alongside an excellent
a nurturing environment in which students general education.’
We aim to provide young musicians of can form stimulating and mutually supportive Sir Simon Rattle OM CBE, President Patron
remarkable ability and promise, from relationships with similarly gifted young people.
all backgrounds, with the best possible
teaching and environment in which to fulfil
their potential. We deliver the very highest
world-class musical instruction and hold the
UNESCO Mozart Gold Medal in recognition of
the School’s unique contribution to music,
education and international culture.
The Purcell School Prospectus / 5
This image: Students of The Purcell School, Harrow Image top right: Rosemary Rapaport Image bottom right: Irene Forster 6 / The Purcell School Prospectus
A Brief Background
A History of
The Purcell School
Rosemary Rapaport and Irene Forster founded The School has been in Bushey ever since ‘The School has developed
the School in 1962 at Conway Hall in central and, over 50 years later, is considered a
London under the original name of the Central national treasure. It offers an exceptional
from very modest beginnings
Tutorial School for Young Musicians. The music education, in a creative and nurturing into a sizeable school, which
School later moved to Morley College, then to environment, for students from around the is justifiably proud of its place
Hampstead, and on to a large Victorian house United Kingdom and all over the world.
in Harrow on the Hill. As it continued to grow
in the provision of specialist
and develop, the School changed its name in education for some of our most
1973 to The Purcell School, after the English talented musical children.’
composer Henry Purcell, and in 1997 relocated HRH The Prince of Wales, Royal Patron
to the site of the former Royal Caledonian
School campus in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
The Purcell School Prospectus / 7
At Home
Being on the edge of London, the School takes The School’s seventeen acres of Hertfordshire ‘For children who possess that
advantage of all that the capital has to offer, greenery have also made significant
while also enjoying the semi-rural environment. developments to the campus possible.
desire to learn music, to perform,
In 2007, for example, a new boarding house and have the commitment to
The close proximity to London, as a global and a state-of-the-art Music Centre were practice, the School provides
centre for music, is of enormous benefit to opened. These additions create a fascinating
the School and students. The immediacy of and harmonious blend of solid Edwardian
an environment where budding
the capital provides access to the eminent and sensitive postmodern architecture. musicians can thrive.’
international musicians who comprise Built for specialist use, the facilities have Purcell Parent
the instrumental teaching faculty, affords enriched the musical lives of our students and
outstanding performance opportunities at teaching staff alike.
many of London’s principal cultural venues,
and stimulates successful applications to
the country’s foremost music colleges and
conservatoires.
8 / The Purcell School Prospectus
The Purcell School Prospectus / 9
Music Overview
A Programme of Musical Excellence
The Purcell School aims to provide a stimulating Students musical lives are cared for by their ‘The School’s supportive family
and challenging musical environment, at Head of Department who, in collaboration with
the heart of which is an individually tailored the student and instrumental teacher, will craft
atmosphere allows pupils to
programme for every student. a bespoke programme of study to best suit the immerse themselves in their
individual’s needs and afford the flexibility to musical studies alongside
We strive to ensure that the balance of musical enable daily practice. Disciplines of Academic
studies and the weighting of musical and Music, including aural, theory, harmony,
other talented young musicians,
academic work are balanced to suit each composition, music history and analysis, and to get closer to the heart
individual boy and girl. support and broaden students' instrumental of their music.’
studies, and are a key part of the School’s Vladimir Ashkenazy, Patron
There are six Instrumental Music departments holistic approach to a musical education.
within the School, each led by an experienced
Head of Department: Our expert specialist teachers, many of whom
also teach at the London conservatoires,
1. Strings have considerable experience working with
2. Keyboard motivated young musicians and will develop
3. Brass, Percussion, Harp & Voice individual practice goals and strategies for
4. Woodwind students. We also provide practice supervisors,
5. Composition themselves graduate musicians, to support
6. Jazz efficient and effective practice.
10 / The Purcell School Prospectus6 57 3
‘The combination of characteristics
of the School is a winning one: respect
for the individual, high educational
Instrumental Instrumental Teachers Practice Supervisors standards, the stressing of practice
Music Departments discipline, and the chance to make
chamber music and orchestral
performance to the highest standards.’
