What People Are Saying

Music has been so influential on my life and so many young people's lives. Without it, I don't even know where i'd be. I'd really struggle to find school fun and a good thing if the GCSE I really, really wanted isn't and option.

Student & Musician & Local Resident, Year 9

Music is one of my favourite subjects so it’s very sad that it’s not here.

Student & Musician & Local Resident, Year 9

I have played instruments since I was 7, and Music was the GSCE I, and many others, wanted the most. Having seen the statistics, this year has more support than almost all others, and yet school still refuses.

Student & Musician, Year 9

I, along with many others, wanted music at Gell, and the news of the cancellation was devastating to all of us. I'm confident that every student and child affected by this has dealt with the immeasurable disappointment of our favourite subject being cut. I hope you can come to the realisation that music means a lot to a lot of people, and that we all want it.

Student & Musician & Local Resident, Year 9

Our son has worked hard at Music and we have funded lessons in Piano and Drums, to have his only performing art taken from him is a real injustice, never mind the total lack of any modern languages which seems completely contrary to the National Curriculum!

Parent & Musician & Local Resident

With an autistic child who struggles daily with PDA and school avoidance, I am seeing first hand the impact that dropping music as a GCSE choice is having on my child and indeed others. He finds attendance difficult most days, but music has been a positive aspect of school where other issues can be put aside and creativity nurtured.

Parent & Local Resident

Music will always mean different things to different people. GCSE music might lead to a professional future career in the arts, or it may be a refuge from despair. Either way, to remove it as an option is sheer negligence. Eliminating GCSE music as a choice removes a lifeline and buoyancy aid, particularly for those in more vulnerable and complex situations, where creativity within music is a therapeutic activity. It is painful to see the creative arts being so undervalued. Consequently, the souls of our children are denied the most necessary enrichment, and a core part of a future self that may yet be unrealised.

Archie Archer

Parent & Musician & Local Resident

There are more people in the UK making a living from music and the creative arts than from football, poetry or writing plays. Yet, Macbeth is still forced on young minds, running around a field is compulsory and the maths curriculum doesn’t include Microsoft Excel macro writing. Now cell phones are not allowed to be used as research tools. We must become an academy they said. Music is central to community. Every community, tribe, faith group or family on earth comes together over music. It inspires every emotion. To remove this from the curriculum is criminal.

Philip Reeves

Parent & Musician

It is really important that a range of subjects are available for the students of AGS and music is so important for so many reasons. Music allows students to explore their creativity, work together to listen, learn and create as a team, allows for self expression, provides an alternative to more desk-based subjects and helps with self esteem and mental health. All of these things are increasingly important in a world where traditional roles are being replaced and we need to be and think more creatively. Collaboration is also so vital. Music is also proven to help with lots of other subjects, maths being an obvious one. It’s really a no brainer.

Jenny Babenko

Parent & Local Resident

Not all children thrive at academic subjects. Please don't remove the opportunity for creative young people to thrive.

Parent

Music GCSE should remain part of the school curriculum because it develops creativity, discipline, and confidence in students of all abilities. Studying music supports academic progress by strengthening memory, focus, and problem-solving, while also providing an important emotional outlet that benefits mental wellbeing. For many students, music is a vital way to express themselves and feel connected to school life, especially for those who may not thrive in purely academic subjects. Removing it would limit opportunities, reduce inclusivity, and overlook the value of a well-rounded education that prepares students for both personal growth and future careers.

Parent & Local Resident

The potential removal of Music as a GCSE option at Anthony Gell is deeply concerning. As a family, we are now reconsidering our decision to send our child to this school. Through his involvement with the Wirksworth Music Centre, he already views the school as a supportive and welcoming environment for young musicians; withdrawing this subject would fundamentally change that perception and his future opportunities.

Parent

For me it's important to offer as many GCSE subjects as possible and music is one of the main creative ones which should be available. AGS seems already a bit limited on available GCSEs, so don't take it off, too please.

Parent

We are pleased our children will get to go to the school in future years. We’d be so sad to see music taken from the curriculum, and feel it would be such a shame for a school that promotes individuality and creativity.

Parent & Local Resident

To not have music taught in a school in Wirksworth means you are essentially not connected to the local community. You have missed the point! A complete disconnect. It must always remain. This town is art & music!

Parent

The music programme at Anthony Gell school has helped to develop some amazing musicians, some of whom work successfully in the industry. But for many others the Music room, the support of the teachers, access to facilities and time out of purely academic study has been a haven. A place where talent can be explored and admired but expression with or without talent can happen in a safe space. The loss for the next generation would be immeasurable. AGS has rung the death toll for performing arts and drama, don’t let music go the same way. All of our children can’t be good at academics and sport many need these arts to find their place, grow their confidence and feel good about themselves. And the rest of us can benefit from being entertained and nourished by their skill, talent and energy.

