Leweston School Awarded Prestigious Royal College of Organists Accreditation

Leweston has been awarded the Royal College of Organists’ prestigious “gold standard” accreditation, recognising the school’s excellence in organ teaching, performance, and musical outreach.

Leweston School is proud to announce that they have been formally accredited by the Royal College of Organists (RCO), following a successful submission and assessment visit last term. This recognition represents the RCO’s highest level of endorsement – often described as the organisation’s “gold standard”, and marks a significant milestone for the school’s thriving music department.

The accreditation reflects excellence in organ teaching, playing, and musical development, aligning Leweston with nationally and internationally recognised standards in organ performance and choral accompaniment. It also acknowledges the outstanding work of School Organist, Mr Paul Cheater, whose leadership and expertise were instrumental in achieving this accolade.

This accreditation follows a detailed application process and a full-day visit from an RCO representative, during which school staff Dr Milestone, Mr Whittle and Mr Cheater were interviewed about the school’s organ programme. As part of the assessment, our current organ students joined Mr Cheater and former pupil Eleanor Shortman, in giving a short recital, followed by a brief 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 to hear the organ music 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 wide range of educational, cultural, and strategic benefits:
Enhanced opportunities for pupils: Organ students now have access to the full suite of RCO resources, including a structured progression of examinations from beginner to diploma level.
Access to national networks: Leweston will receive invitations to specialist courses, events, and conferences, and will be part of national initiatives supporting organ education.
Attracting musical talent: Accreditation helps draw gifted young musicians to the school and encourages visits from high-profile performers. Leweston already enjoys termly recitals from renowned “celebrity organists,” who generously offer professional-level performances to our community.
Outreach and community engagement: As an accredited school, Leweston can 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:

The UK currently faces a national shortage of organists, making Leweston School’s commitment to training young players especially valuable.

In light of this RCO accreditation, the school is delighted to celebrate the achievements of their talented student organists, including dedicated performers Martha B and Penny H, whose enthusiasm and musicianship exemplify the strength and promise of Leweston’s organ programme.

Both students already benefit from the school’s strong link with Sherborne Abbey, where they have the opportunity to play the magnificent Abbey organ. Martha played ‘Con Grandezza’ by Charles Vincent, as the opening piece for Mr Cheater’s organ recital in Sherborne Abbey last term, and both students perform in the school’s regular lunchtime organ concerts in the Leweston Chapel, alongside guest ‘celebrity’ organists.