Nicholas Daniel, Oboist and Alumnus
The Purcell School Prospectus / 11Music Overview
Regular masterclasses, recitals, courses and Our Music Centre provides excellent ‘I don’t think that I would have
collaborative projects with celebrated visiting facilities. A state-of-the-art recording studio,
musicians further enhance our students’ recital hall, computerised composition
developed musically as much as
instrumental studies and offer invaluable classrooms, and a suite of dedicated teaching I have, had I not come to this
exposure to the wider music world. and practice rooms offer ideal surroundings in School. The excellent tuition and
which our students learn and flourish.
They benefit from an enriched musical
performance opportunities make
programme that includes chamber music, Each department maintains close links with for an incredibly focused and
orchestral playing, choirs, jazz and piano music colleges and conservatoires around the musical environment.’
recitals. Performance opportunities are country; all have excellent records of entry and Purcell Student
frequent and varied, and can range from daily of securing scholarships. Accolades from the
lunchtime concerts in School to formal recitals music world are fittingly similar, and students
at London’s leading performing venues. There are regularly the recipients of prestigious and
are, for example, numerous opportunities fiercely competitive awards.
to audition for the chance to play with the
School’s orchestras and give solo recitals at
prestigious venues such as the Royal Festival,
Cadogan, Wigmore and Milton Court Halls.
12 / The Purcell School Prospectus13,875 180
‘Purcell is a truly unique environment, full of
once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, a mix of vibrant
characters from all over the globe and a mutual
Music lessons every year Performances every year appreciation of music.’ Purcell Student
The Purcell School Prospectus / 13Strings
Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Guitar
Our thriving Strings department nurtures Furthermore, students can attend the School’s Recent Masterclass Musicians
string players as they work towards acquiring Chamber Music Academy which benefits Atar Arad | Remus Azoitei | Sandy Baillie
a solid technical foundation and, as well as from the immense experience of members Marius Bedeschi | Zakhar Bron
developing their skills as soloists, become of Chilingirian, Endellion, and Elias Quartets, Luis Cabrera | Robert Cohen
accustomed to working as part of a group. to name but a few. String masterclasses take Graham Devine | The Elias Quartet
place regularly with outstanding visiting artists Natalia Gutman | Alina Ibragimova
Chamber music and orchestral playing are key such as Zakhar Bron, Natalia Gutman and Guy Johnston | Louise Lansdown
to the musical education of our string players. Craig Ogden. Natalia Lomeiko | Craig Ogden
The School runs a Junior String Orchestra, Gabriele Ragghianti | Declan Zapala
a Chamber Orchestra and a Symphony Over and above the usual School orchestral
Orchestra in support of this, and all students and concerto opportunities, selected string
in Year 9 and above are given the opportunity ensembles will perform in our annual
to play chamber music in weekly coaching Chamber Music Concert, and senior string
sessions. players can audition to perform a short recital
in one of our solo instrumentalists’ concerts.