Nicky Crompton

Parent

Music plays such an important role in community both young and old bring people together to sharing ideas. I feel this is particularly important for teenagers learning to express themselves. Wirksworth would not be the community it is without all the amazing musicians it has nurtured year after year. You have to have music in school and student voices should be listened to.

Parent

Many people make a career in music and a GCSE in the subject will be essential for them. You will be seriously limiting their options by dropping the subject. Creative subjects enrich the students and expand the brain in ways other subjects cannot do.

Parent & Musician & Local Resident

Music is essential and offers choice, diversity and inclusivity, a career option, form of self expression and creativity

Parent

Amazing musicians have come ftom Gell.It has always been a very important part of the school.

Jane Lyon

Parent

As the director of a nationwide program for women in music, I know how important access to music in schools has a direct correlation to confidence, creativity and awareness of wider social issues for young people. I'm also a DJ, musician and producer putting on events locally. If there's no GCSE music at Gell that means that most of the young people in this vibrant community stop having access to be creative at 13-14 This means they stop playing their instruments, learning and discovering diverse music genres and ultimately ends the ideas of careers in the arts. This is happening nationwide. Let's make a difference for our young people. We all know how much they will need it now and in the future

Parent & Musician & Local Resident

The music department is an integral part of Anthony Gell and a big part of why we chose the school. Both of our children have chosen to study music at GCSE and have loved having the opportunity to be creative and use and develop a completely different skill set. Creativity is a valuable resource in an increasingly complex world and there is much evidence that shows schools with a strong commitment to the creative arts produce happier children who excel in other areas. Please reconsider.

Tasha Davis

Parent

As a previous student of AGS I would be very disappointed to see GCSE music removed. My own children will be enrolled at this school in coming years…. Please re -consider!

Parent & Local Resident

I see music as a fundamental part of being human. Even if numbers of children fluctuate year by year it seems an essential channel to keep open to expand more easily for the future. My three daughters were at Gell, my 2 grandsons are there now/soon will be. As an adult in the early 90s I joined Year 10/11 music composition classes prior to starting a BA in Music - it was the flexibility and integration of all abilities that I remember clearly as well as connections with musicians from Alderwasley school.

Carol Fieldhouse

Parent & Teacher & Musician & Local Resident

We’re shocked & saddened to hear that AGS plans to cut GCSE Music, the last of the performing arts at our local school. Both our children benefited from studying music at GCSE level & enjoyed performing in concerts & musicals. They loved having time in the school day to create their own music compositions & to express themselves. It was a huge part of their all-round education and helped make their school days so much more enjoyable. Through music they made good friends outside their year group. Some pupils have gone on to pursue music in their studies & to become professional musicians. Even for those that don’t, music develops lifelong skills. Its study develops creativity, helps build emotional resilience & is proven to enhance cognitive development. Even if you just care about the ´bottom line’ - cutting GCSE Music is a false economy. Our young people & our community will be much poorer as a result.

Natasha Robertson

Parent & Local Resident

What is this push to remove creative expression from the curriculum? Who is driving this, and why? Anthony Gell has such a long history of nurturing musicality in their pupils. To remove music from the curriculum is an extremely bad idea & a retrograde step for the school. It's great to see the passionate outcry against it & I sincerely hope that this will make the misguided decision makers have a major rethink

deborah short

Parent & Musician & Local Resident

I hadn’t heard that drama and dance had been cut and now the school plans to cut music! Gell has a great music centre, has helped to produce many talented musicians who have gone on to study music at university and have careers in music! Given the school’s location in a creative town, these decisions suggest that it is no longer a community connected school. It is very disappointing. Reverse this decision. Give more emphasis to creative subjects. Reinstate GCSE Drama and GCSE Dance.

Bill Bevan

Parent & Local Resident

People communicate in different ways and the arts is a valuable form of communication and expression for some people. To remove the option of music is to remove an important chanel that some students need. It can cut them off from their desired journey and create or increase mental health issues. Students should always be able to take music, art and drama - all three if they should want to. Anthony Gell was always such an excellent school that believed in students and made it possible for them to follow their dreams. It has been really sad to watch the school change in the last few years and the students become less happy.

