Recently we were asked about concerts and other trips linked to music that would be suitable for school visits. Such events can be a fantastic opportunity for students, opening up new ways of experiencing music and inspiring would-be young musicians to pursue their passions.
Many orchestras across the country offer concerts for schools as well as other activities to support young people’s music education. We’ve collated a selection of events across the country for the 2025/26 academic year. While our list is not exhaustive, it includes a range of events on offer from the some of the UK’s major musical institutions.
Information correct at August 2025.
England London, South East and East
Many of the London orchestras do schools concerts:
The London Symphony Orchestra offer events for Key Stages 1 and 2, and secondary school audiences, often based on a theme. How to take part.
The Philharmonia present their schools concert series in London and Bedford along with learning resources for the classroom. Find out more.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra’s BrightSparks concerts are suitable for audiences from Key Stage 1 to A Level, taking place at London’s Southbank Centre and the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne. How to book.
The Royal Albert Hall have concerts and do tours, including their annual live music competition for young musicians. See upcoming events.
A number of the music colleges give recitals for schools, which are often free.
For example, Trinity Laban tours schools in South East London, offering a taste of a wide range of music. Learn more.
The Royal College of Music offer Gamelan workshops at the college for all ages and abilities, as well as Jazz concerts for schools.
The Aurora Orchestra offer live events and online resources for schools. Explore their creative learning programme.
England South West
Bristol Beacon have exhibitions focused on music and artists. See the collection.
Welsh National Opera bring their schools concerts to Bristol and Southampton, designed for pupils from years 3 to 7. View concert dates.
The Philharmonia take their schools concert to Basingstoke. See concert information.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra have an annual schools concert series. Find out more.
England Midlands
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) do schools concerts tailored to different stages of education. Book a ticket.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival runs events for schools to explore the fundamentals of jazz. Learn more.
The Philharmonia also perform their schools concert in Leicester. Find out more.
England North West
The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester offers tours and a range of concerts for schools. Discover more.
The Hallé offer a range of schools concerts, from their Key Stage 1 Discovering Minibeasts! event and a dedicated set works concert. More information.
Stoller Hall at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester have Big Band concerts for schools, and Chetham’s also have a lunchtime concert series.
The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra have a range of schools events – and Key Stage 2 and 3 attendees can perform a specially commissioned song with the orchestra. How to book.
England North East
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music have schools concerts – register for their mailing list to be notified when booking opens for their April 2026 events. Keep up to date.
Northern Stage in Newcastle upon Tyne have school performances, with a range of shows to choose from. Book a visit.
Wales
The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales offer a range of events across Wales, and online resources. View the calendar.
Welsh National Opera take their schools concerts to Cardiff and Llandudno. View concert dates.
Scotland
Celtic Connections takes place in January and February and offers school concerts – details for 2026 to be released at the time of writing. See last year’s programme.
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra perform schools concerts – sign up to received details of future events. Sign up.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland run a lunchtime concert series, with events taking in Classical, Jazz, Opera and more. See upcoming events.
Scottish Opera will be touring primary schools from February 2026 with ‘The Dragon of the Western Sea’. Apply for the tour.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra offer a range of activities for schools and families. Contact them for details of upcoming events. Contact the team.
Northern Ireland
Each year the Ulster Orchestra brings our primary school concerts to audiences across Northern Ireland. Book from 1st September.
Northern Ireland Opera run a series of projects for schools. Find out more.
Peace Proms is a free choral education and performance programme for primary school children across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Register now for the 2026 concerts.
Events across the country
There are also lots of organ recitals around the country – find one close to you at the Organ Recitals website. Seach for a recital.
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