14 / The Purcell School ProspectusThe Purcell School Prospectus / 15
87 3 10
Piano Fleet Fazioli Steinway
22
Grotrian-Steinweg
1 7 31
Shigeru Kawai Yamaha
3
Harpsichords
1
Johannes
Kawai Electronic
Organ
16 / The Purcell School ProspectusKeyboard
Piano, Organ and Harpsicord
First study pianists comprise approximately a domestic performance tours when possible. Recent Masterclass Musicians
quarter of the School’s student body, making Notable destinations have been Italy, to Bernard d’Ascoli | Dmitri Alexeev
the Keyboard department a dynamic and perform at the Fazioli Concert Hall in Sacile, Vladimir Ashkenazy | Paul Badura-Skoda
inspiring place in which to study. and Scotland, to play at and collaborate with Federico Colli | Philip Fowke
the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as part of Martin Jones | Angela Hewitt
In addition to providing expert individual tuition, their International Piano Festival. Vanessa Latarche | Dominique Merlet
the department runs weekly faculty classes to Hamish Milne | Ronan O’Hora
allow pianists the opportunity to come together, The faculty has a strong international outlook, Vladimir Ovchinnikov | Andras Schiff
share ideas and learn from each other. Student designed to prepare students for life as Nina Svetlanova | Fou T’song
progression is further enhanced by regular professional musicians, which has, for example, Nataliya Trull | Uta Weyand
masterclasses given by internationally renowned seen Alim Beisembayev become the first winner
pianists, and an annual piano course which of the Van Cliburn Junior Competition while
culminates in a concert involving all Middle and a student at the School and triumph as an
Upper School pianists. alumnus in the 2017 Jaques Samuel Pianos
Intercollegiate Piano Competition.
There are many standout performance Alexander Ullman, a Purcell alumnus, won
occasions for pianists. Auditions are held each the 11th International Franz Liszt Piano
year to secure the chance to perform a piano Competition, and Martin James Bartlett, then
recital in a prominent London venue, and the a student at the School, was the winner of the
department undertakes international and 2014 BBC Young Musician of the Year.
The Purcell School Prospectus / 17Brass, Percussion, Harp and Voice
Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn,
Timpani and Percussion, Harp and Voice
The Brass, Percussion, Harp and Voice family-group ensembles which provide Recent Masterclass Musicians
department provides exciting opportunities additional performance opportunities, and for Henry Baldwin | Alison Balsom
for learning and performing, with a world-class first and second study voice pupils there are Adrian Bending | Nigel Black
team of instrumental teachers who are leaders chamber choirs and many solo performance Phil Cobb | Oliver Cox | Mark David
in solo, chamber and orchestral performance. opportunities. Tim Evans-Jones | Byron Fulcher
Owen Gunnell | Patrick King
Each student’s journey is individual, and Many of our students are members of the Arthur Lipner | Kevin Price
the department offers rich and diverse National Youth Orchestra (NYO) and National David Pyatt | Rex Richardson
programmes for these instruments which Children’s Orchestra (NCO), and attend Junior Marisa Robles | Adrian Spillett
develop students both as solo players and as conservatoire departments on a Saturday.
flexible ensemble members – a combination
of qualities that will be essential for their
future success.
Players from this department form a
vital part of the Chamber and Symphony
Orchestras, as well as chamber groups and
the Contemporary Ensemble. In addition
to mixed chamber music there are several
18 / The Purcell School ProspectusThe Purcell School Prospectus / 19
20 / The Purcell School Prospectus
Woodwind
Flute, Oboe, Recorder, Bassoon, Clarinet and Saxophone
The Woodwind department at The Purcell Frequent visits and recitals from leading Recent Masterclass Musicians
School is staffed by an outstanding team musicians further enhance the department’s Sarah Burnett | Nicholas Daniel
drawn from Britain’s finest woodwind players, dedication to encouraging students to Kate Hill | Chi-Yu Mo | Naomi Sullivan
several of whom also are professors at leading challenge their own playing and explore new
conservatoires and all of whom share a clear performance styles.
focus to help prepare students for a career in
and around music performance. The department holds an annual Woodwind
Day, which is open to young woodwind players
With chamber music at the heart of the of Grade 6 standard and above. Coached
Woodwind department, students play a key by members of the faculty, the workshops,
role in the School’s orchestras and baroque ensemble playing and performance classes
ensembles, as well as regularly performing provide a valuable insight for prospective
in family groupings. They also play a vital students into this enthusiastic, supportive and
role in the contemporary ensembles and vibrant department.
often collaborate with players from other
departments on new projects. This diverse
range of performance opportunities allows
students to gain experience as soloists,
chamber musicians and orchestral players.
