London Choir Sends Students to Elite Schools

Why this is here: Ed Picton-Turbervill recalled that twelve years ago, every primary school he worked with had a dedicated music teacher, but now none do.

St John the Divine church in Kennington, south London, is developing young choral singers who win scholarships to prestigious UK musical institutions like St Paul’s Cathedral school. Since 2013, roughly 1,000 children have participated in the church’s youth choral program, which actively works to overcome barriers to classical music for working-class children. The program provides school pick-ups and snacks to support families and prioritizes flexibility.

Award-winning composer Ed Picton-Turbervill notes that specialist music teachers are disappearing from local primary schools. He observed a young chorister traveling to an audition outside of London for the first time, highlighting the impact of such opportunities. The team at SJDK acknowledges that prejudice still exists, with some questioning the musical abilities of Black children.

Shauna-Rae, N’raeah’s mother, sees the scholarship as breaking a cycle of limited opportunity within her community. The church continues to explore ways to broaden access to musical education and integration for children from diverse backgrounds.