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St Swithun’s students win multiple awards at Portsmouth festival |
Eight students from St Swithun’s School are celebrating after receiving awards in the piano section of the Portsmouth Festival of Performing Arts 2026, held at Portsmouth Central Library. The results follows on from previous success last year, when pupils from the school also collected a number of awards at the festival.
The students, from both senior and prep school, competed in a range of age groups and classes. Their performances were assessed by adjudicator Timothy Barratt, a pianist trained at the Royal Academy of Music with an international performing career.
In the Romantic 10–12 years class, Leanna C received the Eleanor Fernbank Cup for a performance of Schubert’s Impromptu Op.90 No.2. Sophie M was awarded the EPTA Cup in the Grade 8 and above étude class for Chopin’s Étude No.5. Elfie M won the Joan Swift Piano Trophy in the Grade 8 and above recital class, with a programme including works by Bach, Moszkowski and Prokofiev.
In the Family and Friends duet class, Sophia C collected the Dot King Trophy for a performance of Handel’s The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. Julia C was awarded the Bernard Trophy in the Romantic 16–18 years class for Bortkiewicz’s Impromptu Op.24 No.3.
Prep school pupils also received awards across several categories. Catherine C won the Carol Cup in the novice class for performers aged seven and under, performing Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer. Chloe L won the Elsie and Walter Crowther Cup and the Angela Cole Memorial Cup for results in the Grade 6–7 recital class and the duet class for performers aged 12 and under. Ellie M was awarded the Margaret Roberts Trophy in the Grade 3–5 recital class.
"I’m so proud of them for this achievement. I’ve seen how much time and effort they put into preparing for the competition, and how hard they worked through every challenge along the way. It means a lot to see their dedication recognised like this. This is not just a special moment for them, but also for our whole school",
Freni Cha - Visiting music teacher
Two special prizes were also awarded to St Swithun’s pupils. Elfie M received the Clifford Benson Piano Prize, awarded for musicianship and communication. Sophie M was awarded the Margaret Jewell Memorial Trophy, given to a solo pianist in the young performers’ section.
The piano section of the festival was led this year by Carol Frogley, who concluded her role after the event.
At St Swithun’s, we believe that an all-girls education helps build confidence and encourages girls to study any subject they are passionate about.