The Purcell School Prospectus / 21Jazz
Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Piano, Guitar,
Drum Kit and Voice
Jazz is an established and flourishing play in some of London’s most renowned Jazz Recent Masterclass Musicians
department. Renowned within and outside the venues, including Pizza Express Dean Street Laurence Cottle | Geoff Gascoyne
School, it comprises an inspirational team of and the 606 Club. Gareth Lockrane | Gerard Presencer
experienced teachers and performers who are Orphy Robinson | Stan Sulzman
uniquely placed to oversee the development The department is a great gateway into Clark Tracey | Troyka
of creative musicians. studying jazz at conservatoire level, and
students from the Jazz department regularly
Ensemble provision is an important part of the achieve considerable success. In 2016, for
Jazz programme. As well as the School’s senior example, first study jazz trumpeter Alexandra
and junior improvisation groups, students Ridout won the prestigious BBC Young
can participate in ad hoc ensemble-based Musician Jazz Award, and jazz students are
groupings and become part of The Purcell often sought after as members of the National
School’s celebrated Big Band. The Big Band Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) and the National
gives non-jazz specialists a chance to perform Youth Jazz Collective (NYJC). Recent graduates
alongside first study jazz players, and has of the department include the multiple
provided students with the opportunity to Grammy Award winning jazz pianist
work with eminent jazz players such as Steve Jacob Collier, Kit Downes, Jake Labazzi
Waterman, Troyka and Stan Sulzman. Jazz and Seth Tackaberry.
students will also be given the opportunity to
22 / The Purcell School ProspectusThe Purcell School Prospectus / 23
24 / The Purcell School Prospectus
Composition
The Purcell School is able to offer exceptional and performances in collaboration with Recent Masterclass
opportunities for young composers who professional organisations such as the Saatchi Composers
will thrive in the stimulating and creative Gallery, UK Beijing Arts Association and the Joaquim Badia Arumi | Lloyd Coleman
environment of the Composition department. UK’s music conservatoires. Senior students are Philip Dutton | Shiva Feshareki
afforded the opportunity to submit an original Graham Fitkin | Karin Henricksen
First study composers receive up to two composition for performance in the School’s Joy Hill | David Horne | Emily Howard
hours of individual tuition in composition annual Symphony Orchestra Concert. James Hoyle | Haris Kittos
per week, alongside an agreed programme William Mival | Music Off Canvas
of instrumental study appropriate to their As a core component of the Academic Music Roxanna Panufnik | Polo Piatti
individual needs. Regular seminars, workshops, curriculum, students from Years 6 to 10 receive Matt Rogers | Robert Saxton
group discussions and meetings with young regular class tuition in composition. Composers Lucie Treacher | Judith Weir
and celebrated composers enable students to are taught the technique of developing ideas in Dr Cheng Yu
learn more about new music, the contemporary a coherent way and are exposed to a variety of
scene and how to create opportunities for their methods and styles.
work to be heard and appreciated.
Celebrated alumni of the Composition
Composition students are encouraged to department include Oliver Knussen,
submit their work for consideration in national Dru Masters, Simon Bainbridge, Jacob Collier,
festivals and competitions, and to participate in Mica Levi and Alissa Firsova.
a wide range of composers’ projects, concerts
The Purcell School Prospectus / 25The Core Music Programme
An Education with Music at its Heart
In addition to instrumental teaching, The rich musical awareness. Similarly, we aim to ‘To be surrounded by so many
Purcell School provides a general musical provide them with all the tools necessary for
literacy coupled with the practical experience of success in the highly volatile and competitive
people who share the same interest
the great musical masterworks appropriate to world of music. We ensure that they are as you is a wonderful feeling,
each student’s specialist study. able to promote themselves in the wider and it has helped my playing and
world and online, that they possess a sound
Analysis, aural training, music theory and understanding and experience of organising
musicality to improve massively.’
