How Everton FC uses music to inspire students from “Everton Free School”

How Everton FC uses music to inspire students from “Everton Free School”

Everton FC created history when it became the first “Club – Community” scheme in the country to be awarded funding by the government to open a free school; a ground-breaking initiative for young people across Merseyside. The programme offers an alternative education pathway to those where traditional methods in mainstream schools have failed.

Everton Free School provides alternative provision (AP) to students aged 14-16 who have previously disengaged in mainstream schools. With a dedicated building on Spellow Lane, the school can cater for up to 120 pupils. At Everton Free School it is recognised that every student is different and everyone has their own talents and interests. Consequently, it works to ensure that students discover, explore and reach their potential in a secure, supportive and stimulating environment while equipping them with the values, skills, attributes and experiences they need for personal success and wellbeing in a multicultural society.

As a music teacher, Jack Turner provides students with an alternative pathway to learn and be inspired. However, as Jack testifies, there’s a lot more to it. Earlier this year, he was named the ‘nation’s best’ at the annual NCFE Awards where he won in the ‘Teacher of the Year’ category. That same evening, Everton Free School won Specialist Provision School of the Year at what is considered one of the biggest nights in the UK education calendar.

“At Everton Free School, you’re not just a teacher, you’re a social worker and a friend. I feel like that’s what some of the students who come here need. (…)“It’s about going the extra mile for them – some of these kids haven’t had anyone go the extra mile for them.”

Jack Turner, Music teacher at Everton Free School

“Music can help develop social skills, build relationships and can promote positive mental health. It’s a really good way to engage with children who are hard to reach.” (…)“The students I have for the lessons have an interest and have chosen to learn music. It’s then down to me to help them find their strengths and open them up towards new ideas and new paths to bring them on a bit of a journey.

“We get some kids join throughout the year so we use the time we have. There are a couple of students moving on to do music after Everton and study music production in college so even with a short amount of time, you can make a difference.”

“I had one student who was really disengaged with school – who wasn’t coming in and was having visits at home. We managed to do some outreach. I then introduced him to DJ’ing and decks and I think it became an unearthed passion that he didn’t know himself. I taught the student what I knew, and he took that and went even further with it. He left college a few years ago but now he is doing big, ticketed events and is getting paid for being a DJ around town.”

Jack Turner, Music teacher at Everton Free School