A new home for Guildhall Young Artists Norwich

Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) Norwich, our specialist performing arts centre for those aged 3–18, moves to a new home at Wymondham High Academy. With the academy’s state-of-the art performance, recording studio and digital facilities, GYA Norwich develops the music and drama skills young artists need to progress to performing arts degrees at leading conservatoires, theatre schools and universities. In just the last three years more than 14 students from GYA Norwich have gone onto performing arts degrees.

The move to Wymondham High takes place from the beginning of the Autumn term, which kicks off on 20 September.

Wymondham High Academy's vibrant, modern campus offers a fresh and welcoming atmosphere, and includes a spacious, open-plan canteen where we will host our informal lunchtime concerts, adding a creative buzz to the day. 

Students benefit from light, airy rehearsal and performance spaces, drama studios, percussion room and a professional-standard recording studio. The well-equipped library hosts our engaging ‘Starts Here’ classes for younger students, supporting a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

This new era also brings with it a new leadership team for GYA Norwich, as we welcome new Head of Centre, Thomas Shelbourn and Deputy Head of Centre, Geraldine Evans as they start their first full term in post.

The story so far

GYA Norwich first opened its doors in 2013 with 50 students. It was the first GYA centre outside London. Originally called Norfolk Centre for Young Musicians, the centre changed its name when the Guildhall Young Artists network was launched in 2021, seeing Guildhall School of Music & Drama become one of the largest providers of specialist individualised performing arts education for under-18s in the UK.

With 120 students currently attending the centre every Saturday, thousands of children and young people from across Norfolk and East Anglia have passed through its doors over the past 12 years, with many progressing to continue their creative journeys at prestigious universities and conservatoires, including the Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School. 

Notable alumni include composer Ben Pease Barton, who has recently returned to GYA Norwich as Composition Tutor.

On top of regular Saturday classes in music and drama for children and young people aged 3–18, GYA Norwich also manages the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra (NCYO), the top orchestra for young musicians in Norfolk, established in 1959. Notable alumni of NCYO include Leila Hooton, flautist and current President of the Students' Union at the Royal College of Music.

Join us for the next chapter!

If you're interested in joining why not come along on Saturday 4 October for an exciting free open day to get a flavour of what to expect at our centre. Throughout the day you’ll enjoy a wide range of live performances from ensembles including jazz, percussion, strings, piano, wind and brass.

There will be interactive workshops, open classes and guided tours giving you a real taste of our vibrant Saturday programme. From our ‘Starts Here’ sessions for younger children to advanced classes for those aiming for higher education or careers in the performing arts, there’s something for every young performer. Come and meet our team, explore the facilities and discover how your creative journey can begin – or grow – with us.

"We are thrilled about the move to Wymondham, which marks a new chapter for GYA Norwich. Our focus remains on providing the very best music and drama education, delivered by top professionals in the field. This transition will enable us to expand our partnerships and further develop our outstanding provision, ensuring exceptional training and opportunities for our students." Thomas Shelbourn, Head of Centre, GYA Norwich

"We are delighted to partner with GYA Norwich and welcome them to Wymondham High Academy. This move will enable us to continue to establish ourselves as a hub for performing arts and the community in the South Norwich area. As the recently appointed lead school for the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub in the area, we are excited to link these initiatives and provide outstanding opportunities for the local community." Mr Tadzik Kaznowski, Head of Performing Arts, Wymondham High