Purcell Student
history of music are integral parts of the musical events, and have a comprehensive
School’s curriculum, and it is through the awareness of the range of roles available
teaching of these subjects and skills that our to them.
students are able to develop a broad and
26 / The Purcell School ProspectusThe Purcell School Prospectus / 27
Academic Music
The goal of the Academic Music department In the Sixth Form, students work towards ‘Purcell enables me to be immersed
is to assist students in becoming informed, the Cambridge Pre-U qualifications in Music
imaginative and enquiring musicians. It aims and have lessons in analysis, music history,
in a musically rich environment
to provide a wide range of musical skills and to harmony, composition and aural. They are alongside like-minded people who
enable students to use these skills creatively. coached in preparation for Music College entry share a mutual passion.’
tests, and Upper Sixth students who intend to Purcell Student
In addition to aural and composition classes, all go to university are given a series of lessons
Year 6 to 9 students study a series of set works to prepare them for entrance examinations
which form the basis of creative and analytical and interviews. Each year a number of
projects designed to expand their general pupils go on to read Music at university,
musical knowledge and inform their practical including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and
instrumental studies. Students are entered for King’s College, London.
IGCSE at the end of Year 10. In Year 11 students
undertake an intense harmony course and an The School was awarded the ISM Gold
in-depth study of larger scale works. They also Certificate in Music for GCSE attainment, and
work on various creative projects, including were confirmed as ranking top in the UK’s
training in workshop leadership, culminating Academic Music results.
in outreach performances in local schools.
In addition, they undertake an introductory
course in Music Technology.
28 / The Purcell School ProspectusDmitri Alexeev
No.1 100%
ISM Ranked School A* or A GSCE Music
for IGCSE Music in 2016 ISM 2017
The Purcell School Prospectus / 292
Recording
2
Apple Mac
6
AV Recording
2
PA Systems
1
Mobile
2
Automated
Studios Computer Links Recording Recording
Suites Unit Systems
30 / The Purcell School ProspectusMusic Technology
The Music Technology department generates involving the use of technology are taught ‘Purcell is a truly
and fosters creativity in students using the lower down the School, and all students have
latest recording and computer technology. access to the computer rooms throughout the
unique environment, full of
day for their individual work. once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,
With six AV links allowing the recording of our
best pianos direct to the studios and all concerts Composition for film is a growing feature of the a mix of vibrant characters from
in the School being captured direct to the two department’s work. Performances of new music all over the globe and a mutual
automated recording systems, music technology for silent film, composed and conducted by appreciation of music.’
touches on many areas of music making. students, are a regular feature in the concerts
Phelan Burgoyne, Drummer, Composer
diary. It is the School’s two annual Sound Image and Alumnus
The course covers all aspects of creative studio
Movement concerts, however, which enable
work including stereo ambient recording,
students to use technology most creatively and
multi-track recording, electro-acoustic music,
across multiple genres. These concerts, and the
arranging, studio engineering, producing and
facilities of the department, were the main outlet
composing for film. Students have access to
for the work of several notable alumni, including
cutting edge technology and are equipped
Jacob Collier and Mica Levi, as well as many
with essential knowledge for future work in the
other students who have gone on to study on
studio-music environment.
electronic music courses at the Guildhall and the
The subject is taught at AS and A Level Royal Scottish Academy of Music. Many alumni
following the Edexcel syllabus and students are working as producers, film composers, and
are encouraged to work well beyond the briefs sound engineers in the industry.
and limits set by the board. Special courses
The Purcell School Prospectus / 31Academic Study
An Inspiring Academic Programme
The Purcell School believes that world-class The key to the success of our curriculum is ‘At The Purcell School a career
musicianship is best nurtured when young balance. Depending on a student’s age and
performers and composers are possessed instrumental commitments, between 25%
in music is not taken for granted
of a broad cultural awareness, cultivated by and 50% of curricular time is spent on musical and a broad range of academic
an excellent general education. Students are activities. subjects is included ... without
encouraged to regard their academic studies as
an essential complement to their performing
diminishing the musical priority.’
