Curricular
Strings
Our thriving Strings department nurtures string players as they work towards acquiring a solid technical foundation and, as well as developing their skills as soloists, become accustomed to working as part of a group. Chamber music and orchestral playing are key to the musical education of our string players. The School runs a Junior String Orchestra, a Chamber Orchestra and a Symphony Orchestra in support…
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Keyboard
First study pianists comprise approximately a quarter of the School’s student body, making the Keyboard department a dynamic and inspiring place in which to study. All boarding first study Sixth Form pianists have the use of an upright piano in their study bedrooms. In addition to expert individual tuition, the department runs weekly group classes to allow pianists the opportunity to come together, share ideas and learn from…
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Percussion, Brass, Harp and Voice
Purcell’s Percussion Department offers a vibrant and comprehensive education tailored to develop versatile, skilled and expressive percussionists capable of excelling in a diverse array of musical settings. We are committed to individual attention and mentorship. Students receive one-on-one lessons from our distinguished faculty, all of whom are accomplished performers and dedicated educators. This personalised instruction…
ExploreWoodwind
The Woodwind Department is small but hugely rich in diversity, with a range of amazing teachers. Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Classical Sax and Recorder grace the school with a range of wonderful repertoire. All our teachers are performers at a top professional level, and many also work at Junior and Senior Conservatoires. They therefore understand the next level of learning that students may be looking to explore…
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Jazz
Jazz is an established and flourishing department. Renowned within and outside the School, it comprises an inspirational team of experienced teachers and performers who are uniquely placed to oversee the development of creative musicians. Ensemble provision is an important part of the Jazz programme. As well as the School’s senior and junior improvisation groups, students can participate in ad hoc ensemble-based…
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Composition
The Purcell School is able to offer exceptional opportunities for young composers who will thrive in the stimulating and creative environment of the Composition Department. First study composers receive up to two hours of individual tuition in composition per week, alongside an agreed programme of instrumental study appropriate to their individual needs. Regular seminars, workshops, group discussions…
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Audio Production
In addition to the Music Technology component of the Academic Music curriculum, first study Audio Production students will receive up to two hours of individual tuition per week, alongside an agreed programme of instrumental study appropriate to their individual needs (applicants must have a second study instrument to a minimum of Grade 5 standard). They will be taught techniques for developing coherent ideas…
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Commercial and Popular Music
The Purcell School is very excited to have launched our Commercial and Popular Music Department in September 2022. The department delivers a program of essential skills necessary for today’s modern commercial musician, taught by a team of industry professionals. Our tutors work with internationally renowned pop and rock artists who record for film and television at all of the top London recording studios…
ExploreEnsembles
Performance is a cornerstone of the music programme at The Purcell School, and in an average year our students will take part in over 200 concerts. We offer a wealth of performance opportunities from regular concerts, recitals and masterclasses to competitions and festivals. One of the life-changing experiences of attending The Purcell School is our proximity to London and the opportunity to make music with…
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Academic Music
The goal of the Academic Music Department is to assist students in becoming informed, imaginative and enquiring musicians. It aims to provide a wide range of musical skills and to enable students to use these skills creatively. In addition to musicianship and composition classes, all students in Years 7 to 9 study a series of set works. These form the basis of creative and analytical projects designed to expand their general…
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Art
In the words of Henry Matisse ‘creativity takes courage’. To encourage a fearless approach to Art we introduce our students to a wide range of different media early. All students study Art until Year 9, with a large number opting to continue their studies to GSCE (Fine Art) and then to A Level (Fine Art and Photography). An emphasis is placed on drawing, visual and contextual study, experimentation…
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Drama
Drama is a standard part of the School curriculum from Years 7 to 9, and is also available at GCSE and A Level. The course aims to encourage students to work imaginatively and creatively in a collaborative context in order to generate, develop and communicate ideas. Students come away with an understanding of the social, historical and cultural influences on texts studied and develop a competence…
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EAL
With approximately 20% of Purcell students hailing from overseas, EAL forms an integral part of the curriculum for students for whom English is not their first language, and is offered at no extra charge. The programme is personally tailored and aims to equip students with all the necessary skills, not only to engage in their musical and academic studies, but also to allow them to fully integrate into the student body…
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English
