Testimonials

NATHAN CHAN, ST ANTONY'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL - WINNERS OF 2024 SCHOOL SONG COMPETITION

The School Song Competition UK has been an incredible opportunity that highlights the wealth of talent of young people from schools across the nation have to offer. We are deeply honoured to have won both first place and the People's Choice Award—an outcome beyond our wildest dreams. My pupils truly relished this unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I too was left inspired by the passion and dedication invested by all the teachers involved. A huge thank you to the organisers and judges for putting together this brilliant initiative. Indeed, the performing arts are thriving in the UK, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing its continued growth in the years ahead.

NORTH NEWTON COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

What an amazing opportunity!
Our children were excited to take part in the first ever National School Song Competition. Out of 150 entries, being short listed for the final along with 10 other schools was a great achievement. Although having to travel a long way, our children enjoyed the whole experience. We were extremely proud to be awarded 3rd place - not bad for a small school!

NEXUS

I work with over 200 Students with SEN... Providing Music, Expressive Arts and Engagement across the Pathways, Running 36 sessions a week adapted to each class.

The Song I wrote was for our more able Pathway as I had one student with ADHD and PDA who would not work in her class, would never go offsite and just had no self confidence or self-esteem.

She used to hover outside the Drama studio and look in and I knew she wanted to do something but could not bring herself to do so.

One day I organised a Westend workshop, and this leading lady came in and done a wonderful session. I said to that student just come in, you don't have to do anything other than watch... She did come in and watch.

The next day she spoke to me (she NEVER talks to anyone) and asked if she could sing for me, she sang and I cried... She had a little voice but a very beautiful sound, so over the weeks I was building on projection and confidence... She would never do anything in front of anyone.

She had a knock back within her friend circle and paranoia set in about what people think.

So, I wrote the song about her telling her she can achieve and she can do things, she just has to believe and know that others believe in her too, and if they don't just rise above it! And she knows the song was about her.

She then went back to non-verbalising again... Anyhow we got the news about the song Comp and making the finals in the Summer, when we returned, I told her about the song comp.

I told her I would like her to do it! She shook her head so I chose the lads instead, but boys that would boost and just have the best time.

The Day of the Comp I spoke and said let's prove everyone wrong and just come as I would like her to be there (her parents really wanted her to go and was just routing for her).

Low and behold she actually came which is huge, as her WHOLE school life she has always opted out or not turned up to School in fear of what is expected.

I told her there is no expectation to sing or do, only than just be there.

Typically we had that 3 hour Traffic jam, so anxiety was through the roof.

When we arrived she was in the toilets for ages, I went in and said don't worry everything and everyone is lovely and there was nothing to worry about.

In the Auditorium you called Nexus, she stayed sitting, then just as the boys was about to enter the stage she followed them... I never even got a chance to say who we are and what the song was about because she just got up there.

I was absolutely flabbergasted, not only did she come but she got on the stage with the 2 boys and sang...

I am so glad she was included in the rehearsal to watch and join in if she wanted, but she never did.

And out of nowhere she did that, she has shocked the whole School and Leadership team.

So I just wanted to tell you what you have done and what this opportunity has done for our students.

It's something I won't forget in my career.

LYNDON GREEN JUNIOR SCHOOL

It was a wonderful experience for the children to perform their songs in front of such an appreciative and supportive audience of their peers! It was obvious that all of the choirs had worked so incredibly hard. The day was well organised, the venue was fantastic and the organisers made all of the choirs feel like they were winners!

NEWTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Newton Primary School embarked on a 400-mile round trip to London to compete in ‘The School Song UK‘ final. The group represented Wales in the competition that featured schools from all corners of Britain. It was a hugely proud moment for all the children, parents, and the school. The atmosphere on the day was very supportive, encouraging, and appreciative. It felt more like a celebration of everyone's musical talents than a competitive event. We were so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the event as it will be an experience the children will always remember.

BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL

Jack: I really enjoyed listening to the other people, especially that lady who sung at the end before the judges spoke.
Tillie: Performing was my highlight. I loved it!
Logan: I really liked seeing all the other schools and listening to new songs
Mia: I liked talking to the school in front of us, they were really nice
Tasman: I liked how all the schools were appreciative of being there and were encouraging
Isaiah: It was nice to see other schools and how differently everyone performs
Theo: I really enjoyed being on stage performing 'The Promise'.
Leela: It was very professional. There were even microphones hanging down from the ceiling
Jake: I really enjoyed watching the other schools perform and then singing my solo
Eva: It was great meeting children from other schools. We quickly made friends with the school sitting in front of us.
Levi: The lighting was very dramatic and I really liked the big theatre

THE GRANGE ACADEMY

I had an incredible experience at The School Song Competition, where my song was selected as one of the top 10 out of 1,000 entries for the finals at The Radlett Centre! I was very nervous before stepping out on stage but once I started singing, my love of performing kicked in and the feeling was amazing. A huge thank you to Grief Encounter for all the amazing work you do - I'm very excited for next year!

CHELSEA HARDING GRIEF ENCOUNTER

I have absolutely no words to express how proud I was to be part of such an exceptional event on Thursday. I was blown away by the talents of many of those kids on stage. Especially the SEN schools. The staff looking after the SEN pupils particularly reaffirmed that there are very good people in this world. Seeing Joshua light up when I mentioned him will live with me forever.