Harris Academy South Norwood Receives £20,000 Music Funding from Restore the Music

Harris Academy South Norwood is proud to announce that it has received £20,000 worth of funding from Restore the Music (RTM), a leading charity dedicated to transforming music education in schools across the UK. This generous contribution has enabled the school to acquire a wide range of high-quality musical instruments and equipment, significantly enhancing the music provision for its students.

Bucking the National Trend

Music education in UK state schools has faced a 42% decline in GCSE Music uptake since 2010, with many schools struggling to maintain music departments due to budget constraints. Harris Academy South Norwood is defying this trend. Thanks to RTM’s support, the school now boasts a thriving music department, increased student engagement, and ambitious projects that showcase its commitment to the arts. Last year, Harris Academy South Norwood made history by winning the rights to be the first-ever London school to perform the full edition of Frozen: The Musical—a testament to the school’s dedication to high-quality performing arts opportunities.

Transformative Impact on Lessons

The funding has provided a full set of brand-new keyboards, djembe drums, samba drums, and xylophones for Key Stage 3 lessons. These resources have revolutionised classroom experiences, allowing every student to participate actively in practical music-making. From whole-class samba ensembles to creative composition projects on keyboards, lessons are now more dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring.

Student Voices

Sofia, Year 13 drummer, shared her excitement: ‘Having three new drum kits to practice and perform on has completely changed my experience in music. I can now work on my technique and play in ensembles without worrying about equipment limitations. It’s inspiring and makes me want to push myself even further.’ Alea, Year 13 bassist and guitarist, added: ‘We’ve got ten new guitars and basses, plus multiple amps – it’s incredible! Before, we had to share instruments and compromise on sound quality. Now, we can explore different styles and really develop our skills. It feels like a professional setup, and it motivates us to aim high.’

Leadership Perspective

Alex Adamiuk, Head of Music and Assistant Principal at Harris Academy South Norwood, expressed his gratitude: ‘We are incredibly thankful to Dr Jonathan Savage and Restore the Music for their amazing support and contribution to music-making at our school. This funding has given our students access to instruments and equipment that were previously beyond our reach. The impact on engagement, creativity, and confidence has been immediate and profound. Music is now a vibrant part of our school culture, and this would not have been possible without RTM’s generosity.’

About Restore the Music

Restore the Music is a registered charity committed to improving outcomes for children through music education. By equipping schools with durable instruments and resources, RTM helps break cycles of deprivation and fosters academic and personal growth. To date, RTM has supported over 160 schools, impacting more