- The specialist music school’s campus in Bushey, Hertfordshire, was opened by the former Prince of Wales in 1998. As Charles III, he has retained his patronage of Purcell, which was established in 1962.
- Priding itself on delivering the “very highest world-class musical instruction”, the school holds the Unesco Mozart Gold Medal in recognition of its contribution to music, education and international culture.
- Purcell is a boarding and day school, with a capacity for about 190 talented young players, singers and composers.
- There are eight music departments, including for strings, harp and voice, composition, and commercial and popular music.
- Applications are welcomed from young musicians between the ages of 11 and 18. Emphasis is placed on musical skill, desire, commitment and potential, rather than grade attainment. Means-tested bursaries aim to minimise the financial barriers to a promising student’s musical education.
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