AN independent school near Sherborne has hit the right note with a musical body and been awarded a prestigious accreditation.

Leweston School has been awarded gold-standard Royal College of Organists (RCO) Accreditation in recognition of excellence in organ teaching, performance, and musical outreach.

The award, the RCO’s highest, came after a successful submission and assessment visit last term.

“It also acknowledges the outstanding work of school organist, Paul Cheater, whose leadership and expertise were instrumental in achieving this accolade,” a spokesperson said.

As part of the assessment, an RCO representative visited for a day, with staff interviewed about the school’s organ programme and students giving a short recital.

Assessor, Simon Williams, said he was 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 RCO accreditation means for Leweston:

• Becoming an RCO-accredited school brings a wide range of educational, cultural, and strategic benefits, including:
• 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.

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