DISCOVERING POTENTIAL
THE W H BRIEN MUSICAL AWARD
Through a very generous bequest, King William’s College is able to offer financial assistance to pupils who demonstrate exceptional talent, enthusiasm and commitment to Music.
The W H Brien Musical Award is a combination of Scholarship and means-tested bursary. Successful recipients are expected to undertake a Music course at (I)GCSE or IB Level in addition to contributing to the rich musical life of our School.
Applications are currently being accepted for the academic year commencing September 2027.
The Assessment Process
Applicants for The W H Brien Musical Award will be invited to take part in a practical assessment. This will include:
- A performance of two pieces on the candidate’s main instrument or voice.
- A performance of an additional piece on the candidate’s second instrument (if applicable).
- Aural tests.
- General musicianship tests.
- A short interview with the Director of Music.
We ask that candidates provide their own accompanist and that the sheet music is supplied to the College in advance of the audition.
For further information contact our Admissions Team at +44 (0)1624 8201110 or email admissions@kwc.im
MEET OUR DIRECTOR OF MUSIC - STEVE DAYKIN
Steve Daykin joined King William’s College as Director of Music in 2017, having studied clarinet and conducting at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He has enjoyed a varied career as a performer, conductor and teacher, directing choirs and orchestras in the UK and internationally, and performing at venues including the Royal Festival Hall, Wembley Arena and Carnegie Hall, New York.
Alongside his role at King William’s College, Steve is an Examiner, Presenter and Educational Consultant for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and a member of the Isle of Man Arts Council. He is also active in the Isle of Man’s musical theatre scene, working as Musical Director and Conductor on productions including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, School of Rock and Come From Away.
Music is one of our greatest national assets and it plays a crucial role in our culture, so it’s more important than ever that we continue to invest in music education at every level.
Music at KWC
Music is a vibrant part of life at King William’s College, with opportunities for pupils to develop their skills, perform and explore their musical interests in a friendly and supportive environment.
Pupils can access individual tuition across a wide range of instruments and voice, including singing and musical theatre. Tuition is available in Brass, Violin, Piano, Harp, Organ, Recorder, Flute, Guitar, Ukulele, Drums and Cello, with other instruments available on request.
There are regular opportunities to perform in concerts, ensembles and School productions, both on and off the Island. Pupils can also work towards graded examinations through ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), Trinity College London and London College of Music, with higher grades potentially attracting UCAS points.
The W H Brien Musical Award offers talented and committed musicians the opportunity to develop their skills, gain performance experience and play an active role in the musical life of King William’s College.
MUSIC EVENTS CALENDAR
FOURTH FORM
Fourth Form at King William’s College represents Years 7 & 8.
Pupils study the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, French, Spanish/Latin, History, Geography, Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Art, Music and Religious Studies.
There are timetabled lessons of Physical Education (PE), Young Enterprise, Drama and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE). In Year 8, Adventure Training is introduced for two lessons a week in preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) activities.
FIFTH FORM
At King William’s College, the Fifth Form comprises Years 9, 10 & 11.
Most pupils study 10 or 11 subjects to (I)GCSE level, including the core subjects of English, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Pupils also choose one language from ESOL, French, Spanish or Latin, alongside three additional subjects.
SIXTH FORM
In the Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13) at King William’s College, students follow a pathway tailored to their individual needs, interests and ambitions.
We offer three distinct academic pathways: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, individual IB Courses to accrue UCAS points, and our new blended A-Level pathway.
Alongside their studies, students benefit from an extensive enrichment programme, with opportunities including the Charity Challenge, Junior Achievement Company Programme, Model United Nations, Peer Mentoring, Share Race and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
EXAM RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS
(I)GCSEs 2026
Our Year 11 pupils achieved an overall pass rate (9-4 or A*-C) of 91%, with 25% of grades at 9/8 or A* and 43% at 9-7 or A*/A.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA 2026
The year group of 39 students achieved an outstanding overall average of 34.5 points, securing places at leading universities including Durham, Exeter and Loughborough. Over half of the cohort achieved 35 points or more, with five students attaining 40 points or above.
UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2026