English at The Purcell School provides growth, knowledge and improvement in the key areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. English seeks to foster creative talent as well as academic success, and each year students engage in creative writing competitions. In an international school we especially seek to work with the EAL Department to further language acquisition and development for our foreign students…
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Modern Foreign Languages
In our international school community where languages are at the core of our working life, we have little difficulty persuading our students of the importance of language learning. In recent years we have seen increasing numbers of students who wish to study outside the UK, especially in Germany, as such languages are seen as a valued life skill by many of our students. The department has high expectations…
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History
The History department aims to develop skills and knowledge that will be used throughout a student’s life. Students will learn the causes and consequences of historical events and develop the ability to deduce the influence such events may have had on the trajectory of history. The department enriches its curriculum with trips and outings throughout the year…
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Mathematics
In Mathematics we aim to develop creative reasoning together with a high level of mathematical competency so that our students can solve problems with confidence and logic. We follow the English National Curriculum for Key Stage 2, 3, and 4 with a variety of enrichment opportunities offered to students during their time with us in the form of competitions, investigations and outings. In the Sixth Form, we teach…
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Music Technology
The Music Technology Department generates and fosters creativity in students using the latest recording and computer technology. With six AV links allowing the recording of our best pianos direct to the studios and all concerts in the School being captured direct to the two automated systems, music technology touches on many areas of music making. The course covers all aspects of creative studio work…
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Science
Science at The Purcell Schools hopes to promote students curiosity about the world around them and develop their ability to explore their interests effectively through investigation and analysis, enabling them to deduce satisfying conclusions. At KS3 all students follow the National Curriculum and are taught by specialists in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students are then able to select to either study…
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Physical Education
Our vision for PE is to deliver a curriculum that promotes participation, enjoyment and a love of physical activity and exercise. We aim for students to understand the importance of physical fitness and how this can benefit their musical performance and studies. At The Purcell School we aim to offer a balanced and varied curriculum that allows all pupils to achieve and enjoy PE. We aim to provide…
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Location
London on our door step
What’s on
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An Evening of Bach at The Purcell School
Join our Principal, Paul Bambrough, next Wednesday, 10 September at 7PM in CP Hall for a stunning all-Bach organ recital.
The programme features masterpieces including:
🎼 Prelude and Fugue in B minor (BWV 544)
🎼 O Mensch, bewein’ dein Sünde groβ (BWV 622)
🎼 Choral Partita on Sei Gegrüsset, Jesu gütig (BWV 768)
… and many more!
🎟️ More info via the link in bio.
#PurcellSchool #OrganMusic #JSBach #LiveMusic #ClassicalMusic #BachRecital #EveningOfBach #MusicEducation
This September, experience brilliant music-making by our talented students!
🎟️ Tickets are available now — grab yours early to avoid disappointment!
🔗 Find out more via the link in bio.
#PurcellSchool #LiveMusic #StudentConcerts #ClassicalMusic #SeptemberSounds #PurcellLive
🎶 Purcell students take the stage at Godalming Rising Stars Concert 🎶
Join us at
📍 Godalming Baptist Church
📅 13th Sept | 🕖 7PM
#GodalmingRisingStar #PurcellSchool #LiveMusic #YoungTalent #ClassicalConcert
Purcell students take the stage 🎶
Join them at Sarratt Music Festival – Fri, 26 Sept 25
Programme to include Mario Gangi Suite Italiana for guitar duo, Chopin Sonata in B flat minor op.35, and Claude Debussy Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor
#ClassicalSuperStars #purcellschool #sarrattfestivalofmusic #sarratt #chopin #debussy #guitarduo
The Purcell Trumpet players turned up the heat in our own CP Hall with their fiery double tonguing finesse in Leroy Anderson`s exhilarating Bugler`s Holiday
Performed in CP Hall on 1 July 2025, The Purcell School
Conducted by Mike Cavanagh, Head of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion
#buglersholiday #purcelltrumpets #thepurcellschoolofmusic
🎶 Thinking about a future in music?
Join us at The Purcell School Open Morning!
📅 Sunday 5 October 2025
🕙 10am–1pm | 📍 Bushey, Hertfordshire
Meet our students and staff, explore our campus and experience the music that sets Purcell apart.
Booking is essential – secure your place now (see link in bio)
#PurcellSchool #OpenMorning #YoungMusicians #SpecialistMusicSchool #MusicEducation
*Save the Date!*
We’re thrilled to announce that The Purcell School Chamber Soloists will be performing at Wigmore Hall on Wednesday 24th September at 1pm as part of their lunchtime concert series.
Join us for an afternoon of exceptional chamber music from some of the UK’s most talented young musicians.
🎟️ Tickets are £18 and available now: see link in bio
#PurcellSchool #ChamberMusic #WigmoreHall #YoungMusicians #LiveMusic #LunchtimeConcert
We have just published Purcell`s last #WeeklyHighlights of the academic year!
Wishing you all a wonderful summer.
(See link in bio)
#SchoolNews #AlumniNews #PurcellNews #StudentNews #PurcellMusic
