Best British Group…Ezra Collective! Congratulations!

3rd March 2025Mrs S Field

Amazing to watch Ezra Collective receive their award at the Brits on Saturday – huge congratulations and well-deserved. A testament to passion, motivation and belief.

And fabulous that they mentioned the school within their speech….humbling that they remember us.

Here is the link to their instagram where they published the documentary filmed at Enfield Grammar last week. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGpyLYMtPoG/?igsh=NXViaHNuajNmYjM0%2F

Mr Escott was also interviewed by BBC radio London – to listen fast forward to 2hrs 40 mins https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_london

And Malcolm is again being interviewed on BBC radio London this morning….

 

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Ezra Collective Come Back to EGS Where It All Began……

A few weeks ago, we proudly welcomed back Femi and TJ Koleoso, members of the award winning Ezra Collective back to Enfield Grammar School where the Sunday Times photographed them in the room where their musical journey began.

The article came out this week; they talk about their childhood and the huge impact that Enfield Grammar School’s music department had by helping to guide them to where they are today. Our very own Mr. Escott deservedly gets named for his role in developing their talents and the significant contributions he made to them!

Femi:

Before secondary school, I didn’t really understand music outside a church context — things like the Brits and Glastonbury. In 2023 Ezra were the first jazz band to win the Mercury prize, and now we’re nominated for four Brits. When accolades like that come, I’m so grateful and think, thank you, Mr Escott. Thank you to all those youth clubs. All those teachers. Thank you, God. And my parents, who are always cheering us on.

Read the full article here: www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/ezra-collective-i-love-playing-in-a-band-with-my-brother

This is following on from their amazing performance at Glastonbury 2023 where they wowed the crowds and created a massive buzz within the music world.

To our delight, Femi and TJ  came back to school on Tuesday to film a piece for the Brit Awards 2025 where they have been nominated for 4 prizes and will, of course, be performing. The boys again enthused about how important EGS was to their growth.

The Brits are on THIS Saturday (1 March) at 8pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player – please do watch and give a cheer to our Alumni brothers and their band, Ezra Collective, an incredibly talented jazz band of this modern world.

Ezra Collective will also be performing at the Radio 6 Music Festival, March 27 www.bbc.co.uk/backstage/6musicfestival/whos-performing-2025

We’re so proud of their accomplishments; it has been an absolute pleasure and honour to have them come back to us!

www.brits.co.uk/news/2025/ezra-collective-and-jorja-smith-perform/

 

Christmas Carols back in December!

8th January 2025Mrs S Field

A bit of a late post (!) but a shout out  must go to the boys and the music department who endured the chilly weather to play away and bring some cheer to our market square in December. Thank you to all who supported them and donated. They raised £200 which is going to the North London Hospice charity.

 

Prize-Giving 2024

20th December 2024Mrs S Field

Our Annual Prize Giving evening was standing room only on Wednesday as students from all year groups received their subject prizes for their work last year.

We choose to hold our Prize-Giving ceremony late in the Autumn term so that our last year’s 13s can also attend, being home from University for Christmas. It’s so lovely to hear how their first term has gone.

John Skipper, an Old Boy and retired surgeon was our guest of honour and he gave an inspiring, moving speech about the importance of education and resilience. A message that aligns beautifully with all that we do here at EGS.

It’s such an honour to watch all the prize winners come onto the stage and collect their envelope in which there is also a book voucher.

Enfield Grammar School Trustees fund the prizes every year and I want to personally thank them for maintaining this wonderful tradition. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening for the students, their parents/carers, Governors and staff alike.

Mr Lamb – Headteacher

Mr Lamb with special guest John Skipper MB BCh BA LLB FRCS (EGS Alumni)

A Spectacular Christmas Concert….

18th December 2024Mrs S Field

Last Friday we had our annual Christmas concert which was a sell-out with not even standing room to spare!

The Year 7 Band and ‘Strings & Things’ made their debut, our Steel Pans group wowed the crowd, and Year 8, 9 and 10 bands rocked hard albeit in a festive manner, with Groove Band, Little Big Band and the Rhythm & Brass band all bringing sonorous tones to proceedings.

Student led bands, Space Goose and Purple Elixir brought the house down and the evening was raucously finished by Senior Band featuring members of staff and the wild man of rock, our very own Mr Leverno. A fitting end to a fantastic, festive, fun-filled evening.

A huge thank you to Chaslet Sound (parent to one of our Year 8s) who provided the amazing lights and sound helping to create this spectacular concert.

The dedication and  passion of our music department team are not only teachers of music, they provide a place of creativity, respect, opportunities and support for our students. They are one big musical family……we are really very proud of them all (staff and students).

Happy Christmas!

 

Music Mentor, Alumni, Mercury Prize Winner, Femi from Ezra Collective, Visits EGS

11th December 2024Mrs S Field
Yesterday, we were lucky enough to welcome Femi Koleoso to EGS for an inspirational talk with our Music Scholars. Femi is an ex-Grammar boy, and Mercury Prize winning member of Ezra Collective, who recently became the first jazz group to sell out Wembley Arena and really wowed the crowds at Glastonbury last year.
 
He gave the boys an invaluable insight to getting on in the music industry and encouraged them to aim high and work hard because anything is achievable. He asked about their dreams and aspirations and answered questions on what it felt like to play Wembley and Glastonbury. He even had a little time to reminisce on Art lessons with Mr Chrysanthou and Maths with Mr Kodjoe, and of course his beloved music lessons!
Drummer Femi formed Ezra Collective along with his brother, bass guitarist TJ (also an ex-Grammar boy), and has played with Gorillaz and Jorja Smith, toured the world and written and released several highly acclaimed albums.
 
Thank you so much to him for taking the time to come back to his old stomping ground and motivate our talented young musicians!
 
#enfieldgrammarschool #EGSmusicdept #lovemusic #musicscholarships #mentors

Can You Help Support Our School Enrichment Provision?

3rd December 2024Mrs S Field
As the academic year flies by, we are met with financial challenges that impact our ability to provide many of the additional enrichment experiences that have always been a vital part of our student’s education. Activities such as school trips, cultural capital days, school clubs and inspiring science events, are no longer as feasible as they once were.
These experiences are not mere luxuries; they are an essential part of our students’ education, fostering growth, inspiration, and a well-rounded learning environment. For many of our boys, particularly our boys who may not have access to these opportunities outside of school, these activities offer exposure to new ideas, perspectives, and skills.
To ensure that we can continue offering these enriching opportunities, we are seeking your help. Your generosity will have a direct impact on the education of both our current and future students, allowing them to benefit from the full spectrum of experiences that help inspire, motivate, and develop well-rounded individuals.
If you are able to donate towards this, please follow this link to our GoFundMe fundraising page: https://gofund.me/0bf74bd8
OR via this QR code:
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference in ensuring that we can provide the educational experiences our students deserve.
Please contact our finance office directly at [email protected] if you would like to discuss other ways to donate or support. Your generosity will directly support enrichment activities, ensuring that every student has access to a full and inspiring education.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Enfield Grammar School.
Mr C Lamb
Headteacher