UK’s Royal Academy scheme excludes private school students, offers funded training to five state-educated musicians / Image: Getty Images
The UK-based Royal Academy of Music has sparked controversy after launching a scheme that limits access to state-educated students, raising concerns that some less affluent private school pupils are being excluded, according to The Times (UK).The academy, founded in 1822, offers a fully funded foundation year for musicians aged 18-20. The course is aimed at those seen as under-represented, particularly students who may have missed out on music training due to long-term declines in state school provision.Only five students will be selected each year, with the program starting in July. Those selected will receive one-on-one tutoring, academic guidance, group coaching, and support with college applications.The eligibility rule has been questioned by school leaders, who say background cannot be judged solely by the type of school a student attends. “There are a lot of less well-off people in charter schools and a lot of good people in public schools,” Philip Britton said. He pointed out that some schools, including Bolton, offer full fee support to families with incomes of less than £20,000.Richard Jones, head of Bryanston School in Dorset, described the approach as “naive” and said it risked reinforcing assumptions about special education.
He noted that many independent schools have students receiving scholarships, and said applications must be judged individually.The academy has defended its position. Its director, Jonathan Freeman Attwood, said the focus was on students who “most need and deserve” support, especially those who have not had enough training but show strong potential.Funding for the first three years comes from the Clore Duffield Foundation.
Its president, Vivian Duffield, said the program aims to give talented young musicians the time, training and guidance needed to progress further.The academy said students from independent schools were more likely to have already had a structured music education. It also highlighted its wider work, supporting more than 500 young people each year and providing £5.8 million in student financial aid last year.