Pupils across the borough have battled it out to be crowned the borough’s first-ever Primary School Choir of the Year, with Newhey Community Primary School proudly taking the inaugural title.
All schools were invited to compete in the new competition, hosted by Rochdale Music Service, with each one asked to submit a recorded entry as part of the initial judging process.
8 schools were then selected to take part in the live final on Friday, 27 June 2025 at St Mary’s in the Baum Church.
Choirs varied in size from as small as 9 students to as large as 75, with each school performing a number of songs adjudicated by the recently retired head of Blackpool Music Service, Andrew White.
With their musical take on Coldplay’s hit ‘Yellow’ and a theatrical performance of 'It's The Hard Knock Life' from the family musical 'Annie', the Newhey pupils were awarded first place and presented with a winner’s trophy and certificate for their efforts.
St Michael’s C of E Primary School came second with St Thomas C of E and Cross Gates Primary School coming joint third.
Speaking after their well-deserved win, Year 6 teacher and joint lead of Newhey Community Primary School’s Glee Club, Michelle Gardiner said:
“Wow, wow, wow, we are over the moon.
“We thought a couple of the other schools may have pipped us to it with their vocal talents but with our performance and the children we have this year, they were extraordinary.
“You just have to see their faces, they actually weren’t expecting it which I find very humble, and that’s what Newhey is, very, very humble.
“We pride ourselves on our values and I’m so proud of the children. They were shocked, overjoyed and very proud of themselves - rightly so as they have worked so hard for this - now we’re not going to hear the last of it.”
Michelle later explained how the performances took over 3 weeks to rehearse, with daily run-throughs in the week leading up to the final with pupils from Years 5 and 6.
Councillor Rachel Massey, portfolio holder for children’s services and education, expressed her admiration, saying,
“Our borough is immensely talented and our primary school choirs are the latest fantastic examples of the amazing skills and abilities boasted by our children and young people.
“School choirs are an incredible gateway for future creative opportunities, as they give you the foundations to build your self-confidence, social connections and team building skills alongside other development skills.
“With some of the world’s leading actors and musicians starting at this very level, there’s no limit on the future achievements of those who have taken part and I keenly look forward to seeing their future progress.
“Congratulations to Newhey Community Primary School on winning this year’s event, it has been a resounding success in celebrating the musical talents of the borough’s young students and I hope to see its return next year.”
Newhey Community Primary School will now go on to be guest performers at Rochdale Music Service’s upcoming Summer Sizzler concert at Middleton Arena on Sunday, 13 July 2025.
With a mix of different genres set to entertain all ages, tickets for the Summer Sizzler are currently available from £5 through YourTrust.
In the meantime, if you are keen express your musical talents and would like to take up the opportunity to develop your skills further, contact Rochdale Music Service.
From music lessons and instrument learning to joining a choir or music ensemble, there are lots of ways you can be involved.
- View more information on Rochdale Music Service
- You can also get more information by calling 01706 926750.