Students from The Boswells School, in Chelmsford, have been crowned the Jack Petchey Glee Club Challenge champions on stage in London’s West End; the UK’s largest youth Glee Club competition. This year’s win follows the school’s victory in 2025, with The Boswells School becoming the only team to have won twice in the competition’s 15-year history.
After winning regional and semi-final rounds, the group of 29 performers across Years 8 to 13 travelled to Shaftesbury Theatre, London, to defend their title against 11 other musical groups. On stage, The Boswells School students performed two pieces in front of a star-studded panel of judges, including Brenda Edwards, John Partridge, Simon Lipkin, Ava Brennan, Lois Mia Chapman and Gabrielle Davina Smith. The Boswells School was awarded the top prize of a share of £5,000, along with a grant of £2,500 to go towards Glee Club and school enrichment activities.
Eve, a year 13 performer at The Boswells School, said: “I’ve been with Boswells Glee since I was in year 3 and joined their Community Glee Club. To finish my time at Boswells and my glee journey with another win has been amazing. I’ve loved every moment of the Jack Petchey experience. Working with so many different people and performers has helped me grow in confidence and as a performer. Winning twice with my teammates has created memories I’ll never forget.”
Miss Lyon, Musical Theatre Teacher at The Boswells School, said: “The group has worked tirelessly since auditions in September and, through weekly rehearsals, has gone from strength to strength. Their final performances of ‘Message in a Bottle’ and ‘Let Me Be Your Star’ were delivered with maturity and impressive technical skill.
“Witnessing our young people doing what they love while building friendships that will last a lifetime is the most rewarding part of the process; winning for the second year in a row was truly the icing on the cake. There is nothing more powerful than seeing students live out their dreams and push beyond their comfort zones, and this challenge has enabled that for our young people time and again. We could not be prouder!”
Mr Mansell, Headteacher at The Boswells School, said: “The group gave outstanding performances throughout the entire competition, but their dedication and development were clear to see during the finals as they controlled the stage with confidence. The two-time winners have now returned to school and truly inspired the next generation of performing arts students at our school.”
To view The Boswells School group’s performance of ‘Message in a Bottle’, visit: https://youtu.be/C-QfEyAw-xs?si=s4kfBs9U3bctdrmM