Hannah Campbell

Parent & Musician & Local Resident

The music dept at Gell is fantastic and the children should be enabled to study it if the want to

Parent

There are many decisions these days that are pushed by profit and control and with each of these we must ask ourselves if this decision takes away from our humanity. Creativity is intelligence, freedom and beauty. Do any of us want to live in a world without these things and deny our children of them? “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” — Plato

Parent & Musician

https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/highereducation/2025/12/04/we-overlook-music-departments-at-our-peril/

Bill Bevan

Parent & Local Resident

Music accesses parts of the brain that nothing else can. Depriving your pupils of that will have a lasting impact. Music brings joy, escape and happiness to so many. Choosing to study it is a natural progression for pupils to harness their interest and talent, stopping this will not only have a negative impact on your school culture and extracurricular activities but it will have a huge impact on their wellbeing too. Getting rid of music at GCSE level will hurt the activities in the wider community as well as at school. The more people playing instruments, the more grades increase, pupil wellbeing, community engagement and the appeal of the school. Evidence: https://www.singeducation.co.uk/articles/striking-a-chord-how-to-make-wider-music-provision-work-for-your-school/ Please reconsider this decision as evidence clearly shows that music changes lives for the better. Thank you.

Jessica Duckworth

Teacher & Musician

Develops an individuals discipline and application, a transferable life skill. Music has always been a central part of the Gell offer and the Gell culture, with strong musical links between the school and the local community.

Teacher

As a former student of Anthony Gell, I am incredibly disappointed to hear that cuts may be made to the school’s arts provision, particularly music. GCSE Music, Wirksworth Music Centre, and drum and guitar lessons were all key parts of my time there, giving me the opportunity to learn how to create, express myself, and build confidence. They helped me recognise my potential in a way that my struggles with STEM subjects could not. Through these opportunities, I learned a huge amount, explored many creative paths, and performed on numerous stages—none of which would have been possible without the foundation and inspiration provided by the music teaching at Anthony Gell.

Dom Foulds

Musician & Local Resident

If it wasn’t for Anthony Gell offering a rounded music curriculum I would not be where I am today. As a student in the early 90’s, Gell offered both GCSE and A-Level Music, supported by a wider music offer at lunchtimes and after school. The formative experiences of playing music with friends, in lessons, in Jazz Club and in the school Orchestra helped shape and develop my interest in music such that I studied at University and have eventually made it my career. Music, like the other arts, is a lifelong passion subject. It’s not always there to support people into a specific job role, it’s there to help people recognise their creativity, build connection with themselves, with the music itself and with others. Music is a social topic to study, helping people break out of themselves. It’s very sad to think that Anthony Gell will no longer have students playing music within it, making mistakes, collaborating, having fun, and ultimately getting into bands and going out to play in the ongoing arts scene in and around Wirksworth. I’m sure for many students travelling to another school to pick the GCSEs you want to do is impractical, and not the sort of decision you want to take having spent 2-3 years making friendships at Gell. So where does this leave those that wanted to take that route?

Gareth Metcalf

Musician & Local Resident

Music is a vital component of education without it I would not have followed a career in music. The arts are also vital in providing a rounded education.

Gunther Walker

Musician & Local Resident

Music saves lives!! It is a tool for those struggling with their mental health, it helps people to express themselves, it gives people confidence and a life without music would be so dull.

Holly Proffitt

Musician & Local Resident

Music gives a voice to young people, and a way for them to express themselves now and in the future. It teaches invaluable transferrable and interdisciplinary skills which can aid their achievement across all subjects, and for those students who have a passion for it, it is often the lifeline that keeps them on track through the difficult challenges of Key Stage 4, but which also nurtures them and helps maintain and improve their mental health. These effects continue throughout life: We talk so much about lifelong learning, and this is where lifelong learning and development can be so powerful be more than words. I am aware of students I taught in the past who have been through all manner of challenges in their twenties and early thirties, some of them immense, and music has been a sanctuary for them. I have been contacted by some, who have thanked me for giving them the confidence through music to pursue their dreams, not necessarily deriving their main living from music, but finding it to be the steadying force and a place of further personal and social development throughout their lives. Removing the opportunity for young people to pursue music and creative arts through their education takes this away from them, and it also takes away part of the unique character of a school, leaving it to be less differentiated from every other school. It's a mistake, and it's a betrayal of the young people you care about.

Matthew Ash

Musician & Local Resident

Having the opportunity to develop and gain qualifications is hugely valuable. Music is not only a creative subject it’s technical, intellectual, highly academic and provides students with expressive outlets. It is an holistic discipline which supports cognitive and emotional growth and development. It’s a universal language and intercultural discipline which bridges boundaries. It’s vital that young people have the opportunity to learn music. Removing it from the curriculum pushes it into the spaces for the elite and the wealthy who can afford instruments and private lessons. It’s a universal subject that all students should have the opportunity to learn.