Sir Thomas Armstrong, Founding Patron
skills: the curriculum aims to nurture a rich
cultural hinterland for each young person, such
that their musicality is deepened as a result.
Running alongside the music programme, our
academic curriculum allows students to fulfil
their musical potential without limiting their
choices. Although most of our students are
aiming for a career in music and will progress to
a conservatoire or university to read music, this
path is never taken for granted.
32 / The Purcell School ProspectusThe Purcell School Prospectus / 33
1:4
Please note that the curriculum and its
delivery are under constant review and may
change from year to year.
For recent exam results, please see the
supporting cards at the rear of the prospectus. Teacher to student ratio
Year 6 Year 9 Sixth Form
Year 6 teaching focusses on the development In Year 9, students follow a full range of To enter the Sixth Form, students are
of good social and moral attitudes, on the academic courses while musical commitments expected to have five or more GCSE or
enjoyment of learning and on the acquisition of continue to increase. German is added for all as IGCSE passes at grade C or above, or the
skills and knowledge. The dedicated Year 6 class a second foreign language. equivalent for overseas students. Some
teacher covers English, Mathematics, Science, subjects require a minimum GCSE grade
Humanities and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Years 10 and 11 to continue the subject in the Sixth Form,
and Economic Education). Musical activities, Students are advised to take seven or a as outlined in the Sixth Form Options
Art and PE (Physical Education) are taught by maximum of eight GCSE or IGCSE subjects. All booklet. Sixth Formers are advised to take
specialist staff. There is one supervised practice students take IGCSE Music at the end of Year 10. three subjects – Pre-U Music and two A
session during each School day. Other GCSEs and IGCSEs are taken at the end of Level subjects – over the course of Lower
Year 11. All students take Mathematics, English Sixth and Upper Sixth. Very exceptionally,
Years 7 and 8 Language and Science (Biology, Chemistry and a student may take four subjects but only
Students have lessons in Music, English, Physics, with most students gaining a Double after discussion with the Deputy Head or
Mathematics, Science, French, History, Art, Award). Optional subjects include English Head of Sixth Form. For overseas students
Drama, Games and PSHE. For overseas students Literature, French, German, Additional Science, EAL can replace one A Level option. In
EAL (English as an Additional Language) lessons History, Art and Drama. All students have one addition to the compulsory Cambridge
may be substituted for, perhaps, a foreign session each week of Physical Education. Pre-U Music, A Level subjects on offer are:
language, Art or History. Practice sessions Examination boards vary from subject to Art, Biology, Chemistry, English Literature,
during the school day are supervised. subject, and are chosen according to which French, German, History, Mathematics,
specification suits our students best. Music Technology, Physics, Theatre Studies,
and Pre-U Philosophy and Theology.
34 / The Purcell School ProspectusThe Purcell School Prospectus / 35
79%
Students are Boarders*
4 15
Boarding Boarding &
1
Onsite
1
Onsite
1
Onsite
Houses Pastoral Staff Nurse Physiotherapist Counsellor
(weekly)
‘All the facilities are on site all the ‘We’ve all got the same ‘Pupils are supported by excellent
time ... at home I had to practise interests – we’re interested in pastoral care.’
in my kitchen!’ music – so instantly everyone Independent School Inspectorate, 2014
Purcell Student has something in common.’
