The Transformative Power of Performing Arts Christ’s Hospital is proud to have been named Independent School of the Year 2024, as well as to have won first place in the Performing Arts category. This recognition highlights our commitment to using the arts as a critical tool for developing well-rounded students and vital life skills. Performing arts are central to life at Christ's Hospital, deeply interwoven with the school’s identity, traditions and vision. This award acknowledges the school’s dedication to music and drama which not only enhances students' educational experience but also plays a crucial role in social mobility and personal development. Breaking Down Barriers Performing arts education enhances creativity, confidence and academic performance while addressing inequality. Yet, barriers such as lack of family support, low-income backgrounds and funding cuts, often limit access. At Christ’s Hospital, we break down these barriers by ensuring every student has daily access to the performing arts, offering students every opportunity to engage as actors, musicians, directors, writers, singers, technicians or set designers. The performing arts journey at Christ’s Hospital is truly transformative. With 90% of students joining the Second Form (Year 7) from state primary schools and 77% on means-tested bursaries, many students have limited prior exposure to the performing arts and music in particular. Before joining Christ's Hospital, only 29% of students had experience playing music and just 21% had attended a theatre. In the last academic year (2023/24), 83% of all Second Form (Year 7) students participated in music lessons, and 100% engaged in drama, showcasing our immediate and impactful commitment to the arts 'The ability to play an instrument, or sing or perform with others, undoubtedly equips students with the life skills they will need in the future. Discipline, perseverance and internal motivation go hand in hand with confidence, teamwork and pride in your work. But as a school with students who often come from complex backgrounds, music is a great equaliser. It offers opportunities for success, and it also offers emotional safety' James Bartlett, Director of Music Engaging Every Student Music is central to Christ's Hospital, with over 650 weekly music lessons, and more than 60% of students learning at least one instrument. As well as multiple choirs including the Chapel Choir, Gospel Choir and elite Schola Cantorum, CH has four bands and orchestras. The marching band plays a prominent role, performing four times a week and showcasing its talents beyond the school grounds. Most notably, leading the school through the streets of London on St. Matthew’s Day and performing at iconic venues including the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace this year. In 2023-24 generous donor support allowed over 30% of instrument lessons to be provided to students free of charge, while many others receive significant subsidies based on family income, ensuring music is available to all. By the time students leave CH, 69% achieve a grade in at least one instrument, with 45% reaching Grade 5 or higher. Drama participation is equally robust, with 40 students enrolled in GCSE and A-level drama courses. One of our primary goals is to provide every student with numerous opportunities to engage in professional-level experiences. Students participate in impressive large-scale productions including musicals and plays within our purpose-built theatre, which seats up to 500 people and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. A highlight of the year was the production of "Sweeney Todd", featuring a phenomenal cast of 62 students ranging from on-stage performances, production, stage management and technical roles such as sound and lighting. Experiences such as these foster key skills such as teamwork, leadership, confidence, public speaking abilities and creative thinking. 'For many students, drama provides the freedom to step into another’s shoes, helping them develop empathy and gain new perspectives. It also cultivates crucial soft skills like teamwork, collaboration and the ability to negotiate differing opinions – skills that are invaluable in any career path. As a teacher, seeing a student evolve from standing in the wings nervous and hesitant, to confidently leading a performance by Year 13 is a truly rewarding and memorable experience.' Dawn Wylie, Director of Drama Gabriel's Story 2025 leaver Gabriel was awarded a highly coveted full scholarship to study Vocal Studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London. This prestigious opportunity is exceptionally rare, especially given Gabriel’s young age. Gabriel will benefit from instruction by a distinguished faculty that includes renowned international opera singers such as Sir Thomas Allen and Susan Bullock CBE. Remarkably, Gabriel only began his vocal training at Christ's Hospital two years ago, making this achievement all the more impressive. 'I am lucky enough to have a bursary to study at CH, where music and singing lessons are subsidised. This has given me a gateway into musical education that I would not have had otherwise. It’s only through the encouragement of my teachers at CH and taking part in the New Talent Festival that I’ve gained the confidence to pursue singing as a career. It isn’t a career path pursued by many young men, but I can’t imagine doing anything else with as much enjoyment.' Gabriel, 2025 leaver Professional photos by Toby Phillips Photography. All rights reserved.