More than 100 young musicians from across The 3-18 Education Trust came together this week for the third annual Trust Massed Orchestra rehearsal, led by Thomas Adams School’s Director of Music, Mrs Rebecca Heywood.
Now in its third year, the Trust Massed Orchestra continues to grow, bringing together students from across our Trust to collaborate, perform and celebrate their shared love of music. This year, musicians from Thomas Adams School, William Brookes School, Priory School and Hodnet Primary School took part, with performers ranging from primary-aged pupils through to Year 13 sixth form students.
The event showcased the power of music to unite young people of different ages and backgrounds, creating a truly inclusive ensemble of more than 100 musicians. Students worked together throughout the rehearsal, demonstrating their musical talent, teamwork and commitment.
The important role of music in education
The rehearsal was attended by Mr David O’Toole, CEO of the 3-18 Education Trust, and Mr Mark Cooper, Headteacher of Thomas Adams School. Addressing the orchestra, Mr O’Toole praised the students for their fantastic performance and spoke about the important role music plays in education.
He highlighted the way music enables young people to develop confidence, creativity and resilience, while also creating opportunities for collaboration and personal growth.
What began three years ago as an opportunity to bring young musicians together from across the Trust has developed into a flagship event, celebrating both musical excellence and the strength of partnership between schools. The Massed Orchestra provides students with the chance to perform as part of a large ensemble, develop their skills and build lasting connections with fellow musicians from across the Trust.
Mrs Rebecca Heywood said: “It was wonderful to see so many talented young musicians performing together. Events like this give students the opportunity to learn from one another, build confidence and experience the unique excitement of performing as part of a large orchestra.”
The Trust Massed Orchestra reflects the 3-18 Education Trust’s commitment to providing enriching opportunities beyond the classroom and nurturing young people’s talents through creativity, collaboration and excellence.
We look forward to seeing the orchestra continue to grow and to sharing future performances with our wider community.
Report by Corrina Cadman, Thomas Adams School
Notes for editors
The 3‑18 Education Trust is a Shropshire‑based Multi‑Academy Trust providing a high quality, aspirational education from early years through to post‑16.
Our Trust comprises fourteen schools bringing together a vibrant and diverse community of over 6,200 students, 900 teaching and support staff and 84 local committee members.
September 2026 marks ten years of The 3-18 Education Trust, from the founding schools of Priory and St Martins in 2016 to our growing Shropshire-wide community of schools today.
This year we celebrate Our Trust at 10 recognising ten years of collaboration, growth and shared ambition across our Trust and community of schools.
For press enquiries, contact media@318education.co.uk.
