For the third consecutive year, Westholme School has been shortlisted for the Independent School of the Year (ISOTY) Awards with their performing arts department singled out as a 2024 contender.
Performing Arts represents a key pillar at Westholme and the school’s ISOTY entry this year highlighted the many musical and dramatic performances from the talented performing arts students who have shone on the school’s Croston Theatre stage and beyond.
Productions over the last school year have included sell-out performances of Les Misérables which was recognised with a National School Theatre Award earlier this year, Twelfth Night and High School Musical. In addition, students took to the stage for dance showcases, a piano masterclass hosted by world renowned professional pianist Martin Roscoe and the annual Spring Concert, to name but a few of the many performing arts highlights.
Stepping outside of the school’s own theatre, 46 students also had the opportunity of a lifetime, performing musical numbers on stage at Disneyland Paris and leading over 1,000 other young performers in the famous Time to Shine parade. Students from Year 7-10 were also lucky to take part in the ‘Wall of Dance’ at Tottenham Hotspur stadium in front of a sold-out crowd of 62,000 people.
With an impressive collection of performances under their belt and professional facilities for their music and drama productions to continue in the years to come, Westholme hopes to wow this year’s ISOTY judges, who are looking for a school with vibrant stories to tell from their year in performing arts.
Amy Holland, Director of Performing Arts at Westholme, said, “We are immensely proud to have been shortlisted again this year, it’s amazing to see Westholme’s performing arts talent being recognised amongst such a large selection of schools up and down the UK.
“This latest nomination reflects our ongoing commitment and passion for performing arts at Westholme and emphasises our approach in creating an unrivalled holistic experience for all of our students to shine across their various interests.”
The ISOTY finalists are to be announced on 9th September, with the winners of each category and overall Independent School of the year set to be revealed in a ceremony this October.
Last year, Westholme was awarded an ISOTY for their Student Careers Programme which highlighted the school’s ongoing support and advice for students when choosing a career, finding suitable work placements and internships and preparation for future employment.