Tudor Grange School in Redditch has opened the door to new musical experiences for students across the school.
Thanks to support from a Worcestershire County Council public health grant the school have been able to purchase of a wide range of musical instruments, which have since become a central part of lessons, performances and extracurricular opportunities.
Teachers say the instruments have transformed pupil engagement by removing barriers and giving students more hands‑on learning experiences. They have also played a key role in school productions, allowing more students to take part confidently in performances throughout the year.
Alongside the grant, the school invested Pupil Premium funding to offer free peripatetic music lessons through a partnership with Severn Arts. Because the instruments were already available through the Wellbeing Grant, students did not need to hire their own, removing what would otherwise have been a significant financial barrier. As a result, eight students have been able to access free music tuition for the entire academic year.
Students have spoken warmly about the impact of this opportunity. Ryder said he has “loved having guitar lessons” and that being able to take an instrument home has helped him practise at weekends. Imogen described her lessons as “really fun” and said she hopes to continue learning her instrument in the future.
Staff say the programme has greatly enhanced students’ musical opportunities and contributed positively to their wellbeing, confidence and future life chances.
If you’d like to explore how a Public Health Community Wellbeing Grant could support wellbeing in your educational setting, visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/communitygrants