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Fears academy will mean the end for school’s music stars
Sponsor urged to back scheme that encourages pupils to master instruments
SPECIALIST music tuition at Pimlico School could be axed when the comprehensive becomes a city academy, campaigners claim.
The school’s special music course has produced scores of professional musicians from the artistic director of the Royal Opera House, Tony Pappano, to the celebrated hip-hop artist Rodney Smith, aka Roots Manuva.
The scheme, unique to state schools in this country, ensures 10 per cent of pupil admissions are children who show potential to learn musical instruments.
But plans to change the school’s specialism from performing arts to humanities when it becomes an academy in September has raised fears that it may be cut.
O’Neill Hemmings, chairman of the Friends of Special Music, said: “The sponsor’s role in admissions becomes increasingly important. Currently, 10 per cent of pupils coming to Pimlico are chosen on their music potential. But if the specialism is changed we feel it is likely the scheme will fold.”
He added: “This is not just a play thing for the middle class. It gives pupils from all backgrounds a chance to learn instruments. The key criteria is potential. It is vitally important for pupils at the school.”
The scheme admits up to 24 students each year, meaning a total of around 90 “special musicians” in a school of 1,400. They follow a normal curriculum, which is modified to allow them time for their music.
The pioneering project, introduced in the 1970s, faces a £150,000 black hole in funding after the council announced cuts starting in September.
Primary schools had complained that too big a chunk of the council’s music budget was going to Pimlico.
A spokesman for education charity Future, which has been named as the academy sponsor, declined to comment. Its boss John Nash has been invited to Pimlico School’s Christmas concert “to see what he will be missing out on”. |
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