Duke of Edinburgh opens Shireland CBSO Academy

The Duke of Edinburgh attended the Shireland CBSO Academy in West Bromwich on 18 January to officiate its formal opening.

The Academy, supported by the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, was established in partnership with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, serving Sandwell and the wider West Midlands. Students receive an education covering the full national curriculum alongside specialist music teaching. The first cohort of Year 7 students started in September 2023.

The Duke of Edinburgh is a patron of the CBSO. On his visit he received a guided tour, participated in practical music workshops including West African drumming, and visited the 300-seat performance hall and immersive virtual reality learning space. The Duke unveiled a commemorative plaque and heard a poem written by one of the students.

Other guests in attendance included the Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands and the Mayor of Sandwell, along with key stakeholders involved in the school’s development.

Sir Mark Grundy, chief executive of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, said: ‘This was a wonderful opportunity to talk about our unique school curriculum with The Duke of Edinburgh and witness our lessons in action. I'm especially pleased for our founding students, this was a great day that will live long in their memories.

‘Shireland CBSO Academy’s opening ceremony marks the realisation of an ambitious vision for education and underscores our commitment to making a real difference in the lives of our young people, by providing opportunities that may have previously been out of reach.’

The principal of Shireland CBSO Academy, David Green, said: ‘We were delighted to welcome The Duke of Edinburgh to formally open Shireland CSBO Academy.

‘We are proud to be providing our students with an education that not only offers academic and musical excellence but also nurtures their creative and personal growth, instilling a lifelong love of learning and the arts.’

shirelandcbso.org.uk