“I am very proud of all of our young musicians at BHS,” said Linda Parker, the school head, after presenting them with their ABRSM Certificates in school assembly.

“They are always involved with class performances and concerts both in school and in the community. They are a very talented group.”

The musicians are part of senior and junior orchestras at BHS, which perform regularly at assemblies, and for parents and children as they arrive at school in the mornings.

Abigail Powell, who passed her flute ABRSM exam with distinction, said: “I was very nervous going into the exam but when I started playing I felt myself relax and began to enjoy myself.”

Lauren Kiernan, who passed with merit in her clarinet exam, agreed. “I was nervous to start with but felt more confident as I began to play,” she said.

The students are now preparing for an Easter concert on the last day of term, with lots of Easter music planned, including an orchestra version of In My Easter Bonnet.