Performances for Schools
Every autumn Glyndebourne enables thousands of young people across the country to experience opera
Since 2006, Glyndebourne’s Performances for Schools have inspired and enriched the lives of over 28,000 students.
These performances are a unique experience – Glyndebourne’s world-famous auditorium filled with students from our local area experiencing all the emotion, spectacle and intensity of a Glyndebourne opera, full-length and fully staged.
As well as heavily subsidised tickets for all students, we offer the opportunity to apply for a grant to help towards the cost of booking transport for a trip to a Glyndebourne.
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We will be in touch in the Spring with details of our Performance for Schools and how to apply. If you are not currently receiving our emails and would like to stay up to date, please sign up to our schools mailing list here.
We accept ticket applications from groups in full time education based within 25 miles of Glyndebourne.
Glyndebourne is in the heart of the Sussex countryside, just 10 miles outside Brighton. There’s plenty of on-site parking for coaches, and 12 acres of gardens for pupils to enjoy.
We understand that, for some children, the behaviour expected during a theatre performance may become overwhelming during their visit. To ensure that all members of the audience enjoy the experience, we provide a relaxed space adjacent to the auditorium in which students can continue to watch the opera via a live link to the stage. To find out more about this and other resources for any children who may need additional support, please contact us at takepart@glyndebourne.com.
- Pupils will each receive a free programme with a synopsis, cast list and lots of useful information on what to watch out for.
- You will receive a signed poster for your classroom to remember the visit.
- Each of your pupils will be invited to provide feedback – we love to hear their thoughts.
Glyndebourne is dedicated to introducing young people to the arts through opera. As a Trinity Champion Centre for 2022-23, we will be offering pupils attending a Performance for Schools at Glyndebourne the chance to complete an Arts Award Discover certificate alongside their visit.
Each student undertaking an Arts Award will have access to specially created worksheets and activities and our trained Arts Award advisors will work with them throughout. We understand that completing an Arts Award with a whole class may be unrealistic; we are happy to support as many pupils as are interested and there is no obligation for the whole class to complete and submit a portfolio.
Join the mailing list
If you are not currently on our mailing list you can sign up to receive our brochures, updates and to hear about other opportunities for teachers and students.
Please contact the Director of Development, Helen McCarthy at helen.mccarthy@glyndebourne.
Glyndebourne’s Performances for Schools are supported by The Clore Duffield Foundation, The Helen Wade Charitable Trust, plus additional donations through Glyndebourne’s New Generation Programme.
Glyndebourne’s Learning & Engagement programme is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Image credits: Main image, photo by Sam Stephenson | Illustration © Katie Ponder