The Kings Academy, Middlesbrough

The Kings Academy joined MiSST in September 2021. They opened in 2003 as an inclusive 11-19 school in Middlesbrough, part of the Emmanuel Schools Foundation. Within its diverse community of around 1200 students, King's has four specialist learning groups for children with higher level learning needs and many visually and hearing-impaired students. The school ethos is based on the core virtues of love, wisdom, fairness, self-control, courage, humility, and integrity, through which every student can achieve their maximum potential. The Music department is already a specialist centre for Music Technology; the MiSST programme now offers a wonderful opportunity to develop instrumental performance. The King's Academy joined the Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme in 2021, with 240 Year 7’s beginning with a violin programme. The students are embracing it enthusiastically and relishing the skills development and opportunities it is bringing.  In September 22, the new cohort of year 7 students will be learning flute and clarinet.  They look forward to developing The King's Academy Orchestra next year and to a bright and very musical future with the support of MiSST, Tees Valley Music Service and Middlesbrough Council.

Deputy Mayor of Middlesbrough Meika Smiles:

“We now have the whole of Year 7 at The Kings Academy playing violin! I am absolutely delighted that these children are getting this experience and have an ambition for every secondary pupil in Middlesbrough to get the chance to learn an instrument.”

David Dawes, Principal: 

 “Students’ commitment to and engagement in the programme at King’s have been nothing less than astonishing. In these times when their richness of experience is so much more needed than ever, the flourishing of their musical gifts is invaluable. Brilliant support from the MiSST central team and from Middlesbrough LA, coupled with careful planning and passion from the school’s MiSST coordinator, have launched and accelerated the programme with tremendous success. We’re now looking forward to ‘year 2’, when we will have over 500 children – including some with profound SEND – learning violin, flute or clarinet. This programme is having a whole school, and wider community, cultural impact of enormous proportions.”

Quote from MiSST Lead Kate Dickinson

MiSST has transformed Key Stage 3 Music teaching at The King's Academy. Lessons are buzzing with musical excitement and real progression, and students are totally engaged in learning their instruments. Students appreciate that they are part of something really special and are often surpassing their own self-expectations. We have had some wonderful success stories already of students who have discovered a real talent or students who have felt increased self-esteem and pride in their achievements.  The chance to perform in London and at Radley College are incredible opportunities for our students. We are really excited to add to our year group of violinists with clarinets and flutes, next year.