Barnsley Youth Choir primary school partnerships

The Barnsley Youth Choir primary school partnership is transforming music education across the borough, giving thousands of children the chance to take part in high‑quality singing workshops led by expert vocal leaders. Schools across Barnsley have embraced the programme, with evaluation data showing exceptionally positive feedback. 

Demand for the partnership has grown rapidly. The partnership will reach around 70 primary schools and more than 16,000 children.  

Each participating school receives two specialist workshops supported by professionally produced learning materials, including studio‑recorded backing tracks, guidance videos and substantial resource packs for both key stage 1 and key stage 2. These resources help teachers continue leading singing confidently long after the workshop has taken place. 

Schools reported a noticeable boost in pupils' confidence and enthusiasm for singing, with many children continuing to practise songs for days after the workshop. Sessions engaged learners of all ages and abilities, offering a positive and inclusive experience that left a lasting impression. 

Every school that submitted feedback said they would recommend the programme and would like to take part again, reflecting the strong impact and high quality of the offer. The partnership’s success is the result of close collaboration between the Great Childhoods Ambition, Barnsley Youth Choir, and schools across the borough, with Artistic Director Mat Wright MBE describing the project’s scale, inclusivity, and resource quality as “truly phenomenal.