Lloyd Webber launches music in schools project

Andrew Lloyd Webber has launched an educational programme which will allow every child at participating schools to learn to play a musical instrument.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Apr 2013, 01:01 BST
Andrew Lloyd WebberAndrew Lloyd Webber
Andrew Lloyd Webber

It is hoped that the new scheme will improve the behaviour and overall academic achievements of pupils, rather than create performing artists.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme is modelled on an initiative at Highbury Grove School in Islington, north London, where an expansion of music education improved overall Ofsted results in recent years.

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On a visit to the school yesterday, Lord Lloyd-Webber said: “It’s time that music in schools and education is given far more prominence than it is at the moment.

“The absolutely thrilling thing which really took my attention... is the fact that all the kids are given
a free instrument when they arrive.”

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and The Charles Wolfson Trust will donate £2m over four years to establish The Music in Secondary Schools Trust, which will implement the new programme.

The 65-year-old musical impresario also called on Education Secretary Michael Gove to support the scheme. Schools can apply to take part in the scheme, and priority will be given to those
in areas of deprivation or
where access to arts projects is limited.

Related topics:Michael GoveSchoolsOfstedLondon