Fiona Birkett

Musician & Local Resident

Music is good for young people's mental health which is vital in these damaging times. It also aids social cohesion and encourages cooperation rather than competition. It is a vital force in challenging times.

Musician & Local Resident

Studying music has been a creative outlet in my life that's been incredibly important. My personal belief is that there are few other subjects that offer the combination of the discipline of following the 'rules' of the music as written with the chance to add your own interpretation and creativity. It therefore exercises parts of the brain not exercised by other subjects, and this brings benefits to all learning. It also allows pupils who may not feel as comfortable in an academic or sporting subject a change to shine, and so improving their morale and confidence all round. Therefore, removing it from the curriculum would in my view be a great detriment to the school.

Musician & Local Resident

My life has only ever been enhanced by music- we mustn’t deny this next generation these opportunities. Not everyone in every school is necessarily academically inclined, others may wish to broaden their horizons and enhance their own lives.

Musician & Local Resident

Learning music feeds the brain; it makes it receptive to learning so much more.

Bobby Gilbert

Musician & Local Resident

Music is an integral part of our lives, it has actual healing properties, engages the mind and lifts spirits. It is an international language and incorporates maths, physics and the humanities into a practical art form. There are a huge number of musically talented and enthusiastic youngsters in Wirksworth and it would be unforgivable if opportunities to study music were denied to them. The value of music as part of the everyday curriculum can not be overstated.

Tim Freeman

Musician & Local Resident

Music is not only a great pastime for those who play, but it has great benefits for all those who listen and appreciate this art form. Mental good health is associated with music, both playing and listening. There are social aspects to listening to live music and people with alzheimers and dementia gain immensely from music therapy as it is the only therapy which connects all parts of the brain. The more young people who wish to gain greater proficiency and knowledge of music the better for a stronger settled community, and the musician. I urge you to reconsider the decision and the continue offering GCSE music as a valid and worthwhile study option.

Tim Constable

Musician & Local Resident

Point 1 .. Having no performing arts provision at key stage 4 will not show OFStEd you have a balanced curriculum across all key stages.. Point2 No key stage 4 music / performing arts … how do you gather willing musicians for school events… yes you want that ensemble for an open evening or community event …who can perform to a high standard… not many as gcse music requires high standards Music/ performing arts departments for some people are their safe place within school where they can thrive… if I wouldn’t have done GCSE music I would not have had that encouragement to develop a career in performing arts and for potential professional musicians at your school you are disadvantaging them greatly

Musician

In a world with far too much hate, we need more music. Please don't do this. What can the local community do to stop this? Let us help you.

JP Punter

Musician & Local Resident

...I had at my time at gell GCSE music got me into Leeds Conservatoire to study music full time and I’m now a regularly paid and gigging musician. Not every student including myself is inclined to academics which is why the creative arts is so important. I’ve also heard that things like media will still be running despite there being less interest than there is in music gcse. Music is an integral part to British culture and to remove it from gells curriculum is taking away opportunities for young people to express themselves and quite frankly it’s awful. Alfie Reeves Ex-pupil and musician

Alfie Reeves

Musician

If I wasn’t offered access to the arts in school, there’s a high likelihood I wouldn’t still be here today.

Musician

Art and music matters in ways you cannot always quantify. It’s what makes us human! And it should be accessible to all. Very short-sighted to consider removing it from the subjects list. Please reconsider.

Musician

I am a former student and now professional musician, I could not afford music lessons at that age and having music as an option to study at school helped make me the musician I am today. Wirksworth lives and breathes the arts, and a school at the heart of the town not offering any of them to students doesn’t add up.

Adam Brewell

Musician

I never had the opportunity to do music GCSE as music wasn't something I properly decided I wanted to pursue until after picking my GCSEs. I feel I had wasted a good opportunity not picking it so it would be a massive shame for students who are most likely super talented and just as passionate about music as dedicated musicians to have that opportunity taken away from them with no choice.

Musician

As an ex-student, I am saddened to hear about the potential removal of GCSE Music. During my time at Gell, music was an outlet for me in many difficult times. But it also helped me develop so many skills and grow as an individual. Without studying music, I wouldn't have had so many positive experiences, met so many wonderful individuals, and become the person I am today. I owe so much to studying music and I believe others should continue to experience the joy that music can bring to them and the people around them.

Musician & Local Resident

At a time when corporations are manipulating algorithms to convince young people that art is no more than a consumer product, it is imperative that schools provide them with the opportunity to find out for themselves what music are the arts feel like as an experience of discovery, adventure, connection and creativity.

