Grant funding for
musical enrichment
in state schools

Look at all those young people singing: what a marvellous lesson to many of us. Music and the arts have to be at the core: that thirst for beauty, truth and goodness.

Sir James MacMillan

The singing programme has been unbelievably transformational for our school. Our choral director has nurtured and grown this provision due to expert tuition, passion for music and a love of learning.

Lisa Leonard, Headteacher and National Leader of Education

Our diocesan school music programme is one of the most effective forms of evangelisation I have seen and experienced. Our young people are discovering a new confidence in themselves.

Marcus Stock, Bishop of Leeds and Chair of the Catholic Education Service

For years we’ve had the sincerest of aspirations to change the lives of children and young people across our city. Now we have the structure, confidence, and resources to make a real difference!

Ian Roberts, Director of Music at Newcastle Anglican Cathedral

My path to being ordained as a priest began long before I was even baptised – music made me feel deep within what it was to be created and loved by God.

Abi Thompson, Dean of Sheffield Anglican Cathedral

It is evident that the Schools Singing Programme is the most efficacious means of helping our young people to engage in the life of the Church that we have. They participate actively and consciously in the liturgy and in doing so encounter Christ.

Director of Education

My experiences with the Bradford Catholic Boys Choir have shaped me as a person. Growing up in inner-city Bradford with limited options, the choir gave me the confidence to aspire to more.

Josh, member of the Bradford Catholic Boys Choir

Choir improves my belief in God. Everyone has different backgrounds but we all sing together in unison. I’d like to stay in choir for a really long time!

Pupils at a Leeds school

The boys and girls choirs have brought their friends, parents and families back into church and regular Mass attendance. Five years in, I can really see my parish growing.

Parish Priest, Diocese of Leeds