photo: Anthony Harriott 

 

Better Bankside's CSR theme group has decided to fund the Borough Music School with a grant of 4,000 pounds, spread over two years.  

The Music School exists to provide instrumental tuition at subsidised cost for state school pupils of mainly primary age whose parents cannot afford fees for private lessons. It began in 1995, when this provision was thin on the ground in state schools.

The school is run by local activist Anne Worsley on a voluntary basis, meaning that 80% of the budget goes direct in teaching costs.  

The school has 95 pupils drawn mainly from SE1, SE16 and SE17 postcodes, with a few from Peckham. They are aged between 5 and 13. They are taught in single or group lessons, and there is a concert at the end of every term. Pupils can take exams, and some go on to the Centre for Young Musicians at Morley College.

The individual lessons are much sought after, but carry a heavy subsidy: each one costs 10 pounds more than the fee charged to the child's parents.

The charity has a management committee of parent volunteers who provide refreshments at the termly concerts and endeavour to raise funds.

If you would like more information, or to offer support, please contact Anne Worsley on 020 7525 9002, email anneworsley@fsmail.net.