AN independent school famed for its sporting prowess is turning this image on its head with the launch a conservatoire style music centre.

A generous £1.5 million investment donated by Sedbergh School’s former students has seen the institution’s run-down music department transformed into a state-of-the art facility.

The school’s director of music, John Seymour, said the refurbishment and new building is set to raise the standard of music at Sedbergh, which a recent inspection found to be as good as a specialist school.

Mr Seymour said: “It is incredibly frustrating that Sedbergh always seems to be known for its rugby and sport. What people don’t know is that our music is just as strong and there is a growing enthusiasm for the subject.

“Some of our past pupils are professional musicians and Oscar winners which goes to show the quality of music at the school. Our over-haul, which has a conservatoire feel, will be an incredibly inspiring place to be taught.”

Over the past two and a half years the school’s Guldery Lodge, off Station Road, has been refurbished to create 25 sound proof practice rooms and a specialist teaching classroom and composing suite for those taking IGCSE, AS and A-level music.

The building had served as the school’s music department for nearly 60 years and was bought by former head master and concert pianist Michael Thornley in the 1950s.

The new studio Thornley Hall — named after the former head master — was officially opened by his widow Jennifer before a concert featuring pianist, Yuki Negishi and talented Old Sedberghian musicians.

The columned studio with a sprung floor and mirrored back wall will be used by the school’s five choirs.