Guildhall School is proud to be one of the top ten performing arts institutions in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023), the number one UK higher education institution for Music (Guardian University Guide 2024) and number one UK conservatoire for Arts, Drama and Music (Complete University Guide 2024). Our students all aspire to nurture their talent, be ambitious and aim to be the best they can be.

Many students train on-site for more than ten hours per day, before heading off to a part-time job. As they hone their skills and performance opportunities increase, they have a tough decision to make: sharing their craft and gaining exposure, or picking up shifts at work to support their living costs in London.

It was already challenging for students but, over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in requests for financial support. There are several reasons for this:

• Student maintenance loans haven’t kept pace with inflation

• Significant increase in the cost of living

• Increased fees for EU students

• Changes to the student loan repayment structure

A scholarship can be the difference between a talented student achieving their artistic potential at Guildhall or being unable to take up their place for financial reasons, making it impossible for them to pursue their dream.

We are delighted that Guildhall alumna, award-winning saxophonist and BBC Radio 3 presenter Jess Gillam MBE is spearheading our efforts to raise funds for a brand-new scholarship for a Guildhall student in financial need. Find out what Jess has to say by watching the above video.

Thank you to everyone who helped us raise £5,000 for this scholarship, with every donation generously matched by Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy. Although gifts will no longer be doubled, every donation we receive until 19 February will be still added to this scholarship pot, providing vital support for a Music student in financial need.

Join Jess in supporting this scholarship and together we can create a brighter future for the artists of tomorrow.

If you have any questions or would like to explore alternative donation methods, please contact Rebecca Muress at rebecca.muress@gsmd.ac.uk/020 4582 2415.