Work on a state-of-the-art new Music School will begin this summer, following Department for Education approval of QE’s funding application.
The multi-million pound project can now be brought forward, enabling QE to offer a host of additional facilities to its young musicians even sooner than expected.
Site works will start with the demolition of the Mayes Building. Construction of the new block itself should begin in 2020, while the School expects the new building to be opened for use in the following academic year.
Headmaster Neil Enright said: “Music is flourishing here: we currently have more than 20 different ensembles and some 160 boys singing in the Choir. So, I am delighted to be able to announce an early go-ahead for this important project, which will provide essential support for the Music department.
“The Music School is the next stage in an ambitious long-term estates strategy through which we aim to offer the Elizabethans of today and tomorrow access to the finest facilities for both academic and extra-curricular activities.”
The purpose-built 
complex in the heart of the School will feature a new performance venue and a number of much-needed teaching and rehearsal rooms. These will be larger than the existing Music facilities and will all be fully equipped to the very latest standards.
In addition, the two-storey building will provide additional assembly space to accommodate our lecture programme, as well as a covered atrium for boys to use at break times.
The DfE package includes a £1.2m grant and a £1m loan. The success of the application to the Government would not have been possible without substantial financial support from the Friends of Queen Elizabeth’s.
“Further support from the Friends, including via the Giving to QE scheme, will be necessary over the coming months and years to complete the building and fully equip it to a high standard,” said Mr Enright.
QE’s estates strategy has transformed the fabric of the School since the mid-1990s, backed by FQE support.
Major developments have included: the technologically advanced Martin Swimming Pool; the large, multi-purpose Shearly Hall, and the extensive complex opened in 2014 in the centre of the campus that includes The Queen’s Library, the Dining Hall, Café 1573 and a Food Technology Suite.
“We have commissioned durable, high-quality architecture for the Music School that will complement the modern, attractive design of these earlier projects and thus help to create an educational environment that is not only practical and efficient, but also aesthetically attractive,” Mr Enright concluded.
• Updates on the project’s progress will be provided here.