Purcell Student
*Statistic from 2017/18
36 / The Purcell School ProspectusPastoral Care
A Home from Home
The Purcell School is an informal and for the independence they will have in Further ‘My daughter has blossomed in
welcoming place, with a strong sense of Education.
community and determination to provide
an environment that has nurtured
students with the best possible environment for The boarding houses are run by a dedicated her, both musically and personally.
both work and home life. team of warm and caring boarding and pastoral It has been amazing to watch her
staff, who are responsible for each student’s
The School offers flexible solutions to meet the welfare and wellbeing. Weekend activities,
develop ... to say she is happy at
needs of different families in terms of full or evening events and social gatherings are school is an understatement.’
weekly boarding, and, whether attending as a regularly organised, and students are able Purcell Parent
boarding or day student, all students are assigned to travel into London to attend the junior
to one of the School’s four boarding houses for departments of the capital’s music colleges and
pastoral support and to provide a social base. conservatoires or enjoy concerts and events. All
boarding first study Sixth Form pianists have the
Boarders use of an upright piano in their study bedrooms.
With approximately 79% of students boarding,
the School feels like a home from home, and Day Students
the boarders lead very full lives. As travel time Day students at The Purcell School are able to
is reduced there is more time to practise, to take full advantage of the boarding school day
ensure academic work is completed to a high and reap the many benefits from all that is on
standard, to be involved in a breadth of musical offer. As they progress through the School, they
and co-curricular activities, and to build lifelong will often stay late in the evening to participate
friendships. Boarding also prepares students in events.
The Purcell School Prospectus / 37Life After The Purcell School
Having received an outstanding musical and We are very proud of our former students, Alumni Include
strong academic education, most students many of whom have enjoyed national and Martin James Bartlett | Alim Beisembayev
go on to be successful in their chosen fields. international success. They can be found in Julian Bliss | Daisy Chute | Robert Cohen
We take great care in nurturing and offering the major orchestras of the UK and across the Jacob Collier | Nicholas Daniel
guidance to ensure our leavers make informed world, as well as in leading ensembles. Recent Anne Denholm | Julius Drake
choices about their futures and find the right notable alumni include BBC Young Musician Catrin Finch | Teo Gheorgiu
place to continue their studies. In the main of the Year 2014 pianist Martin James Bartlett, Janice Graham | Kerem Hasan
they graduate to study music at one of the Royal Harpist Anne Denholm, twice Grammy Oliver Knussen | Min-Jin Kym
top London music colleges, often having been Award winning Jazz pianist Jacob Collier and Jack Liebeck | Mica Levi
offered scholarships. Oscar and BAFTA nominated film composer Lara Melda | Joseph Phibbs
Mica Levi, to name but a few! Alexandra Ridout | Karim Said
Destinations of leavers also include the Joo Yeon Sir | Yevgeny Sudbin
UK’s top universities, including Oxford and Alexander Ullman
Cambridge. These routes are usually taken to
study Music, but each year a handful will follow
other interests such as Physics, Aeronautical
Engineering and History.
38 / The Purcell School Prospectus‘All pupils achieve their ambition of securing
a place at a prestigious music college or
university in the UK or abroad.’
Independent School Inspectorate, 2014
The Purcell School Prospectus / 3940 / The Purcell School Prospectus
Applications
The Purcell School welcomes applications Application Form Online Applications
from all talented young musicians between All candidates must complete the School’s Applications can also be received directly
the ages of 10 and 18. application form. This can be found in through the active entry form on the
We consider musical ability and promise to the prospectus and on our website as a website or by emailing the completed
be more significant than grade attainment, downloadable PDF and an active entry form. application form to the Registrar. To submit
and are looking for evidence of musical skill, Applications can be received by post, email an application online, the £35 registration
desire, commitment and potential. However, or online. fee must be paid through the website and
pupils do require five or more GCSE or IGCSE the applicant’s written recommendation
passes at grade C or above, or the equivalent Postal Applications attached. We require overseas applicants
for overseas pupils, in order to enter the The application form must be returned to to provide YouTube footage or Sound Cloud
Sixth Form. the Registrar with a £35 application fee and a recordings of a recent performance for
written recommendation from the applicant’s consideration.
