CHIPPING Norton School has been awarded the Incorporated Society of Musicians’ Silver certificate in GCSE music. The achievement follows more than 15 per cent of all the GCSE students achieving an A*- C in music GCSE in 2016, putting the school in the top 233 schools nationally.

Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians said: "Music is a hugely important subject in itself, for future professional careers and for wider learning in a school; it adds huge benefits to the wider curriculum, school and community life and educational opportunity.

"As the professional body for musicians, we are delighted to recognise this high level of achievement with this certificate."

Many of the musicians at Chipping Norton School enjoy playing in the school’s jazz band. On Saturday May 14, the band was invited to perform at the annual St Mary’s Church Fete for the first time. The band performed two sets and received appreciative comments from the audience. St Mary’s thanked the band's musicians for their involvement.