Young musicians are invited to apply for free scholarships at a Norfolk high school.

Ten musical scholarships are being offered for the first time at Springwood High School in King's Lynn.

They will entitle the successful applicants to free instrumental tuition on one of a range of orchestral instruments, as well as the free loan of the instrument, for their first three years at Springwood.

Instruments covered include oboe, bassoon, cello, double bass, French horn, trombone and tuba, and the scholarships are open to anyone obtaining a place at the school for September 2023.

“Springwood has a rich musical history, and so it has always been an important element of school life,” said the school's director of music, Robin Norman, who began his own musical career as a student there.

“All students in Years 7 to 9 have a class music lesson every week, but outside of these, we currently have around 180 to 200 instrumental and singing lessons that take place every week, and 40pc of the school community are involved in at least one music-related extra-curricular group outside of the school day that they choose to attend.

“We currently have four choirs, three wind bands, a jazz ensemble, two string groups, rock clubs, and many more groups.”

Springwood’s musicians are also active outside of the school, Mr Norman added.

“We do a range of concerts every year, both in King’s Lynn and further afield, including performances in the Symphony Hall in Birmingham,” he said. “We are also currently in the early stages of planning a concert tour to France, including a performance at Disneyland Paris, for the summer of 2024.”

Springwood boasts many successful alumni who have pursued musical careers since graduating from the school.

“The school has had many students who have gone on to study music at some of the country’s most respected institutions, including the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, the Royal College of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music, amongst others,” said Mr Norman. 

“Some students are now making a career as professional musicians, with some performing on global television channels, in major concert halls, and, indeed, as lead roles in West End productions."