Junior Guildhall launches a new Woodwind Training Programme in partnership with City of London School for Girls

Launched in September 2026, Guildhall Young Artists (Junior Guildhall), Guildhall School’s specialist provider of pre-conservatoire training, is delivering a new Woodwind Training Programme for children aged 6–11 on Saturdays at City of London School for Girls. 

This latest initiative builds on an existing partnership with City of London School for Girls, through which two joint scholarships are awarded to outstanding young musicians studying at the school. The scholarships contribute towards Junior Guildhall fees (subject to scholarship availability) and support talented students to access exceptional educational and musical opportunities.  

The continued partnership reflects both institutions’ shared commitment to providing high-quality performing arts training for young people to develop their talent, creativity and potential. City of London School for Girls students also benefit from access to a Guildhall School-wide enrichment programme including a range of masterclasses, workshops and play alongside opportunities.  

Rosie Whitfield, Head of Junior Guildhall, says:  

“Building on the outstanding success of the String and Brass Training Programme, we are delighted to have launched the highly anticipated Woodwind Training Programme, in partnership with City of London School for Girls. 

"Benefiting from exceptional facilities, a shared commitment to educational excellence, and a rich heritage within the cultural landscape of the City of London, this exciting new collaboration promises to be a rewarding and inspiring venture for both institutions. The programme’s principal activities take place on Saturdays at City of London School for Girls, providing a vibrant environment in which young musicians can develop and flourish. 

"The partnership also encompasses a range of collaborative musical initiatives throughout the year with Guildhall School of Music & Drama, enriching participants’ experiences and further strengthening the connection between these leading educational and artistic institutions.” 

Richard Quesnel, Director of Music City Schools, says: “We are proud to deepen our partnership with Junior Guildhall and to support a programme which establishes a clear pathway from first instrumental study to conservatoire and higher education. Through cooperation between our two neighbouring institutions, we are widening access to world-class musical training for all and offering opportunities to our students throughout their schooling to nurture their musical talent and realise their potential.” 

The Woodwind Training Programme provides a progression pathway into woodwind studies for students enrolled on Junior Guildhall’s Kindergarten Course at the Barbican Centre. It also complements the existing String and Brass Training programmes, which currently operate on Saturdays, the latter of which has also moved to a new home at City of London School for Girls. Students are invited to join the Woodwind, Brass and String Training programmes after successfully completing Junior Guildhall’s Kindergarten Course.  

Junior Guildhall is part of Guildhall Young Artists, a network of six centres providing inspiring performing and production arts training for children and young people aged 4–18 across the UK and beyond, including in London, Norfolk, Somerset and online.