CHILDREN across Wrexham are enjoying more opportunities to learn musical instruments this term.

Councillor Phil Wynn popped into Gwenfro Community Primary School recently to witness first-hand how pupils receiving free school meals are being given the chance to learn instruments ranging from the cornet to the violin.

The lessons are being provided by Wrexham Music Co-operative with funding from Wrexham Council.

Cllr Wynn, the council’s Lead Member for Education, says: “It’s wonderful to see the children getting so much out of music.

“Following all the challenges lockdown has presented for schools over the last eighteen months, it’s pleasing to know the majority of pupils have now returned.

“Those challenges include pupil well-being and what better way of letting off steam than to learn to play a musical instrument?

“The interest from all of our schools has blown me away, with over 550 pupils registering to take advantage of the music bursary which the council has made available.

“This represents double the number of pupils pre-pandemic, so we’ve happily topped up the bursary to ensure no one is left disappointed.”

Heather Powell of Wrexham Music Co-operative says: "We’re delighted to continue to work with Wrexham Council to provide music lessons for our free school meal learners.

“The power of music upon wellbeing, numeracy, literacy and confidence in pupils is always evident and we’re looking forward to watching these pupils progress.”

Mrs K Owen Jones, Head Teacher at Gwenfro Community Primary School, says: “We have 23 free school meal pupils accessing lessons this academic year, which is significantly more than last year due to increased funding from the council.

“The opportunity to participate in music activities and learn a musical instrument is so important in a child’s creative development. It also supports our approach to pupil well-being and developing confident and creative learners.”