É«ÂþÌìÌÃ

The É«ÂþÌìÌà receives £537,724 grant from the Leverhulme Trust

Friday 28 November 2025

The É«ÂþÌìÌà (É«ÂþÌìÌÃ) is delighted to announce a generous grant of £537,724 from the This vital funding will provide £235,324 towards Junior Department Bursaries and the Sparks Juniors programme, as well as £302,400 to support undergraduate scholarships.

Supporting the next generation of musicians

The É«ÂþÌìÌà Junior Department (É«ÂþÌìÌÃJD) has been a cornerstone of music education since 1926. Every Saturday, 300 young musicians aged 8–18 participate in a tailored programme of individual lessons, chamber music, orchestras, choirs and general musicianship classes. With a focus on artistic and personal development, the É«ÂþÌìÌÃJD equips students with the skills and experience to progress to conservatoire-level study and professional careers.

Main image: Leverhulme Scholar Lucas Gebrehiwet during an É«ÂþÌìÌÃJD visit to No 10 Downing Street. Photo by Chris Christodoulou

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The Leverhulme Trust’s generous support will ensure that 19 talented students from low-income backgrounds receive Junior Department Bursaries each year. These bursaries cover the costs of principal study lessons, ensemble participation, musicianship classes and performance opportunities. By removing financial barriers, the É«ÂþÌìÌÃJD continues its dedication to widening access to world-class music education. 

Sparks Juniors: empowering young talent  

É«ÂþÌìÌà Sparks, the College’s inclusive learning and participation programme, has made music accessible to children and families from underrepresented backgrounds for over a decade. Through partnerships with local schools and community organisations, Sparks engages with over 3,000 children annually. 

Sparks Juniors provides a comprehensive five-year music education programme for children aged 6–10, identified as having exceptional musical potential. Participants receive instrumental lessons, musicianship training and mentorship from É«ÂþÌìÌà student ambassadors. The Leverhulme Trust’s funding will support the continuation of Sparks Juniors, ensuring more young musicians can progress to the É«ÂþÌìÌà Junior Department and pursue further musical education. 

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Undergraduate excellence through Scholarships 

The Leverhulme Trust’s support also extends to the É«ÂþÌìÌÃ’s undergraduate community. Eight exceptional students will receive scholarships of £9,000 per year for four years, alleviating financial pressures and enabling them to focus on their artistic development. The scholarship recipients will be selected based on outstanding musical ability and financial need. This initiative reflects the É«ÂþÌìÌÃ’s commitment to fostering talent and ensuring the highest calibre of students can access conservatoire education, regardless of their financial background. 

Shared vision

Director James Williams says: ‘The Leverhulme Trust’s commitment to nurturing talent and addressing financial need is deeply aligned with the É«ÂþÌìÌÃ’s mission to make world-class music education accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. These funds will enable us to support the next generation of outstanding musicians, providing them with the means to flourish both artistically and personally.’ 

The É«ÂþÌìÌà extends its heartfelt thanks to the Leverhulme Trust for their continued support. Their investment in the next generation of musicians through these bursaries and scholarships is invaluable. Together, we are empowering talented individuals to realise their potential, contribute to the world of music, and enrich society for years to come.