The Purcell School plans new RSL diploma pathway for Sixth Form students
The Purcell School has announced plans to introduce the RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Music Industries as a new Sixth Form pathway from September 2026.
The specialist music school said the new qualification would make it the only specialist music school in the UK to offer the industry-focused diploma, as it looks to broaden the routes available to young musicians preparing for professional careers.
The nationally recognised vocational course is designed to give students practical experience of how music is created, performed, produced and managed across today’s creative industries. At Purcell, it is expected to be offered through four pathways: Pop Performance, Classical Performance, Composition and Music Production.
Andrew Williams, Head of Academic Music at The Purcell School, said: ‘The RSL Diploma has the potential to allow us to offer students a truly holistic and future-facing music education. It recognises that today’s young musicians are versatile, creative and eager to explore multiple career pathways.’
He added: ‘We are excited about the possibility of bringing this opportunity to The Purcell School and of leading the way among specialist music schools in the UK.’
The School said the coursework-based qualification would support progression to university or conservatoire study, while also helping students develop skills in areas including collaboration, production, entrepreneurship, self-promotion and event planning.