Malta’s Own: The UK School Nurturing Future Stars

Imagine this: a chilly January evening in 2016, a young girl from Malta stands on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall, London. She’s just 13, but her voice echoes through the iconic venue, captivating the audience. That girl was Ria Jones, now known as Raye, the British-Maltese singer-songwriter who’s collaborated with the likes of Charli XCX and Stormzy. But where did it all begin? Let’s look the story of the UK school that’s been nurturing future stars, including our very own Raye.

Bishop’s Stortford High School: The Hidden Gem

Nestled in the quiet Hertfordshire town of Bishop’s Stortford, about an hour’s drive north of London, lies Bishop’s Stortford High School. This unassuming institution has been quietly churning out musical talent for decades. But it wasn’t until Raye’s rise to fame that the world started taking notice.

Raye, born to Maltese parents, moved to the UK with her family when she was just a baby. She attended Bishop’s Stortford High School, where her love for music blossomed. “The school was really supportive,” Raye told Hot Malta in a recent interview. “They had us performing all the time, and that really helped me gain confidence.”

Adele, Ella Eyre, and More: The School’s Star-Studded Alumni

Raye isn’t the only big name to have graced the halls of Bishop’s Stortford High School. Adele, the Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter, also attended the school. Ella Eyre, another successful British singer, is another notable alumni. The school’s music program, it seems, is doing something right.

But it’s not just about the big names. The school’s music program is open to all students, regardless of their level of experience. “We believe that everyone has a voice, and we want to help them find it,” says Mrs. Thompson, the head of music at the school. This inclusive approach has led to a thriving music scene within the school, with regular concerts and performances.

Malta’s Connection: Nurturing Local Talent

Raye’s success has sparked interest in Malta, with many wondering if there’s a similar school here that could nurture local talent. While Malta may not have a Bishop’s Stortford High School equivalent, there are several schools and music programs that are making a mark.

Take St. Aloysius College in Birkirkara, for instance. The school has a strong music program, with students regularly performing at local events and competitions. “We want to inspire our students to express themselves through music,” says Mr. Azzopardi, the head of music at the college. “We believe that everyone has the potential to shine, given the right encouragement and support.”

initiatives like the Malta Youth Orchestra and the Malta Youth Choir are providing platforms for young musicians to hone their skills and perform. These programs, along with schools like St. Aloysius College, are helping to cultivate Malta’s own musical talent.

So, while we might not have a Bishop’s Stortford High School here in Malta, we’re certainly not lacking in musical potential. With the right support and encouragement, who knows what future stars we might see emerging from our local schools?