We are thrilled to announce that King Edward VI High School for Girls and King Edward’s School have been jointly shortlisted in the ‘Performing Arts’ category of the Independent School of the Year Awards. This recognition highlights the important impact that performing arts and music have on our students, showcasing our commitment to excellence and innovation.
Performing arts and music are integral to our student experience, and both schools consistently demonstrate their transformative impact.
The schools’ musical tradition is one of the finest in the country, and one that remains flourishing: 27 annual small-scale concerts and recitals take place in our own concert hall and are accompanied by large-scale concerts involving a variety of our full bands and orchestras, including our Senior Symphony Orchestra. Performances take place in world-class venues including Birmingham Town and Symphony Hall. Repertoire has included Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique, Mahler’s 4th Symphony and Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto.
Our vibrant performing arts programme includes 20 annual productions, providing ample opportunities for students to showcase their talent and technical skills. Held at our Ruddock Performing Arts Centre, these productions benefit from industry-standard facilities, accommodating over 400 attendees.
The staging of two joint productions is a highlight of the school calendar. During 2022/23 academic year, the Junior Production (Goodnight Mister Tom) and the Senior Production (Little Shop of Horrors) brought together students from both schools in an enriching experience. These productions exhibit the highest production values, and we take pride in constructing all sets, costumes and puppets in-house.
Kirsty von Malaisé, Principal of King Edward High School for Girls said: “We believe this nomination reflects the exceptional quality and ambition of our performing arts programme and the lasting impact it has on our students and our community. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our students, teachers, and the collaborative spirit between King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls.”
These awards are run by Independent School Parent magazine and finalists will be unveiled in early September.
