Music at Haberdashers

Most children will have their first experience of music at school. It is important that music education of high quality is available to as many of them as possible: it must not become the preserve of those children whose families can afford to pay for music tuition. While music touches the lives of all young people, the disadvantaged can benefit most.

We are proud of our music offer across the Trust with excellent teaching expertise across our schools. Our pupils benefit hugely from a range of opportunities. We are incredibly fortunate that the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers fund specialist teaching in music to enable our students to excel.

Some of the ways in which pupils can engage in music at a Haberdashers' school are:

Haberdashers' Musician of the Year Award

A very special date in the diary is the annual Haberdashers’ Musician of the Year Award. Students from all the Haberdashers’ schools perform musical pieces at the wonderful Haberdashers’ Hall.

The award was developed to showcase the considerable musical accomplishments of Haberdashers’ students and to encourage cross collaboration across the family of Haberdashers’ schools. 

Each year, students are extremely fortunate to receive personalised feedback from the esteemed panel of judges which includes the highly acclaimed conductor Professor Jane Glover CBE.

“It is so reassuring to be reminded that music is so highly regarded in Haberdasher schools... it's a source of great joy to us” - Professor Jane Glover CBE

Some performers have had experience of playing their instrument for many years and have taken a traditional route of learning music, other performers started learning at a later stage and are even self-taught. The route the performers have taken is person but the important aspect of this award is that it celebrates a passion of music and a dedication to developing their talent.  

Here, a student at Hatcham College, who started learning to play clarinet at Hatcham Primary – represents his school at the event. 

Trust Carol Service at Southwark Cathedral

The Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South Carol Service held at Southwark Cathedral has been an important part of our tradition for many years. As the Trust has grown and evolved over time, the contributions from our academies have grown too. We are now proud to have representation from each of our schools. This is a special moment in the calendar for all our communities to come together to focus on the true message of Christmas – joy, life and hope.

At the beginning of the service, the choir will process into the Cathedral.  At the end of the service, as is traditional, there will be a procession comprising the Chair of the Trust Board, the CEO of the Trust, Principals, Senior Leaders, Head Boys and Head Girls, and the Master and Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers.  The Beadle of the Haberdashers’ Company leads the procession, carrying his staff of office, which in medieval times, he used to protect the Master and Wardens of the Company.

School Performances 

Musical and creative showcases are an important part of school life in all of our schools. Performances create a unique sense of community amongst pupils. Strong relationships are built as peers develop an understanding of each other and learn to work together. These collaborative performances enable our children and young people to feel included and accepted and it’s this safe and comfortable environment that allows children to flourish. In the film below, you can see a beautiful performance of the Slade Green school song.

The sense of community isn’t limited to children, either. As school plays and musical events are put on throughout the school year, parents, guardians and other close relatives are often invited to enjoy the hard work of the children. These shows are the chance for the children to feel connected to the wider community of their school, as well as enjoying the opportunity to show their loved ones their recent efforts.

Music is a particular focus of our Deputation Days, traditional instrumental pieces, singing and music from around the world.  Knights Academy gave visitors a special performance inspired by Cuban musical chair playing at their annual Deputation Day.