A school choir from central London has been named the best in the UK, scooping a prestigious prize at Barnardo’s National Choir Competition on 3rd March.
Gray’s Inn Singers from City Junior School won the Grand Prize for Musical Excellence and will now enjoy the chance to perform at the iconic Royal Albert Hall at the charity’s young supporter’s concert in November.
The annual National Choir Competition returned for its 18th year, hosted at the iconic Birmingham Symphony Hall. The youth choir competition, which was hosted by broadcaster Anila Dhami, attracted more than 80 entries from across the country.
The Grand Prize for Musical Excellence is awarded to the overall competition winner, honouring the choir with the highest level of musical excellence and performance across their performances.
The UK’s largest national youth choir competition showcases the extraordinary talent of young performers – while raising vital funds for Barnardo’s work supporting children and young people across the UK.
This year’s event raised over £40,000, which will directly help children, young people and families who need it the most.
Cassandra White, conductor of Gray’s Inn Singers, said: “I am immensely proud of everything the children have achieved. Their hard work, dedication, and passion for singing have been extraordinary, and to see them crowned winners of the Barnardo’s National Choir Competition is a truly remarkable moment. The children were overjoyed, and we were all inspired by the exceptional standard of choirs from across the UK. Performing at Birmingham Symphony Hall was a wonderful experience that they will treasure for years to come. We are now incredibly excited as we look ahead to the privilege of performing at the Royal Albert Hall.”
Barnardo’s chief executive Lynn Perry said: “Our annual choir competition is always an incredible event, with the best and brightest youth choirs from across the UK competing in an electrifying atmosphere.
“Every ticket sold for this fantastic event goes towards our work across the country. Last year, we supported more than 350,000 children, parents and carers – helping them live happier, healthier and safer lives.”
The 2026 competition was supported by headline sponsor Allianz.
