Award is music to the ears of Battle Abbey

The school managed to scoop the prestigious ISM Gold award in April.

The Gold award recognises the outstanding achievements of the school’s music department at GCSE level.

It was awarded to Battle Abbey School as more than 20 per cent of the entire GCSE pupil cohort achieved A*- C in music.

This feat was matched by only 86 other secondary schools out of a total of 4,961 in the country.

John Langridge, director of music at Battle Abbey School, has spoken of his delight at the accolade.

He said: ‘I’m delighted the school has received this significant award.

“Battle Abbey School is rightly recognised for its creative arts on a national level, and the award from ISM is a celebration of the school’s music department’s achievements in GCSE music and the support that the school gives to music and the musicians in its pupil body.

“At a time when some key schools in the area are cancelling their music courses, we are delighted to be able to offer an award winning service in what we see as a cornerstone of the pupil experience at the Abbey.”

The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) is the UK’s professional body for musicians.

It was set up in 1882 to promote the importance of music and protect the rights of those working within music.

It recognises outstanding achievement through its award scheme.

There are several choirs at Battle Abbey, including the 65 voice-strong school choir, the junior choir, ladies choir and a chamber choir, which comprises the best 16 or so singers in the school.

It has performed in such prestigious venues as Canterbury, Wells and Salzburg Cathedrals.

There is a small orchestra which rehearses for half an hour a week and there are three main concerts during the school year which take place at the end of each term and in which the choirs and individual soloists can perform for parents, friends and distinguished guests.

Pictured are Mrs Colman and Mr Langridge with a selection of Battle Abbey School’s music scholars.

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