News

On Sunday afternoon the annual football match between Purcell and the Yehudi Menuhin School took place. Here is a match report from James Awofisan, our Resident Sports Assistant: It was a wet and slippery Sunday afternoon.  The match kicked off at 13:00 and Yehudi Menuhin got off to a bright start really putting pressure on our team….

In early July, Lower Sixth pupil, Rachele Howes took part in a concert in Twickenham in support of The Mulberry Centre, a local cancer charity.  She performed works by Haydn, Poulenc, Chopin and John Marlow Rhys in a recital lasting 35 minutes.  The second half of the concert was given by The Richmond Music Trust…

Pupils in Year 11 were celebrating success in their GCSEs today. Every pupil gained at least 5 A*-C grades, with Hana Mizuta-Spencer securing seven A*s and one A, while Jenny Clarke scored five A*s and three As. Overall, a quarter of grades were A*s, nearly two-thirds were A* or A, and 86% were A*, A…

Meeting pupils and signing scores Maestro Ashkenazy with Kevin Hathway and David Thomas Post-masterclass reception Mr. Ashkenazy with the three pianists who played for him On Monday 8th June, The Purcell School was delighted to receive a visit from one of our Patrons, renowned pianist and conductor, Vladimir Ashkenazy.  Mr Ashkenazy spoke to the whole…

Amazing show last night, with a host of original compositions and arrangements combined with film, dance and theatre. Many Purcellians demonstrated their talents, not always expected (at least to me!), as in the photo below.

Mica Levi with her European Film Award for Best Composer Purcell alumna Mica Levi‘s score for Under The Skin was one of five soundtracks nominated at the BAFTAs last night for Best Original Music; the talented composer also recently won the European Film Award for Best Composer.Levi, 27, was working on a third album with her band, Michachu…

Year 10 pupil, Lauren Marshall, has been accepted as a 2014/15 National Youth Orchestra Composer.  Anna Disley-Simpson, who finished her studies at Purcell in July 2014 has also been accepted. Being an NYO Composer is a fantastic opportunity; the composers play a full role in all Rehearsal Residencies, writing new music and hearing their ideas…

It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours since Martin won BBCYM – my In-box has not stopped pinging with emails of congratulation for Martin and for the school. Here is a (very unofficial) picture taken on stage immediately after his performance, with fellow finalists Elliott and Sophie. (Photo: Mr. J. Harding)

Photo: Alan Peebles/BBC Purcell School pupil, Martin James Bartlett (aged 17) has won this year’s BBC Young Musician. Following in the footsteps of fellow Purcellian Lara Melda, who won in 2010, Martin took the coveted title with a concerto performance of breathtaking quality and virtuosity. Martin beat over 450 hopeful young musicians, winning the keyboard…

The Purcell School is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Yeo to succeed David Thomas as Headmaster.  This follows an extensive search led by consultants who specialise in the educational field.  The Governors have selected Mr Yeo from a strong field, and are confident that his wide experience in schools combined with his musicianship,…