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Department for Education

Schools Singing Programme

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About the Singing Programme

The Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Singing Programme is an exciting and growing initiative that places music, faith, and community at the heart of school and diocesan life. Generously funded by the National Schools Singing Programme (NSSP), it offers children a high-quality musical education while enriching liturgy across the Diocese. Led by Choral Director Eimear Covill, the programme works closely with schools and the Cathedral to create a vibrant culture of singing that supports both education and liturgy.

In his general audience address at St. Peter’s Basilica in August 2026, Pope Leo spoke about the importance of music in Catholic worship. Music, he said, is:

“part of the liturgical action and is not merely a decorative part of the celebration. In the liturgy, to sing and to play music means to pray, attuning one’s heart to that of our sisters and brothers and to God, through active participation in the mystery that is being celebrated.”

He outlined the particular importance of song as part of the liturgy:

“Singing also fosters communion. It contributes to the unity of hearts, overcoming differences between people and bringing everyone together in praise of God through the symphony of voices. Thus, it becomes an epiphany of the Church, a tangible manifestation of the communion that belongs to her very nature.”

Singing is a joyful expression of faith and a powerful way to bring people together. The programme was established to nurture this gift in our young people – developing their musical skills, deepening their participation in worship, and building confidence and community through song. The Schools Singing Programme closely aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Strategy, offering a gentle pathway into community and worship, beginning at school. Through shared musical experiences, children become ambassadors of faith within their homes and communities, helping to renew the culture of participation that lies at the heart of our Diocesan vision. In this way, the programme contributes directly to the Church’s mission of evangelisation: building community and revealing the love of God through the beauty of music.

 

 

"Since its launch, the Diocesan Schools’ Singing Programme has undoubtedly enriched the life of our Diocese. By bringing high quality music provision into schools across Newcastle, the programme ensures that children who might never otherwise access musical or cultural opportunities are welcomed into a joyful, faith filled experience of music."

Canon Simon Lerche, Episcopal Vicar for Education.

"One who sings well prays twice"

St Augustine

Participating Schools

The Singing Programme is currently delivered in 10 primary schools across the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust:

– Our Lady and St Anne’s, Newcastle
– Sacred Heart Primary, Fenham
– English Martyrs’, Fenham
– St Bede’s, Denton Burn
– St Bernadette’s, Wallsend
– St Columba’s, Wallsend
– St Cuthbert’s, North Shields
– St John Vianney, West Denton
– St Oswald’s, Gosforth
– St Teresa’s, Heaton

The programme engages more than 700 pupils in Years 3 and 4 through weekly in-school sessions which run throughout the school year. These 30-minute sessions:
• Complement and extend the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum and Model Music Curriculum
• Engage pupils in both sacred and secular repertoire
• Develop core musical skills including pulse, pitch, rhythm, notation and vocal technique

The sessions also provide professional development opportunities for class teachers, enabling wider school communities to build confidence in delivering music and hymn singing.

“[The SSP] gives children and staff the opportunity to listen as well as learn a variety of music styles. It offers fantastic opportunities for children which supports their confidence building”

Class teacher, St Bede’s Catholic Primary School Denton Burn

Cathedral Children's Choir

Children who show particular interest and aptitude in weekly school sessions may be invited to join the Cathedral Children’s Choir, with separate ensembles for boys and girls.
These groups:

  • Rehearse weekly at the Cathedral Church of St Mary, Newcastle
  • Work with Choral Director Eimear Covill and Cathedral Organist David Allison
  • Develop children’s skills in singing and vocal technique, music notation and ensemble performance
  • Are free to join, ensuring accessibility for all families
  • Sing 9.30am Sunday Mass at the Cathedral on a monthly basis and have opportunities throughout the year to sing at events throughout the Diocese

“The choir has helped my daughter grow in confidence and improve her singing, and the [Choral Director’s] dedication and support have been outstanding.” – Cathedral Chorister Parent

“The experience has allowed us to make connections with other families whose children attend and has made our family feel very much part of the church community. Mrs Covill has been wonderful and brings such a positive and fun aspect to learning.” – Cathedral Chorister Parent

Chaperoning

Chaperones are an integral part of the running of our cathedral choirs and we are hugely grateful to those who give their time to support.
Their main responsibility of a chaperone is to supervise rehearsals and choir events involving children. They are responsible for the pastoral care and well-being of choristers and support the Choral Director in the smooth running of rehearsals (e.g. helping to get the room set up before and after). The role is flexible, and chaperones can work on a rostered basis, however it is expected that chaperones are willing to be available at least once a month.

What are the benefits?

This role is well suited to those who want to gain experience of volunteering, working with and managing children, safeguarding, and working as part of a cathedral music team. The role lends itself to many skills desired by employers; including working with others, communication, making effective decisions and personal development. However, this role is not limited to those seeking to gain experience – we are happy to welcome anyone over the age of 18 who works well with children.

Due to the nature of the work, an Enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. This will be provided for you by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

What is the application process?

If you are interested in becoming a chaperone, please complete our online application form. We will be in touch to collect some more details from you and to arrange a brief chat to discuss the role.

Contact us

Please contact Choral Director Eimear Covill if you have any questions

Contact us

Testimonials

Teachers, pupils and children’s choir members highlight the positive impact of the Diocesan Singing Programme:

“[The SSP] gives children and staff the opportunity to listen as well as learn a variety of music styles. It offers fantastic opportunities for children which supports their confidence building”
Class teacher, St Bede’s Catholic Primary School Denton Burn

“I love the way that the [SSP is] interactive and educational… You see children, who might not otherwise shine, really come out of their shell.”
Class teacher, St John Vianney Catholic Primary School

“There is a wider impact to what you are doing than just developing singing… It’s the first time I have done music with LKS2 this year… and I was blown away… Their sense of pulse, their engagement in music, their ability to process information and create music was just wonderful – quite genuinely the best I have seen in that age group for a long time.” – Music teacher, St Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School, Wallsend

“Eimear has been fantastic with my class, especially those with additional needs. She has gone above and beyond to include them in all activities.’
Class teacher, St Bede’s Catholic Primary School Denton Burn

“There are lots of songs and games that we can all join in. It is never too hard for anyone, there is something for everyone.” – Year 4 Pupil, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Fenham

“Choir is fun and exciting and it makes me feel happy.” –Diocesan Boys’ Choir Member

 

“The sessions are so much fun and a great way to learn music language. It is not too hard because our teacher explains it and makes it into a fun game.”

Year 4 Pupil, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Fenham

“I think choir is great because it helps me to sing better. I love my new friends and the songs and the teacher Miss Hurley.”

Diocesan Girls’ Choir Member