BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

On Friday 10 October 2025, The Blue Coat School, Birmingham, welcomed over 100 guests to a black-tie celebration marking the reopening of our beautifully refurbished School Hall.

The event, aptly titled Music & Memories, brought together pupils, parents, alumni, staff, governors, and friends of the school. It was an unforgettable evening of music, dining, and reflection on the Hall’s proud history.

Mr Noel Neeson, Headmaster of The Blue Coat School Birmingham, speaks at the lectern during a music event in the school hall.
Three female guests stand talking with drinks in their hand at The Blue Coat School's Music and Memories: A Gala Dinner event.
A woman is talking to someone, smiling, holding a drink in her hand at The Blue Coat School's Music and Memories event.

A Hall Filled with History and Harmony

For generations, the School Hall has stood at the heart of Blue Coat life – hosting assemblies, concerts, celebrations, and countless memories. The refurbishment restores a much-loved space and begins an exciting new chapter.

The evening opened with stunning performances from our pupils, including the Scholars’ Sextet, performing Strauss’s Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka. Music Scholar, Elsa, then followed with a beautifully expressive solo of Copland’s The Cat and the Mouse on piano.

Music Scholar, Zoe, then took to the stage with a charismatic performance of Pulled from The Addams Family, before the Visiting Music Teachers’ Band delivered a lively rendition of ‘Mr Blue Coat’.

Two music scholars from The Blue Coat School Birmingham, one of the cello and one on the violin, performing on stage at the Music and Memories: A Gala Dinner event.
Zoe, a Music Scholar at The Blue Coat School Birmingham, stood with her arms stretched out wide as she sings on stage.

The First Dinner in Singleton Hall

As guests enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by our brilliant catering team led by Mr Luke Moss, the music continued.

Pianists Melissa Morris and Sara Wilander performed a delightful duet. Afterwards, our Visiting Music Teachers played a joyful medley.

After dinner, our Head Boy, Chester, and Head Girl, Anai, gave a moving and memorable address to mark a defining moment in the school’s history: the naming of the newly refurbished hall.

Their speech, delivered with warmth, confidence, and poise, celebrated the life and service of Mr Bernard Singleton, a long-standing governor, former Chair of Governors, and lifelong friend of the school.

They shared the remarkable story of Mr Singleton’s enduring connection to Blue Coat, from his early career as a respected solicitor who supported the school’s legal affairs, through to his leadership as Chair of Governors during pivotal moments such as the 300th anniversary celebrations and the COVID years.

Chester and Anai spoke of his warmth, humour, and genuine care for the pupils. They described him as “a true friend to this school; someone whose kindness, generosity, and quiet strength inspire us all.”

Their speech concluded with the announcement that, in honour of his extraordinary contribution, the School Hall would now bear his name: Singleton Hall.

As Chester and Anai invited Mr Singleton to officially open Singleton Hall, guests rose to their feet in a rousing round of applause. A fitting tribute to a man whose wisdom and dedication have helped shape the Blue Coat community we know and love today.

Mr Bernard Singleton is surprised as he finds out that the School Hall will now be known as Singleton Hall.

Gala Performances

The evening’s Gala Performances showcased the incredible depth of musical talent within the Blue Coat community.

Highlights included a moving performance of Fauré’s Romance in A Major by Joshua, our current BCS Young Musician of the Year, joined by his sister and Old Scholar Madeline. Joshua’s recent success as British Youth Gymnastics Champion was also celebrated to enthusiastic applause.

Old Scholars Jayden and Elissa performed a dynamic piano duet of Csikós Post. This was followed by an exquisite viola performance of Schumann’s Adagio and Allegro by Old Scholar, Mr Philip Dukes, accompanied by Director of Music, Mrs O’Malley.

The final Gala performance came from current parent and acclaimed pianist Mi Lan. She captivated the audience with her original composition, Loulan Dance Fantasia, inspired by the ancient Silk Road.

Madeline, an Old Scholar of The Blue Coat School, playing the cello on stage at Music & Memories: A Gala Dinner.
Mi Lan stands next to the piano after her performance at Music & Memories: A Gala Dinner
Philip Dukes performs on the viola at Music & Memories: A Gala Dinner at The Blue Coat School Birmingham

Music & Memories

Dessert and coffee were served to the upbeat sounds of the VMT Jazz Band, featuring favourites such as Sway, If I Ain’t Got You, I Got Rhythm, Can’t Stop the Feeling, and September.

Before closing, our Chair of Governors, Mrs Karan Gilmore, shared words of appreciation. She reflected on the Hall’s legacy and its bright future.

Finally, the evening concluded with a spectacular finale. Current pupils, alumni, visiting teachers, and guest musicians joined together for one last performance of Mr Blue Coat — a fitting end to a night of heritage, community, and creativity.

 

A Special Thank You

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made Music & Memories such a success. From our talented musicians and staff to the parents, alumni, and friends who joined us for this memorable occasion.

Here’s to many more years of music, laughter, and memories in our newly named, Singleton Hall.