The Inner-city school where classical music is the first language

An inner-city school where more than 50 languages are spoken has found a way to break down barriers — classical music.

Highbury Grove secondary is fast gaining a reputation as a hub for young orchestral talent, thanks to a mystery benefactor who has donated tens of thousands of pounds so some of the most deprived children in the country can learn to play an instrument.

The anonymous patron’s latest financial gift meant that yesterday all 210 pupils in year seven were handed a violin, cello or viola to keep while they are at the school.

It is planned that by September 2014 all students in years seven to nine — more than 600 — will be learning an instrument. Cherelle King, music administrator at the school, said: “Our benefactor doesn’t want his identity known.

Music can really transform these children. We have a lot of languages spoken and that can make life difficult in some situations, but we have found that music acts as a first language for everyone.

“Watching their faces when they got their instruments was fantastic. They are so engaged and excited.” The school, in the borough of Islington, follows the example of El Sistema in Venezuela, a project that gives the poorest children a chance to learn classical music.

It led to the creation of the Simón Bolívar Orchestra, which tours the world with sell-out concerts and has performed at the Proms.

Highbury Grove pupils can also join a specialist music programme, with Fridays spent playing in orchestras and learning skills such as sight reading and solo performance. They have played at the Royal Albert Hall and the Duke Of Edinburgh’s 90th birthday at Buckingham Palace. Some former students are now at leading musical academies.

The school, where more than 70 per cent of the 1,150 pupils are eligible for free meals, has been rated outstanding by Ofsted.