SEND superstar Lucy’s talent fit for the King
A student from Ravenscliffe High School, in Calderdale, is set to stun audiences this weekend with a performance at the Royal Coronation of His Majesty the King.
Lucy has made headlines as an inspiration in SEND education, for her breathtaking piano skills despite being severely visually impaired.
National Network of Special Schools
Lucy has been a student at Ravenscliffe High School since she joined in Year 7. Before that, Lucy attended Highbury School. Both schools are part the National Network of Special Schools (NNoSS), and are delighted that Lucy is gaining the fame and recognition that she so rightly deserves. The network, which provides a community for School Business Professionals working within the SEND sector, is powered by Schools North East.
Lucy
Lucy was born with cancerous tumours behind her eyes, and as a result is visually impaired. Additionally Lucy has global developmental delay and as a result has significant SEND which affects all aspects of her life, in particular communication.
From a very early age, Lucy showed huge talent on the piano. Her talent has been nurtured for over a decade by Daniel Bath, her amazing music teacher. Lucy’s lessons are part funded by the Amber Trust and her top-up.
Lucy rose to fame most recently after winning the Channel 4 Program “The Piano”. Presented by Claudia Winkelman, the show saw ordinary members of the public play the piano in train stations around the country. Unbeknownst to the pianists, they were being observed by Mika and world famous pianist Lang Lang, who were organising a concert at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
One pianist from each city was asked to perform at that concert, and Lucy was selected from the Leeds heat. Lucy went on to wow the audience in London, and was crowned as the standout performance of the night.
The Queen Consort Camilla is a trustee of the Amber Trust, and has invited Lucy to play at the coronation concert on the Sunday 7th May in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Lucy will share the stage with countless world famous acts, although we hazard a guess that no performance will be more magical than hers.
Gareth Hunter, NNoSS member and SBM at Ravenscliffe said:
“Lucy is a shining light for the SEND sector, and we are humbled that she attends our School. We are delighted to have played a very small part in her journey so far, and would like to also acknowledge the work of Highbury School in developing and nurturing her from a young age. Lucy is lucky to have had the support of Daniel Bath for over a decade. His dedication to her and other students with VI knows no bounds, and he too should be recognised for his incredible work.
The Amber Trust have played a huge part in developing Lucy’s skills, funding lessons and allowing her to play at concerts across the country. With their support, Lucy has broken through countless barriers, and is a real living demonstration that nothing is impossible”.
Pauline Aitchison, Network Lead at NNoSS added:
“We are so excited to see Lucy perform at the Coronation Concert. This once in a lifetime experience will show Lucy’s beautiful talent and highlight the power of SEND education. We are so thrilled for all involved and can’t wait to watch this weekend!”
Sign the petition for the government to fully fund pay awards for school staff.
Click here to learn about the Amber Trust.
Interested in finding out more about NNoSS? Read more here.
We love to hear good news from North East Schools, to share your news with Schools North East please tag @SchoolsNE on Twitter or apply here.
