Guildhall School of Music and Drama has announced that it will be providing students who are struggling with living costs and tuition fees with scholarships totalling £60,000 over two years.
Donated by the City of London Corporation’s education board, the £30,000 per-year will provide undergraduate and postgraduate students from under-represented and diverse backgrounds with money to make up for a shortfall in their living costs. Students in the Guildhall Young Artists network of performing and production arts centres will also receive the grant to meet the cost of tuition.
‘We are passionate about social mobility and dedicated to a vibrant and thriving city, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK,’ said City of London Corporation chair education board Naresh Sonpar. ‘Achieving greater social mobility is a central part of this, and something we wish to see championed at every level of our organisation.’
Sonpar continued: ‘Given the pressing concern surrounding the attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers, scholarships are vital in bridging that divide. First-class education is something that should be available to everyone no matter their background or ability.’
Sean Gregory, vice-principal and director of innovation and engagement at Guildhall School, said: ‘We are grateful for these scholarships, which will allow us to provide support where the need is greatest, particularly to students from diverse and under-represented backgrounds.
‘The grant will also enable us to strengthen progression opportunities to Guildhall School, especially for pupils from the City of London Academies Trust, aligning the school and the City Corporation’s dedication to social mobility, as well as helping more broadly to widen access to Guildhall School programmes.’