We are thrilled to announce a phenomenal milestone for one of our incredibly talented students, Alison in Year 13, who has successfully auditioned for the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester. Alison will commence her studies in violin in September 2025, cementing her place at one of the world’s leading conservatoires for aspiring professional musicians.
Securing a spot at the RNCM is no small feat, particularly for violinists, where competition is at its fiercest. To offer some context, only around 15% of auditionees are offered a place, making this achievement truly extraordinary. Alison’s dedication and passion for her craft have undoubtedly played a key role in this success. Already an accomplished musician, she has achieved her ARSM diploma in violin performance, demonstrating an exceptional level of proficiency and artistry.
Beyond her individual achievements, Alison is an active member of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, where she regularly performs. In a further testament to her skill, she will perform as Violin I with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth String Quartet in London early next year. Her journey as a musician reflects hours upon hours of diligent practice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
At Barrow Hall College and Great Sankey High School, Alison plays an integral role in our music community. Whether leading on violin or accompanying on piano, she is a cornerstone of our ensembles and a source of inspiration for younger students. Her reliability, perseverance, and open-minded approach to learning exemplify the core values we celebrate in our school community.
Looking ahead, we are excited to see where Alison’s journey will take her. The offer from RNCM is just the beginning of what promises to be an outstanding career in music. We have no doubt that she will continue to inspire others with her talent and determination.
For those eager to experience Alison’s artistry firsthand, she will be performing at our School Christmas Concert on Thursday, 12th December, at 6 pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via the QR code shared in our earlier post. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a future professional musician perform live!
Alison’s success is a source of immense pride for our school, and we look forward to supporting her as she embarks on this exciting new chapter. Congratulations, Alison—we are so proud of you!