What curriculum does The Purcell School, London offer?

The Purcell School, London offers National Curriculum (England).

How much is tuition at The Purcell School, London?

Annual tuition at The Purcell School, London is £40.9K–£54.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.

What ages does The Purcell School, London teach?

The Purcell School, London enrolls students aged 11 to 18.

Is The Purcell School, London a day or boarding school?

The Purcell School, London is a day and boarding school.

Is The Purcell School, London co-educational?

The Purcell School, London is a co-ed school.

Where is The Purcell School, London located?

The Purcell School, London is an international school in Brent, United Kingdom.

The Purcell School, London

Secular

Updated July 2026

11–18Ages

Co-edGender

Day & BoardingType

196Students

Non-profitOwnership

Curriculum

National Curriculum (England)

Languages

English

The Purcell School is Britain’s oldest music school and a leading centre for musical education, holding Royal Patronage from His Majesty King Charles III. It provides a specialized boarding and day environment for approximately 196 talented young musicians.

AcademicsAdmission & FeesCampusGalleryLeadership

Curriculum

National Curriculum (England)

Teaching approach

The school aims to provide young musicians of remarkable ability with world-class instruction and a nurturing environment to fulfill their potential. It emphasizes a balanced education that integrates specialist musical training with a rigorous academic programme, fostering intellectual curiosity, social empathy, and the development of the whole person.

Programmes

The academic curriculum includes core subjects such as mathematics, English, sciences, languages, and humanities, alongside specialist music training. Music departments cover strings, keyboard, woodwind, brass, percussion, harp, voice, jazz, composition, audio production, and commercial and popular music. Students may also pursue the RSL Diploma in Creative Music Industries, and the school offers GCSE and A Level courses in subjects including Art and Drama.

Outcomes

The school prepares students for lifelong careers in music, with many graduates progressing to top conservatoires and universities. Recent leavers have pursued diverse academic paths, including studies in English, History, sciences, and modern languages at leading institutions.

Student support

EAL support

Included in fees

Learning support

Dedicated department

Learning support

The school provides tailored support for students for whom English is not their first language through an EAL programme offered at no extra charge. Pastoral care is a priority, recognized by the Boarding School Mental Health Award at Gold level (2025–28), and includes access to a school nurse, a counsellor, and an arts therapist.

Frequently asked questions(6)

What curriculum does The Purcell School, London offer?: The Purcell School, London offers National Curriculum (England).
How much is tuition at The Purcell School, London?: Annual tuition at The Purcell School, London is £40.9K–£54.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
What ages does The Purcell School, London teach?: The Purcell School, London enrolls students aged 11 to 18.
Is The Purcell School, London a day or boarding school?: The Purcell School, London is a day and boarding school.
Is The Purcell School, London co-educational?: The Purcell School, London is a co-ed school.
Where is The Purcell School, London located?: The Purcell School, London is an international school in Brent, United Kingdom.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2025-2026

Annual tuition by grade
Grade	Ages	Annual
Boarding (September 2025)	—	£52.2K
Day (September 2025)	—	£40.9K
Boarding (September 2026)	—	£54.3K
Day (September 2026)	—	£42.5K

Other fees(1)

Other fees
EAL· Offered at no extra charge for students for whom English is not their first language	£0

Admissions

The school seeks exceptionally talented young musicians aged 11–18 who demonstrate outstanding potential, commitment, and musical skill. The application process involves an online submission followed by an audition with the relevant Head of Department. Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school through open mornings or scheduled visits.

Calendar

The school operates on a termly basis, with specific schedules for student arrivals and new student inductions provided for each academic year. A comprehensive calendar of school events, including concerts, masterclasses, and open mornings, is maintained and accessible to the community.

Facilities

LibraryScience labsArt roomMusic roomTheatre / auditoriumBoarding

About the campus

Located in Bushey, Hertfordshire, the campus provides specialized environments for musical and academic development. Facilities include dedicated music studios, recording technology, and concert spaces, such as the CP Hall. Boarding students in the Sixth Form have access to upright pianos in their study bedrooms, and the school utilizes AV links to connect practice rooms directly to recording studios.

Co-curriculars

Students participate in a wide range of activities, including student leadership roles, sports, and charity and outreach initiatives. The school also hosts various clubs and provides opportunities for student-led sustainability projects. Performance is a cornerstone of school life, with students taking part in over 200 concerts, recitals, and masterclasses annually.

Paul BambroughPrincipal
Paul Bambrough was previously the Vice-Principal at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he had responsibility for the institution's day-to-day running, artistic programme, curriculum, and collaborative partnerships. He is a devoted teacher and has served as Principal of The Purcell School since 2019.
Tom BurnsVice-Principal
Tom Burns joined The Purcell School in September 2020 and holds operational responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school. He was educated at Wells Cathedral School, where he studied French horn, and holds a BMus.
Emma BantockDirector of Operations and Deputy Bursar
Emma Bantock brings over 20 years of experience in education to her role, where she plays a key part in ensuring the smooth running of the school’s operational and support services.
Adam WroblewskiBursar
Adam Wroblewski joined The Purcell School in 2019 and serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. He leads all of the school’s non-teaching services, overseeing finance, IT, and HR.
Paul HoskinsDirector of Music, Head of Harp and Voice
Paul Hoskins studied at Cambridge University and the Royal College of Music. He has served as Director of Music at The Purcell School since 2018.
Michael LongDirector of Teaching and Learning
Michael Long is originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, and moved to the UK in 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and a Bachelor of Education.
Jane MitchellDirector of Boarding
Jane Mitchell has a wealth of pastoral expertise, having worked in boarding education in the UK, Dubai, and Germany. She began her career as a French, German, and PE teacher.