How to Apply instrumental teacher(s). We ask that any
To be considered for a place at The Purcell overseas candidates include evidence of a
School, you must first apply for an audition. recent performance, be this in the form of a
The audition process takes part in two stages DVD, YouTube link or similar.
Please direct any queries about the application
– the preliminary and main auditions. Please make all cheques payable to process to the School Registrar, on
‘The Purcell School’. admissions@purcell-school.org
The Purcell School Prospectus / 41Preliminary Audition In order to best determine a suitable Important Dates
The preliminary audition is similar to the academic programme, candidates will sit a The closing date for applications for
main audition except that the candidate will Reasoning Test in English and be interviewed candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for
play to the appropriate Head of Department by a senior member of staff. The Head of EAL support under the Department for Education
only. This is to assess the level of candidate will assess candidates for whom English is not Music and Dance Scheme is the last day of The
musicianship, musicality, technique, and their first language. Purcell School Easter holiday.
potential. It is a less pressurised environment Following the main audition, candidates Auditions for candidates who do not meet the
than a main audition and often helps to and their parents will be given a tour of the eligibility criteria for support under the Music
settle nerves. School, which for boarders will include a visit and Dance Scheme finish in March.
to a boarding house, and will meet with the
Main Audition Head and Bursar. Please note that boarding places in particular
For a main audition, candidates will be asked have often been filled by the end of March, and
An audition fee of £50, payable to ‘The Purcell
to prepare and play two pieces on their first candidates are therefore encouraged to apply
School’ by cheque or online, must be made
instrument and one piece on their second as early as possible in the School year.
and received by the relevant audition date to
instrument (if relevant). The pieces are of guarantee an audition. Applications are considered in the order they
the applicant’s own choice. Sight-reading are received.
and aural tests will be set. Candidates will be Offer
interviewed by an audition panel, which will Following a successful audition, the candidate
include the relevant Head of Department, and will either be offered a place (normally within
will sit a Theory of Music paper. two weeks of the audition) or placed on a
waiting list and informed if and when a place
becomes available.
42 / The Purcell School ProspectusThe Purcell School Prospectus / 43
Fees and Financial Assistance
The Music and Dance Scheme School Bursaries
The School’s key priority is to ensure that every Students who are not eligible for the Music and
young musician can attend The Purcell School Dance Scheme may apply for assistance from
based on their musical ability and not their The Purcell School’s Bursary fund. Funding
ability to pay. Means-tested funding from the is based on need and parents are required
Department for Education is therefore essential. to declare their financial circumstances
For example, in 2016/17, 63% of students for consideration by the School’s Bursary
received support from the Government’s Music Committee.
and Dance Scheme and, as a direct result, 49
students paid less than £1,000 per year in fees.
To be eligible for a place on the Music and
Dance Scheme, students must have been
resident in the UK for at least two years. Special
rules apply to European students.
Additional information can be found at
www.gov.uk/music-dance-scheme.
44 / The Purcell School ProspectusThe Purcell School Prospectus / 45
How to Find Us
The Purcell School is situated on the outskirts of The Purcell School
London in the town of Bushey, Hertfordshire. Aldenham Road
Bushey
We are a 30-minute walk or a five-minute drive Hertfordshire
from Bushey railway station, which has a fast WD23 2TS
(19-minute) connection to the capital. The M1
and M25 are minutes from the School, giving Tel: 01923 331100
easy access to the rest of the UK. Heathrow Fax: 01923 331166
and Luton airports are 30 minutes away by car, info@purcell-school.org
while Gatwick and Stansted are closer to an www.purcell-school.org
hour’s journey.
There is ample car parking on site.
46 / The Purcell School ProspectusAldenham Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire WD23 2TS
Tel: 01923 331100 Fax: 01923 331166 info@purcell-school.org
www.purcell-school.org
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Charity No.312855.
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