A state-of-the-art, new secondary school is opening in West Bromwich central, and it will be the first-ever non-selective state school to partner with an orchestra to give every local child an opportunity for their musical interest to flourish.  

Opening September 2023, the school will feature a 3-storey auditorium, specialist music classrooms, as well as a recording studio. This will provide a tremendous opportunity for learning and developing a wider range of education for those hoping to pursue music in the future. The school which will be called Shireland CBSO academy, will not only take on Year 7’s in its first year but also those in sixth form who have a special interest in music. 

Those attending the school will have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to work with the City of Birmingham Orchestra and get to watch astounding performances from professional musicians and work with those within the Orchestra to develop their abilities. The integration of the Orchestra will provide students with indisputable expertise and an in-depth understanding of careers that complement their musicality. The school will use music as a gateway for students to flourish in personal aspects like self-discipline, teamwork, communication and decision-making. 

Some of the thing's students will have available to them are: 

  • Instrumental and Vocal lessons 
  • Chances to perform and compose within and outside the academy 
  • Access to professional music technology 
  • Opportunities to develop their performance style, solo skills, and ensembles skills 

The secondary school is the second in the immediate area that has been built and opened by the Shireland Trust which now has 4 high schools under its belt, led by Sir Mark Grundy.