Anthem celebrates impact of Aspire programme at special showcase event

The aim of Anthem Aspire is to offer transformative opportunities for children to engage in music, self-expression and the great outdoors through three flagship projects, delivered in partnership with leading national organisations.

Hosted at Dartmouth House – the headquarters of the English-Speaking Union – the event highlighted how Anthem Aspire is already transforming opportunities for students across its schools.

Guests were welcomed by a live piano performance from talented St Mark’s Academy student Eyram Addae, setting the tone for an evening that placed student talent firmly at its heart.

Anthem CEO David Hatchett opened proceedings, followed by Executive Director of Education Elma Lawson, who guided attendees through a programme of performances and reflections. The evening also featured contributions from renowned choirmaster Gareth Malone, alongside representatives from partner organisations The Outward Bound Trust and First Story, who shared insights into the collaborative work supporting young people’s development.

However, it was Anthem’s students who delivered the most memorable moments of the evening.

The choir from Gladstone Park Primary School captivated the audience with a series of energetic and moving performances. Their programme included a mashup of songs from The Greatest Showman and This Is Me, as well as The Lion King favourite The Circle of Life, alongside much-loved classics Tomorrow from Annie and Coldplay’s Viva la Vida. 

St Mark's Academy students Amari, Kemosiri and Zion took part in a question and answer session about how the Anthem Aspire programme has given them opportunities they would not have otherwise had.  Fellow St Mark's students Nicola and Darcie also made an impact, with Nicola playing Fur Elise on the piano and singer Darcie performing Easy by Adele.

The confidence, enthusiasm and talent of all the student performers and contributors drew a warm response from guests.

The event showcased the powerful difference Anthem Aspire is making by broadening experiences, nurturing creativity and helping pupils to build confidence and ambition beyond the classroom. It also played an important role in strengthening support for the programme, creating opportunities to build partnerships and secure funding that will enable Aspire to continue evolving and reaching more young people.

The trust extended its thanks to all those involved in making the evening a success, including performers, speakers, partners and supporters.

Anthem CEO David Hatchett said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making the event such a success – from performers and speakers to organisers, partners and supporters. Their hard work, generosity and commitment made the evening truly special.

“The work we are doing as part of Anthem Aspire will make a huge difference to the education, personal development and life chances of so many young people, many of whom are from disadvantaged contexts. I’m excited to see Anthem Aspire go from strength to strength.”