Trust News

On Monday 7 March the SJL Concert Band and Chamber Choir took part in the second ever Scholars’ Education Trust Concert at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage. The concert was three years in the making, having been cancelled at the very last minute in March 2020 due to the lockdown, so it was a relief and a delight to be able to finally come together for the first time since the inaugural concert at the Alban Arena in February 2019. The concert brought together all the current schools in the trust: Sir John Lawes, Samuel Ryder, Robert Barclay, Harpenden Academy and Priory Academy, and in true collaborative spirit they performed an exciting and eclectic mix of music. From Rachmaninov’s ‘Vespers’ to Freddie Mercury’s ‘Queen in Concert’, ‘Matilda the Musical’ to Bon Jovi, the concert was an exhilarating showcase of the depth and breadth of musical talent within the trust.

For some students it was the first time they had ever performed on a stage, and for the primary students (who were lucky enough to watch the whole concert from the front row seats) it was an inspirational glimpse of opportunities to come. All students in the trust demonstrated great talent and professionalism, as well as embodying the all-important ACE. We are incredibly proud of them all! The SET Staff Choir were in strong voice too, and accompanied by a student band from SRA, proved that inter-trust student/staff musical collaboration is very much at the heart of the trust’s musical success.

Congratulations and thank you to all the students and staff who took part in what was a brilliant event for all!