Stephen Creek

Musician

I've come into Gell a number of times over the years and the focus on the arts was always mindblowing and by far the best in Derbyshire in my experience of many schools. So much talent has come out of that school, this is shocking to hear.

Gez Addictive

Musician

As a parent of previous Anthony Gell students who have benefitted intellectually, creatively and socially from participating in music and other creative arts. I feel very strongly that subject availability of GCSEs should be broad and include the creative arts. Subject choice should not solely be based upon numbers as inevitably subjects like music are likely to attract fewer students, however this shouldn’t stop talented and committed students being able to study these options at GCSE. Wirksworth has a strong tradition of excellent creative arts teaching at Gell and a vibrant creative community. We need to ensure that students at Gell are given the opportunity to study creative arts at GCSE. The benefits of participating in creative arts for young people are far reaching and rich. Option choice should not be about academic achievement or best fit models for cohorts. Quite simply put - the creative art choices should be protected and our young people should be supported as individuals to follow their passions and interests.

Local Resident

Music, art & culture are critical to our existence

Local Resident

I am really shocked to hear that music is being pulled as a GCSE option. Especially with the school hosting a thriving music group nurturing young musicians and the town having such an active music scene, it's astonishing that the school is not supporting those pupils who wish to deepen their knowledge and skills in this area. The government has just brought out a bill with ' a shared goal [is] that every young person, wherever they grow up, can: express creativity through arts and culture...' amongst other forms of 'enrichment'. This decision seems to run counter to that policy .

Local Resident

Being able to choose GCSEs that develop creative and artistic skills is so important. Music develops so many parts of the brain, fosters a sense of teamwork, improves self confidence and mental wellbeing.

Laura Jones

Local Resident

My children benefited from the Saturday Music School for many years, and from an outstanding music department with dedicated and inspiring teachers, it seems deeply regrettable to consider removing a course that the school is known for and has historically delivered so well, enriching students’ education and wider development. My children benefited greatly from drama in their earlier years at the school, but unfortunately were unable to pursue it at GCSE, which was a real disappointment. To now have the loss of music as well feels really sad. I strongly believe the music course should be preserved and valued as a vital part of the school’s offer.

Olivia Penrose Punnett

Local Resident

GCSE Music is a great opportunity for young people to develop their creative skills.

Local Resident

I have seen its transformative effect on confidence, life opportunities and fulfilment

Local Resident

People have the misconception that music is a soft option academically. It isn't. As someone who had the privilege of taking music to A level, I can say it was challenging in the mathematical, decoding, analytical, linguistic and other skills, as well as developing understanding of historical context and culture. It can lead to careers or just to the pleasure of making music with others, developing social skills. What a loss of opportunity for our creative town if we don't have our young musicians coming through.

Lesley Price

Local Resident

GCSE Music should be valued equally to other subjects offered at GCSE so that students are able to explore Music as a part of their future career pathways. Not only supporting a potential career in music industries but providing wider learning and skills to support their futures in any direction they take.

Local Resident

Wirksworth is such a vibrantly creative town and as a result music should definitely remain on the curriculum as a GCSE subject to support the contribution local students have in making this town what it is.

Local Resident

The arts are a vital part of this community and so important

Local Resident

Music transcends language and diversity; it provides discipline and confidence. We must not let our children lose the opportunity to experience and understand music.

Local Resident

Over the years Anthony Gell has always tried to be fully inclusive of the path students wish to take and to remove this subject at GCSE level is just so short sighted. Some students struggle with the main subjects but excel at the arts and to remove this pathway is just limiting the potential of the students but also a once strong community school.

Steve Beech

Local Resident

By cutting out creative arts from the GCSE curriculum you risk losing the creative potential of a generation.

Local Resident

As an amateur musician, if I hadn't been introduced to music when I was a teenager I wouldn't now be playing.

Huw Morgan

Local Resident

At a time when the town is making every effort to gain recognition as the Uk Town of Culture this is an absolutely nonsensical decision. this decision, along with the decision to stop teaching MFL at exam level, will handicap all future generations of Gell students and cast the town back into the dark ages,

Philip Whitney

Local Resident

I can only mention my own experiences..the joy of learning to play and read music at my time at Gell, to participate with others in the creation of something organic and bouncing ideas and creative thinking off each other, to be envolved in the social aspect of music to meet new people of all ages and a great builder of confidence, not to mention the joy given to others and ones self. ..i do hope this decision is reversed Gell as such a great and rich history of making music and a great asset to our community

Local Resident

Music at AGS is what started my lifelong love of music

Local Resident