Shireland Collegiate Academy’s choir has struck a high note once again, returning triumphant from the UK Schools Music Festival with a Silver Award. This marks the second consecutive year the Academy has brought home honours, having won the Bronze Award at the competition in 2024.
Held as part of a national initiative to inspire young musicians and promote music education, the UK Schools Music Festival is a growing platform dedicated to showcasing the talents of students across the country. Performances are judged collectively on musical performance, artistic quality, technical proficiency and ensemble cohesion.
Despite being a relatively new addition to the UK’s musical landscape, the festival has quickly gained recognition for its supportive and inclusive ethos, providing schools and music hubs with an opportunity to connect, celebrate and collaborate.
The Academy’s choir, comprised of students from across year groups – including some of those on the school’s Arts Aptitude Programme – impressed judges with their passion and professionalism and musical cohesion. Their performance stood out for its artistic delivery, earning them their second well-deserved award.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “This is an amazing achievement for our students and music department, and we couldn’t be prouder. To return from the festival with an award for the second year running is a true testament to their talent, dedication, and passion for their craft.
“At Shireland, we believe creativity is essential—not just in the arts, but across all areas of learning. It is a core part of our culture and ethos to support and nurture every student’s creative potential, and this award demonstrates what they can achieve when given the opportunity to shine.”
Some of the choir members are also part of the Academy’s Arts Aptitude Programme, a distinctive strand of Shireland’s wider creative offer. Open to a limited number of students each year via application, the programme supports young creatives across art, dance, drama and music, providing them with unique opportunities to flourish both in and outside the classroom.
Arts Aptitude students follow the full academic curriculum while also benefiting from enhanced arts provision, specialist workshops, performances, and enrichment activities. The programme is further strengthened by partnerships with professional organisations such as the Birmingham Hippodrome, offering learners invaluable real-world experience in the creative industries.
As part of the Academy’s broader mission to nurture talent and unlock potential, creativity is embedded across all aspects of school life. Whether through classroom learning, extracurricular activities or public performances, Shireland Collegiate Academy is committed to fostering a culture where the arts are celebrated. Every student is encouraged to think creatively, express themselves, and develop the skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
