A NEW specialist music school could be heading to Sandwell after a proposal was launched by one of the world’s best orchestras.

Alongside the City Learning Trust, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has ambitious plans to establish a global centre of excellence for music education in the borough.

The groups are working with Sandwell Council to submit a free school application as part of the next wave of applications to the Department for Education (DfE).

Subject to approval from the DfE, the new school would open in Sandwell in September 2020, coinciding with celebrations marking the CBSO’s centenary.

It would cater for students aged seven to 19 and in addition to the normal academic curriculum, the school would specialise in classical, instrumental and choral music, while offering students the chance to perform with CBSO.

Mirga Gra?inyt?-Tyla, music director, said: “This school would give young people in Sandwell the chance to be inspired by our musicians throughout their education.

“I am thrilled that the CBSO is involved with the project.”

The CBSO is the second orchestra with which the City Learning Trust has collaborated after plans for the Hallé Music Free School, which will be based in Stoke-on-Trent, were announced earlier in the year and that school is also due to open in 2020.

Councillor Steve Eling, leader of Sandwell Council, said: “I’m thrilled the CBSO is looking to come to Sandwell.

“We have so many talented young musicians here who will really benefit from being educated at a school partnered with such a renowned orchestra.

“If the application is approved we will work with City Learning Trust and the CBSO to find a suitable site for the new free school.”