Taunton Prep School Singers have made it to the final of a national choral competition.

They will face 21 other school choirs in a bid for the Barnardo’s Choir of the Year title this March.

The UK's largest school choir competition takes place annually in Birmingham, and the winners will get the chance to perform at the Barnardo’s 2024 Young Supporters Concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

Director of music and performing arts at Taunton Prep School, Philippa Simmonds, said: "We are delighted to have been selected to compete in the final.

"This pays credit to the dedication and hard work that each member of the choir has shown."

The TPS Singers, featuring 34 pupils from years five to eight, earned their spot in the final with renditions of ‘In Flanders Field’ by Sharon Durant and ‘Whisper!’ by Greg Gilpin.

The judges lauded the choir’s impressive balance between vocal parts and excellent intonation and expression.

Somerset County Gazette: They will face 21 other school choirs in a bid for the Barnardo’s Choir of the Year title this

Choir-singing is far from a sideline pursuit at the school, with children from nursery to year four attending a weekly 30-minute choir session in addition to standard music lessons.

Mrs Simmonds added: "Music, and singing in particular, is part of the vocabulary of our school; it is something that everyone engages in and is viewed very much as the norm.

"We are very proud of what all our singers achieve."

The TPS Singers’ latest accomplishment adds to a record of high-profile performances, including a successful tour to Barcelona, participating in the Taunton WinterFest, and bagging a win at the Taunton Music Festival.

The Barnardo’s national choir competition has been held for over 14 years, providing crucial support to Barnardo’s endeavours to aid disadvantaged children and young people.