FAQs
What standard of playing are you looking for?
We do not have rigid entry criteria – each student’s musical journey is unique and we value individual progress. Above all else we are looking for evidence of some achievement, a musical spark, and lots of potential. Our happiest students are the ones who are extremely motivated intrinsically: they can’t imagine doing anything other than music, and this is clear in their playing and singing.
Applications and auditions are assessed very much on an individual basis, and exam certificates are not essential.
Please see entry requirements for further information.
From what age do you accept students?
We accept students from Year 7 (age 11) through to the Sixth Form (age 16+). New students can enter the school in all years except Year 11 and Year 13.
When is your intake?
Students are admitted in September at the start of the academic year.
Do you have any day students?
Yes. Around 25% of our students are day students.
Do you have weekly boarders?
Yes. Students can go home most weekends, unless there are rehearsals and/or concerts.
How many students do you have?
We currently have approximately 200 students.
How much instrumental tuition do students receive?
Students receive a total of between two and three hours a week instrumental tuition.
Can my child learn with a teacher outside of School?
Please see our Policy on External Music Lessons.
Do you accept students that play only one instrument?
Yes. It is not a requirement for students to play a second instrument, although most of our students play two or more instruments (one of which may be composition).
How much time do students have to practice?
Between three and six hours a day, according to their age.
My child does play an instrument but their main focus is composition.
Composition is counted as an equivalent to an instrumental study at The Purcell School.
Is Audio Production considered a first study at The Purcell School?
Yes. The Purcell School offers Audio Production as a first study. Please note that Audio Production is only open to applicants entering Year 12, who have a supporting instrument to Grade 5 standard.
Do you have a Jazz department?
Yes. We have a strong and well established Jazz department with first study jazz students playing instruments ranging from jazz piano to jazz bass. Jazz voice is also included.
Do you accept students with special educational needs?
We welcome students with special educational needs and/or disabilities, provided we can reasonably offer them any support that they require and cater for any additional needs and that our site can accommodate them. Our policy is to apply our admission criteria to all applicants. We require parents of children with any particular needs (including those that are suspected or diagnosed) to be proactive and discuss this with us at the outset of the admissions process so that we can assess and make – to the extent reasonable – appropriate provision for them. Our Special Educational Needs Policy and Admissions Policy can be found on our website.
When is the next Open Morning?
Details of our next Open Morning are available here.
What are the School fees?
Our current School fees are available here.
Do you offer any Bursaries, or financial support?
Yes. The School enables financial assistance with fees through the means-tested Bursaries we offer – the Government’s Music and Dance Scheme (MDS), and the School Bursary Fund.
How do I go about applying for a place at the School?
Applications open one academic year prior to the year of entry.
Please visit Admissions/How to Apply for further information.
How do I apply and who can I direct any queries to?
Application is via our online admissions platform which is be accessible from this page – Admissions/How to Apply
If you have any questions about your application, please email Natasha Vallance, Admissions Manager at admissions@purcell-school.org
When is your closing date for applications?
There is no deadline for application, however we strongly recommend applications as early in the academic year as possible to avoid disappointment, as places at the school are limited.
Applications are considered as they arrive and candidates are assessed in relation to their age and potential at time of audition; there is therefore no advantage in waiting to audition later in the year.
When do auditions take place?
Our auditions take place in School throughout the academic year.
Can I have a look around the School?
We encourage prospective parents and students to attend our Open Mornings which take place annually in October and February – please register your attendance via our website.
