The library at Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) recently became a performance space, as the school’s String Quartet delivered a fantastic rendition of the Beatles’ ‘Eleanor Rigby’. Set among the shelves, the performance captured the confidence, collaboration and creativity that the arts inspire in our young people.
At CRGS, creative arts sit at the heart of school life. Students are encouraged to get involved from an early stage, with a rich programme that includes termly concerts, school productions, and music tours. These opportunities allow students not only to develop their musical skills, but also to build resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
The school’s flagship ensembles, the Orchestra and Choir, continue to thrive, performing regularly both in school and at a range of external venues. Through these experiences, students learn the value of teamwork, discipline and shared achievement, while gaining the confidence to perform in front of diverse audiences.
A defining feature of music and the arts at Colchester Royal Grammar School is the emphasis on student‑led performance. Students are not only performers, but active contributors to the creative process, developing leadership, ownership and confidence through the arts.
The school regularly stages performances, providing young people with the opportunity to shape productions from rehearsal and management through to performance. Students showcased their own powerful interpretation of Les Misérables, demonstrating both musical excellence and a deep understanding of storytelling through performance to the local community.
These experiences give students the chance to collaborate, problem‑solve and perform with purpose, while learning what it means to work as part of a creative team. For many, these moments become defining experiences of school life, building skills and memories that extend far beyond the stage.
Across our trust, the arts play a vital role in helping students find their voice, express themselves and flourish as individuals. Whether through music, drama, visual arts or performance, creative experiences enrich learning, support wellbeing and help young people develop skills that will stay with them for life.
This commitment to creativity reflects a much wider picture across the Thinking Schools Academy Trust. We are proud that 16 of our schools currently hold a level of Artsmark award by Arts Council England. From the Silver Award to The Victory Academy’s three-time Platinum Award, and more schools actively working towards their accreditation, Artsmark recognises schools that place creativity at the centre of learning and school culture, something we believe is essential to a truly well‑rounded education.
By championing the arts alongside academic excellence, we ensure that every child has access to opportunities that inspire ambition, nurture talent and open doors to future possibilities.