Leweston School has been awarded the Royal College of Organists’ highest level of accreditation, recognising excellence in organ teaching, performance and musical outreach.
The accreditation follows a successful submission and assessment visit last term and represents the Royal College of Organists’ most prestigious endorsement – often described as the organisation’s ‘gold standard’. It marks a significant milestone for Leweston’s thriving music department.
The award reflects excellence in organ teaching, playing and musical development, placing Leweston among schools meeting nationally and internationally recognised standards in organ performance and choral accompaniment. It also acknowledges the work of School Organist Mr Paul Cheater, whose leadership and expertise were central to achieving the accreditation.
As part of the process, Leweston welcomed an RCO representative for a full-day visit, during which Dr Milestone, Mr Whittle and Mr Cheater were interviewed about the school’s organ programme. Current organ students joined Mr Cheater and former pupil Eleanor Shortman to give a short recital, followed by a demonstration lesson with student Martha B.
The assessor, Mr Simon Williams, was particularly impressed by the number of students who chose to attend the recital voluntarily during their lunch break, including many who do not play the organ themselves.
What the accreditation means for Leweston
Becoming an RCO-accredited school brings a range of educational and cultural benefits, including enhanced opportunities for pupils, with organ students gaining access to the full suite of RCO resources and a structured progression of examinations from beginner to diploma level.
Leweston will also be connected to national networks, receiving invitations to specialist courses, events and conferences, and taking part in initiatives that support organ education. The accreditation further helps attract talented young musicians and encourages visits from high-profile performers. Leweston already hosts termly recitals from renowned ‘celebrity organists’, who offer professional-level performances to the school community.
As an accredited school, Leweston can also act as a regional hub for organ and church music, hosting workshops, concerts and collaborative projects with local schools and churches. This includes outreach to young musicians who may not otherwise have access to an instrument.
Supporting the future of organ music
At a time when the UK faces a national shortage of organists, Leweston’s commitment to training young players is particularly valuable.
The school is proud to celebrate the achievements of its student organists, including Martha B and Penny H, whose enthusiasm and musicianship reflect the strength of Leweston’s organ programme.
Both students benefit from Leweston’s close link with Sherborne Abbey, where they have the opportunity to play the Abbey organ. Martha performed ‘Con Grandezza’ by Charles Vincent as the opening piece for Mr Cheater’s organ recital at Sherborne Abbey last term, and both students regularly perform in the school’s lunchtime organ concerts in the Leweston Chapel alongside guest ‘celebrity’ organists.
